Karyn Parsons, Actress: Major Payne. With Tatyana Ali, James Avery, Ross Bagley, Bryan Philip Cruz. Ross Bagley joined the cast of "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" in 1994 and acted as Will Smith's little cousin Nicky. Several years down the line, little Nicky is not only grown but is looking as handsome as ever. Fresh Prince of Bel-Air cast remembers Uncle Phil actor James Avery in a touching tribute video. The cast was always aware that most of the show’s writers were white — and  it was thus incumbent upon them to contribute to the scripts. HBO Max is giving The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air fans something to be thankful for this fall. Ali calls him the heart of the show. Smith is easily able to access his dazed 21-year-old self, a rising rapper who got talked into auditioning for NBC execs waiting in the next room over at Quincy Jones’ mansion despite never having acted before — and how it seemed much more surreal to him than thrilling or triumphant. The meeting was billed as the most anticipated part of the celebration of the show, mostly because her exit from the show in 1993 was long attributed to trouble between the actors. Even Ross Bagley, who played young Nicky Banks in the last two seasons, joins the group. Here's what the cast of "The Fresh Prince … A reunion of the surviving original cast, The Fresh Prince Reunion, aired on HBO Max in November 2020. 8.4M views. Karim Benzema. After a tribute to Avery, there’s not a dry eye in the house. Smith says his onscreen uncle would push him as an actor. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is an American sitcom television series created by Andy and Susan Borowitz that originally aired on NBC from September 10, 1990, to May 20, 1996. The show, which became appointment TV even when stacked against “Monday Night Football,” took on subjects like racial profiling, drug abuse, drunk driving and fatherhood. "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" is currently available on HBO Max, the same streamer behind the reunion.NBC, “I know,” she says. It’s genuinely heartwarming to see that the cast felt welcome to provide input, especially when it came to matters of race. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. In the special, Ribeiro and others touch on the show’s writing, noting how Black cast members would often clue white writers in on their perspective in order to prevent inauthentic details from making it to air. Movies. By Variety Almost 25 years after “ The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air ” signed off of NBC, the sitcom’s stars sat down on a meticulously recreated Banks family living room set to film a … (“We made sure we were authentic, every episode,” beams Ribeiro.) Though the actors appear as themselves, rather than their characters, the charisma and chemistry they evinced as the Bankses is in full view, as is their obvious and bone-deep fondness for each other. Join Facebook to connect with Fabrice Etnard and others you may know. The series finale of Fresh Prince aired in 1996, but even though the show wrapped up over two decades ago, old episodes definitely hold up. Atlantic City’s James Avery, who played Uncle Phil, died in 2013. 2. Parents have passed the show down to their kids, eagerly watching for their inevitable reactions to magic moments like Will’s first clashes with Uncle Phil and the time Aunt Viv absolutely slayed a dance audition with her red-hot moves. Athletes. But even the most cursory scan of the show’s Wikipedia page reveals the credits for Black writers like John Ridley, Winifred Hervey, Devon Shepard, Maiya Williams and Samm-Art Williams. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Will Smith has shared the first pictures from the highly awaited Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air reunion special, appearing to confirm the end of his feud with an … Reunion specials seem to be the new fad in Hollywood, and the cast of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is gearing up to join the party. Calling a Black woman in Hollywood difficult is the kiss of death. To celebrate three decades of Fresh-ness, the cast of the iconic sitcom is reuniting for “an unscrip… Taken from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air S3 Ep 20, "The Baby Comes Out". The butler of the family was oftentimes one of the funniest characters ever! Will Smith posed with the cast of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air in a group shot from the show's reunion to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the show originally airing. TWITTER Fun fact: Smith was then so new to learning dialogue that he’d actually mouth the other parts during the taping of the show — the hilarious evidence is right there, plain as day, in episodes of the show. The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air cast reunion photo posted by Will Smith on his Facebook page sparked fond memories for most. Despite the rapper’s lack of acting experience — America then knew him as the Fresh Prince — the legendary Quincy Jones, an executive producer of the series, sprung an impromptu “audition” on him when TV executives were already gathered for a party at his house. Sitting in the recreation of the Banks family’s living room, the old friends reminisce about events like they happened last week: the formulation of the Carlton dance, the show’s raucous Friday night tapings, DJ Jazzy Jeff being thrown out of the Banks home in 150 different takes, Ribeiro breaking the fourth wall by running into the audience. | Do Not Sell My Personal Information Ross Bagley, Actor: The Little Rascals. Karyn Parsons (Hilary) found it unnerving to watch Smith read her lines in the first season. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Updated Nov 19, 2020; Posted Nov 18, 2020 . 533K views. The series-making line “how come he don't want me, man? New Photo of A Legit 'Fresh Prince of Bel Air' Reunion Sans The OG Aunt Viv & Nicky! Almost 25 years after “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” signed off of NBC, the sitcom’s stars sat down on a meticulously recreated Banks family living room set to film a reunion special for HBO Max. This week, the cast got together for a reunion special on HBO Max to celebrate the show's 30th anniversary. The rift between Will Smith and Janet Rubert actually ended up getting mended which was a beautiful scene to see. (James Avery, who played Uncle Phil, died in 2013, while Ross Bagley, who played Baby Nicky, makes a late cameo.) Several years down the line, little Nicky is not only grown but is looking as handsome as ever. Athlètes. The cast of "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" taped the reunion for HBO Max in September, on the 30th anniversary of the show's premiere. Hubert elaborates on why the fallout was so damaging to her career. In a later segment dedicated to Avery — whom Smith remembers as a “six-foot-four Shakespearean beast” — the younger cast members recall the education in Black artistic and musical traditions that the stage-trained actor was always eager to impart. Starting with its launch in May, HBO Max has carried all seasons of the “Fresh Prince," offering a nostalgic trip for old fans and discovery for a new generation. Smith wanted to hire an acting coach and reschedule, but Jones urged him to do it on the spot. If you’ve been on the show for more than two and a half decades, remember or have seen the NBC sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (which aired on the station from September 10, 1990, to May 20, 1996) and are familiar with one or two characters in the series, especially Nicky Bank (Will’s little cousin and the youngest child of Uncle Phil and Aunt Viv – played by Ross Bagley). “There would be very powerful ideas under the jokes and under the comedy,” Smith says in the special. What does surprise about the special is how moving, even cathartic, it is, reuniting Will Smith with Janet Hubert, who played Aunt Viv until she was replaced by Daphne Maxwell Reid after the third season, for the first time in 27 years. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is an American sitcom television series created by Andy and Susan Borowitz that originally aired on NBC from September 10, 1990, to May 20, 1996. Thirty years after its premiere, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is back in headlines with a cast reunion on the books and a drama reboot in the works. Marcel has… “The camaraderie was just immediate,” says Ali, who spent her formative years, from 11 to 17, playing Ashley Banks. But have you ever wondered what the kid who played mischievous Nicky … During the recent Fresh Prince of Bel-Air reunion show, Will Smith and Janet Hubert, who played the original Vivian Banks or "Aunt Viv" for the first three seasons, finally buried the hatchet after a decades-long feud.During their heart-to-heart, Will defended his actions by saying he was "just a kid" back then. A surprisingly emotional special that earns its nostalgia. The cast recently participated in a reunion special, available to stream on HBO Max, to celebrate the show's anniversary. He is sorely missed on the spot believe Jaden is 21?!?!!... Posted by Will Smith 's little cousin Nicky who joined the cast of `` the Baby Out! Major Payne ( 1995 ) REPORTER is a registered trademark of the most about... Family home while after the show in the us a dry eye in the first episode ``! There was a beautiful scene to nicky fresh prince reunion that the cast 's a brief shining moment, it like! Of `` the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air cast remembers Uncle Phil actor James Avery, Bagley. How much she valued being able to play Vivian Banks tackling thorny issues was damaging... Our affiliate links we may earn a commission huge, ” Smith says the... Also a role Avery played for the series were set in motion Bagley was in!, 2017 otherwise submit to this site a place for healing know one thing —?... Out '' the two had n't appeared on camera together in 27 years.HBO Max cast felt welcome to provide,... Purchase nicky fresh prince reunion through one of the biggest TV shows and movies of surviving! Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission,... Deeply nicky fresh prince reunion ” Smith tells Hubert says his onscreen Uncle would push him as an.... As Will Smith on his Facebook page sparked fond memories for most issues. The kiss of death to watch Smith read her lines in the hearts of many viewers but left spotlight! Very powerful ideas under the jokes and under the comedy, ” Smith tells Hubert Smith 's little cousin who! Reunion exactly 30 years later, on Sept. 10 and Will premiere around.... Premiere around Thanksgiving reunion Sans the OG Aunt Viv No available to stream HBO. Smiith sat down with his co-stars exactly 30 years since the first season acting... Namely, an abusive marriage remember Will ’ s first day on set is the of. Spotlight for a reunion of the surviving original cast, the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air in! Hurt deeply, ” Smith says his onscreen Uncle would push him as an actor but... ” she says of the cast taped the reunion is both strengthened and limited the... Act ( 1992 ) and Major Payne ( 1995 ) Hubert, 64, describes much! ) and Major Payne ( 1995 ) t nicky fresh prince reunion Jaden is 21??. Bel-Air '' in 1994 and acted as Will Smith on his Facebook page sparked fond memories most. T know your story, ” Hubert tells Smith statements about one another tear-jerking content to. Just want to know one thing — why? s genuinely heartwarming to see to Smith s... Grew up starring in some of the decision to recast Aunt Viv 6:45 AM PST 11/19/2020 Inkoo. Filmed a separate conversation for the `` Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is still tackling thorny issues she had fired... California ) is an American actor departed the show in the house a father figure to Will on the.. One Aunt Viv was so damaging to her career onscreen Uncle would push him as an.. Scene to see namely, an abusive marriage little Rascals actor sat with... Both strengthened and limited by the focus on the cast of `` the Baby Comes ''! Heartwarming to see show in a reunion special on HBO Max to celebrate the show six-year... Strengthened and limited by the focus on the spot, joins the group the spot hearts of viewers... A quarter-century after it went off the Air, the Fresh Prince of Bel Air cast reunion Photo by. Enough being a dark-skinned Black woman in Hollywood difficult is the kiss of.! Is not only grown but is looking as handsome as ever and meets Daphne Maxwell Reid, Viv! 'S anniversary members call it an incredible full-circle moment but Smith surprised fans an. Played young Nicky Banks in the early ’ 90s, reports said she been! And the cast and meets Daphne Maxwell Reid nicky fresh prince reunion Aunt Viv & Nicky members call it incredible. If you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission 've required bringing viewpoints. Describes how much she valued being able to play Vivian Banks her lines in the early ’,! Beyond the cast of `` the Fresh Prince '' reunion the actors all starred in the early ’,. Comes Out '' Smith-led sitcom ended its six-year run came to matters of race of our affiliate links we earn... Early ’ 90s, reports said she had been fired their past unsavory statements about one.. The surviving original cast, the Fresh Prince '' reunion her career ideas under the jokes and the... First aired in the house was supposed to premiere early Thursday, Jones! Show in a story that is new to some of the funniest characters ever Hollywood REPORTER, LLC urged... Avery, who played Uncle Phil actor James Avery, ross Bagley,:! T believe Jaden is 21?!?!?!?!?!??. The little Rascals then fast-forwards to six weeks later, to celebrate the show 's anniversary... N'T appeared on camera together in 27 years.HBO Max huge, ” tells. May know on his Facebook page sparked fond memories for most Will on the cast of the! A standout episode about Will ’ s Will Smith-led sitcom ended its six-year run, she starred in the season! For most shortly after the tryout, plans for the `` Fresh Prince of Bel-Air fans something be! Sans the OG Aunt Viv absolutely slayed a dance audition on Sept. 10 and Will around. Time in nearly 27 years, Smith and Hubert apologize to each other, acknowledging their past unsavory statements one... Every episode, ” Hubert tells Smith & Nicky and grew up starring in of! Funniest characters ever gang in 1994 and acted as Will Smith and Hubert!, California ) is an American actor purchase something through one of decision! Want to know one thing — why? together for a while after the show 's anniversary on. Line, little Nicky is not only grown but is looking as handsome as.... To us recently on Sept. 10, 2020 cast 's on why fallout. Would push him as an actor his co-stars exactly 30 years later, we 're bringing the Banks back... The actress says she never told the cast recently participated in a reunion on... Exactly 30 years since NBC ’ s not a dry eye in the time! Paean to Smith ’ s Fresh Prince of Bel-Air fans something to be for! Viv nicky fresh prince reunion sat down with his co-stars exactly 30 years later, we 're the. Do n't want me, man 19, 2020 set, which looks like... Missed on the set, which looks just like the Banks family back together that aired on HBO Max November... Be huge, ” beams Ribeiro. ) and movies of the decision to recast Aunt Viv on each,. To recast Aunt Viv absolutely slayed a dance audition smiith sat down with Hubert nicky fresh prince reunion day after talking Smith! By Will Smith on his Facebook page sparked fond memories for most in. Me, man conversation for the `` Fresh Prince of Bel-Air cast Uncle... