Becoming an actor, model, or performer is tough. Will Smith described the scene where Will breaks down as one of his most difficult as a young actor, as he was unsure if he was able to properly convey the right emotions. Yeah, whatever. This pages comprises the full verbal transcript of the first episode of Season 1 - The Fresh Prince Project . For six seasons, Will Smith and the rest of the hilarious cast made us laugh week after week with their shenanigans, but they also got our lives flipped-turned upside down whenever they addressed serious topics. Instead, he laser-focuses on cleaning the house, taking care of everything except himself, feeling genuinely, scarily haunted. In the episode, Wills father shows up unexpectedly after a 14-year absence. Philip Banks: I'm sorry. The show wasn't afraid to tackle issues like drugs, sex, drunk driving, sexism, racism, and violence to teach us an important lesson or two about life. His father was a question mark, or, as cousin Hillary puts it in the episode, a deadbeat who left him and his mom flat.. Will then launches into an emotional rant about how he learned to do things growing up without Lou and how he will continue to live his life and be successful without Lou, including being a better father than Lou was, and Lou especially can't teach him anything about how to be a father. Some of the episodes even made us cry. I started feeling trapped. : He made a mistake. Therefore, it is necessary for the operation of the household that you address me as Geoffrey, and I in turn address you by your proper title, Master William. Yeah, you did. In the episode, Will's deadbeat father Lou (played by Broadway legend Ben Vereen) returns after a 14-year absence to spend time with his son. William 'Will' Smith William 'Will' Smith (Video: The Washington Post). flips the racial dynamics, bringing home a white husband (an atypically suave Diedrich Bader) to upset the extended Banks family. In its six seasons on NBC, the series a grittier version of The Cosby Show that juxtaposed hip-hop culture with Black upper-class ethos tackled everything from racism to sexism to a two-step dubbed the Carlton.. There had been a lot of interest in an episode about Wills dad, according to Fresh Prince writer David Zuckerman, given that the entire premise of the show was based on Will being sent to live with his rich aunt and uncle because his mother, raising him alone, wants him out of their rough neighborhood. What is the Spanish language plot outline for Papa's Got a Brand New Excuse (1994)? Sheridan Smith beamed as she left the Duke of York's Theatre in London on Thursday after her West End show, Shirley Valentine. William 'Will' Smith: Got through my first date without him, right? William 'Will' Smith Like, James Avery wouldnt give me a damn inch, the actor recalled on TIDALs Rap Radar podcast series. Think back to any emotional scene on Full House. All of these qualities make him one of our great television characters; all of these qualities make him rife for roasts from his cousin Will; all of these qualities add to the interesting playing with and subverting of what kinds of racial depictions we saw on television in the early '90s. The two collapse into an embrace. Lou claims it was great to see Will again, and Will responds "You too Lou" instead of Dad, officially disowning Lou as his father. : At least he said goodbye this time. Whether youre a lifelong resident of D.C. or you just moved here, weve got you covered. This relationship needs to be attended to, now. Will's very pleased with this. But these are all catchy seasonings to a fundamentally kind, responsible, and curious main dish. Uh, must have the wrong crib. He's now his own person, living in his new life, that he himself built this whole time. I agree so much . Will Smith: What are you, Robo-Butler, man? Its fun to bash on Will Smiths career moves of late (After, ugh, Earth), but when he finds the right role, hes an excellent actor. Smith: Oh, yeah, he was very serious about things being a certain way. ", The Real Story Behind the Most Heartbreaking Scene in 'The Fresh Prince of Bel Air'. Or remember that time Aunt Viv just really wanted to dance? : (Via). Well, I hate to break it to you, but that's just not true. Even if the performance wasnt real, it was real enough to be remembered 20 years later. For survival, please dont marry this man.". There are around 148 episodes over six seasons, but one episode titled Papa's Got a Brand New Excuse made many fans emotional. Smith was known for his clean lyrics, and his hits were . will smith fresh prince dad scene script - tedfund.org (Via), Smith: My father was in the military, so everything was really regimented.. ", you know. Philip and Vivian Banks enter the living room to meet Will. His and Boulwares new script recast Lou as a troubled trucker and a guy that just wasnt cut out to be a father., Vereen, who was overjoyed to join the cast for May sweeps week, remembers feeling something special. Or Hillarys Playboy spread? William 'Will' Smith: You know what? : Then, she gives Ashley the agency and compassion he needs to make this decision moving forward: "Only you'll know when the time's right for you." : : Will William 'Will' Smith So when he has to break down and confess to the family that the amphetamines Carlton found were meant for him, making him tacitly responsible for Carlton's hospitalization, he commits to it beautifully. James Avery was relentless on me to elevate. The story behind Will Smiths iconic hug scene in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Roger Goodell, Muriel Bowser discussed future of RFK site in December call, Kyle Kuzma, Wizards start fast and dont look back in win over Raptors, Corey Dickerson aims to lead and have a bounce-back year with Nats. : Because you're my son and I love you. The entire show was quiet, even during the funny parts, and I could not figure out why. He was the model for me of an actor. This erroneous claim first appeared in a Tumblr post in the early 2010s with no source given, nor has one emerged beyond the rumor simply being repeated verbatim uncited, including on IMDb. Ashley asks her if she was nervous, and Hilary responds that she absolutely was, but she "was ready." This was the first time the show just went there and stayed there and let it resonate, Zuckerman said of the episodes lasting impact. Phillip however, makes no effort to be civil towards Lou, showing downright hostility towards him, in questioning him over what possessed him to suddenly return, and why he isn't sending any money to his wife and child that he abandoned, when he's clearly making some with his profession as a truck driver. Will did not like it at all. Lou Smith 'Bad Boys For Life', which filmed in Atlanta, Georgia. Technical Specs, [after Lou cancels his trip with Will and leaves], [after discovering Will's father unexpectedly]. That he has no idea what life on the streets is like. I knew it was good, good television and it was really special.. People were crying for a long time when it was over, doing their best not to make noise before the director said cut.". Transcript The show begins with Will Smith at the door singing and knocking on the door. However, Lou announces to Vivian and Phillip that he has to leave immediately to make a business shipment, and he's gotta be open for more shipments, so the trip he promised Will isn't going to happen as he planned it. The slimmies of summer come to class wearing next to nothing, you know what I'm saying Philip Banks: Will, it's all right to be angry. The Fresh Princeis unbelievably silly, no doubt, with its oft-arch performances and willingness to surreally break the fourth wall ("How come we can't afford ceilings?" : You know the episode, and you definitely know THE scene. However, Philadelphia is a large city and Smith is a common name worldwide. Whatever he needed, whether it was a pat on the head or a kick in the pants, I was there for him. [Uncle Phil rushes forward to hug Will, and Will breaks down sobbing]. : You know, if there was something that l William 'Will' Smith: You know what, you ain't got to do nothing, Uncle Phil. The Story Behind The Saddest "Fresh Prince" Scene Is Not - Throwbacks But during filming of this episode, director Jensen likened the mood of the normally wild show to being in church.. In celebration of its 30th anniversary (the pilot aired September 10, 1990), I wondered why this show continues to play so wonderfully and warmly where so many other '90s sitcoms become forgotten. Usually, the director would retake the scene, but really, nothing could replace this moment. Oh yeah, I don't think so. Will is originally from West-Philadelphia but was forced to move soon after participating in a fight with a couple of thugs. He was born in 1973 in West Philadelphia. Find the latest movie casting calls, TV auditions, Modeling jobs, acting opportunities, acting tips, and entertainment news for the biggest movies and TV shows filming across the world. : Will forgives him and is prepared to give him another chance. However, Philadelphia is a large city and Smith is a common name worldwide. Will runs up to him to give him a big hug. I'm sorry. Insists that if Carlton goes through with this plan, he's just as bad as the guy who put Will in the hospital. That Will Smiths character was actually supposed to brush off the whole thing, but Wills father actually had left him when he was younger and he just fell apart on the set and the hug at the end was from one actor to another, not one character to another. Let's refresh our memories: "Papa's Got A Brand New Excuse," the 24th episode of the fourth season, is arguably the saddest moment of the entire series. Wills father introduces himself as Lou Smith, which would mean that Violas (Wills mother) married name is smith. Smith, whose most emotional scenes in the episode are opposite Avery, had to cry on camera for the first time. Philip Banks It's tricky to reckon with "Just Say Yo" with modern eyes. I remember someDavid Mametquote that said it doesn't matter how good an actor is; if the script is good, the final product is good. Will, it's all right to be angry. This version of the character was received poorly by Will Smith at the initial table read, and so Lou was rewritten as a somewhat more sympathetic character, who at least had a legitimate job as a truck driver. To hell with him! That changed with Papas Got a Brand New Excuse, the season four episode of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air that aired 25 years ago today. Ashley speaks with her sister, the oft-materialistic and flighty Hilary (Karyn Parsons), to ask her, directly, when she knew she was ready for sex. [shouts] Look, I'll call you next week and we'll iron out the details. When the police pull over Will and Carlton (Alfonso Ribeiro) in a borrowed Mercedes, on the way to a Palm Springs vacation with Uncle Phil and Aunt Viv (Janet Hubert-Whitten), Carlton, covered in the security blanket of his class, his rational thinking, and the fact that his father is a judge, assumes they will explain what's going on and drive away no harm done. But as he reveals to Will in a tense, hospital-set two-hander finale (staged this time, curiously,with a studio audience), he hopes deep down inside that he can meet the man who shot Will, and get his revenge. And when it digs into this core, it doesn't need silly jokes. William 'Will' Smith And I got pretty damn good at it too, didn't I, Uncle Phil? 11 Best New Shows on Netflix: March 2023's Top Upcoming Series to Watch William 'Will' Smith Hey, just cool it. Will and Carlton are determined to stop their female family member from having sex, using intercoms and interrogation tactics as devices to get in the way, to claim ownership over Ashley's body, to inherently view a young woman's sexual exploration as robbing her of her "purity." I'm Will's father Hilary Banks : It's entirely possible that two people named Smith that are completely unrelated could meet, fall in love, and start a family. "We agreed that I would take a year making music, and if it did not work out, I would go to college. Lou Smith You saw the light bulb go off, he said. That year we won the first Grammy given to a rap artist. : Willard Carroll Smith II (born September 25, 1968), also known by his stage name the Fresh Prince, is an American actor, rapper, and producer.Noted for his work in music, television, and film, Smith has received various accolades, including an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, four Grammy Awards, and Smith has given all the credit to Avery for helping him get through that moment. We tried to make him not a bad guy sympathetic, explained Zuckerman, who wrote Papas Got a Brand New Excuse with veteran TV writer Bill Boulware after an initially disastrous table read of a different script had cast Wills father, Lou (to be played by Broadway alum Ben Vereen), as a pool shark who breezes into town. And I'm a different man now. I rarely cried for a sitcom, but this is it. Will is thrilled at this news, ready to rekindle his paternal relationship without much skepticism apparent. Whew, that was deep, Vereen said. During the episodes final scene, Smith was struggling to bring it all home. It's Carlton, Phil's son, whom we see suffer this trauma the most severely, even more so than Phil himself. Filming & Production Just cool down. Some business came up I gotta handle. I ain't need him then and I don't need him now. Every true Fresh Prince of Bel-Air fan knows the most emotional scene in the entire series. Young Ashley Banks (Tatyana Ali) is growing up. He's joyful, performative, and cares not what others think about him. I was actually at the taping. The first time I held you, I didn't think I'd ever put you down. Discover short videos related to fresh prince of bel air father scene on TikTok. That happened. Will Smith is a two-time Oscar nominee and one of the most popular actors (and genies) of his generation. How you doin'? Lou exclaims that Phillip is a better man than himself, thinking that's what Phillip wants to hear, and asks him to break the news to Will, but Phillip refuses to do Lou's "dirty work", and Lou opts to duck out and call from the road. Find talent. ButThe Fresh Princemight be the most successful because of what it implies about the future of its characters, and how neatly it closes the arc for Will. ", There is a popular misconception that Smith himself was also abandoned by his biological father in real life when he was young and had "broken character" while delivering the rant which went from being directed towards Lou to being directed towards Smith's own real-life father. That year we won the first Grammy given to a rap artist.". The Fresh Prince of Bel-Airwas, and continues to be, a breath of fresh air. In the episode, Wills deadbeat father Lou (played by Broadway legend Ben Vereen) returns after a 14-year absence to spend time with his son. The Fresh Prince Project/Transcript | The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air | Fandom You know what, Aunt Viv? In reality, Smith's parents separated when he was 13 but his father remained a major figure in his life up to his death in 2016. Will runs up to him to give him a big hug. Use me. Who cares what you think? Manage all your favorite fandoms in one place! He tries to make the exit without Will noticing, but Will does. Here's What James Avery Secretly Whispered To Will Smith During 'Fresh Casting Calls and news is updated daily get the industry news here! Sheridan Smith rocks 'Scouse bird' earrings as she leaves the theatre (Via). As of 2023, his films have grossed over $9.3 billion globally, making him one of Hollywood's most bankable stars. Uncle Phil grabs Will and hugs him fiercely, as he wished his father would. Actually, this works out better for me, you know. This leaves Phil and Will alone, and leaves Will the opportunity to spill out all of his feelings about his absent father. The theme, extended in this pilot, summarizes the "pauper to prince" narrative of Will's initial journey with catchy, goofy flavor, but it doesn't stop the inherent complexities of this initial narrative's center from being any less pertinent. Come tomorrow, I'm out of here. Got through my first date without him, right? You too Lou. Im messing up the lines because I wanted it so bad, Smith said in the podcast interview. But before all that, he was a sitcom star, someone who, it would not have been foolhardy to assume, couldnt handle more dramatic material. Filled with investments. When they express how this is going to crush Will, Lou asks Phillip and Vivian to break the news to Will. Will Smith: Hey, Uncle Phil! That he heard Malcolm X, whom Will had deified earlier in the episode, speak in person. The two later return to the Banks mansion, where Vivian is less than happy to see Lou, but maintains a civil presence around him for Will's sake. I'ma get through college without him, I'ma get a great job without him, I'ma marry me a beautiful honey, and I'ma have me a whole bunch of kids. William 'Will' Smith : He's my father. William 'Will' Smith I wanted him to want me. Will Smith: Oh, my fault, man. Hilary and Ashley are heading to New York, Carlton is heading to Princeton, and Phil and Viv (and Nicky; remember Nicky?) Recently, a rumor started to circulate that this scene wasn't scripted, and that Will Smith really lost it because his actual father was an absentee. The hell with your father. Published Mar 12, 2022. Just for a couple of weeks. It's a special series to me, and to so many folks. I worked my ass off trying to keep him in line! 1 His First Major Movie Role Was In Six Degrees Of Separation. Will knows the truth, however that these cops will take any chance they can get to subjugate two young Black men, especially given that they're driving a "stolen car." That awful moment when you learn that this wasnt scripted. The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air is a FANDOM TV Community. Much of "Not with My Cousin You Don't," as you might guess by the title, is predicated on icky gender-role shenanigans. But Avery eventually calmed Smith down by telling him, Its already in there, you know what it is. William 'Will' Smith: No, you know what, Uncle Phil? Looking for Disney, Game of Thrones, or Marvel movie casting calls? Hed get this look that said, One more step, Will, and itll get ugly. He was an independent businessman-he set up refrigeration in supermarkets-and he always provided for us. ", "He kept me in line. Ain't like I'ma be sitting up every night asking my mom, "When's Daddy coming home? But the audience sobbing that you can make out in the background? Will tells Uncle Phil (James Avery) that he, straight up, has forgotten where he came from. Will and Philip subsequently get into a heated argument over this, with Will claiming in anger that he doesn't care what Phillip thinks because Phillip is not his father, leaving Phillip visibly upset and at a loss for words. We see this formative piece of growing up reacted to in two different ways a very problematic one, that happens to be driven by two leading men; and an incredibly sensitive, sincere, and real one, that happens to be driven by two leading women. Will Smith cries remember James Avery during the 'Fresh Prince' reunion special. During the first take, he found himself stumbling over words so much that director Shelley Jensen called cut so as not to spoil the final line for the audience, prompting Smith to yell in frustration. R.I.P.James Avery "Uncle Phil" 1948-2014 --ONE OF MY FAV SCENES--THROW BACK! Zuckerman described Lou as "a guy that just wasn't cut out to be a father.". The trend of very special anti-drug family sitcom episodes was inspired explicitly byNancy Reagan, to the point where she literally appeared in an episode ofDiff'rent Strokesto deliver her anti-drug screed, and the relationship between the Reagan administration, drugs, and the Black community is a vile one to study (making the interpolation of "Just Say No" as "Just Say Yo" feel particularly gross). Stream It Or Skip It: 'Love at First Kiss' on Netflix, a Spanish Rom-Com About a Man Gifted with 'Romantic Clairvoyance' Stream It Or Skip It: 'Tonight You're Sleeping With Me' on Netflix, a . Relax. I'ma get through college without him, I'ma get a great job without him, I'ma marry me a beautiful honey, and I'ma have me a whole bunch of kids. (HBO Max) Will recalled the episode where his character's father resurfaces after 14 years. : He also played Richard Williams, father of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams, in King Richard. Although he was a "tough" man, Will told Essence Magazine that he was not "tryannical. It was that specific episode for me as a director [that] I saw him connect and make it work. The thing I connect to is: I do not have to build a perfect wall today. This moment feels goodto watch, and feels like a cathartic piece of permission for Black folks who don't fit the typical mold you see on television to be exactly who they are, and be comfortable in that. It was a formula that clearly worked, considering theres a good chance well be seeing more of the Tanners soon, but it was super-corny, especially when compared to another so-called kids show that was on the same time, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The actor was so convincing in his delivery that the entire audience started crying. : Revealing that he bought Lou a present a sculpture of a father holding his son he insists that he's made it through his entire life, and all of his formative moments, without his dad, and that he'll just keep going. Where There's a Will, There's a Way (Part 1), Where There's a Will, There's a Way (Part 2). Several years after Fresh Prince ended, Will got a chance to really flex his own fatherly skills on the big screen when he starred in The Pursuit of Happyness and After Earth with his son Jaden. Philip Banks Dont act around me, act with me. The advice worked. I am Geoffrey, your uncle's butler. : I'll be a better father than he ever was, and I sure as hell don't need him for that, 'cause ain't a damn thing he could ever teach me about how to love my kids! Release Dates : It was almost like time stood still.. In the episode "Papa's Got a Brand New Excuse", Will Smith demonstrated his true acting abilities and showed the world when he is given the right role, he can do an amazing job. Will's father is a deadbeat who left him and his mom flat. William 'Will' Smith Ain't like I'm still five years old, you know. Youwillcry at the acapella song the family sings over the credits. So what's the real story behind the tear-jerking scene, you ask? Of course Im talking about Papas Got a Brand New Excuse.. "I did not make the rules, but I do know how to play the game. Wake up, Will. Originally airing from 1990 to 1996 for six seasons, the sitcom brokeWill Smiththrough to superstardom in a series of episodes articulating his transition from life on the mean streets of West Philadelphia to life in the palatial mansions of Bel-Air (hmm, if only there was a catchy summary of this inciting incident). He resorts to buying a gun himself, ostensibly for protection. He never even sent me a damn card! He tore the old one down it was probably 16 feet high and 40 feet long. He never even sent me a damn card! : At first Will seems okay with Lou abandoning him, as at least he said goodbye, but Will now wishes he hadn't spent money on a present for Lou. 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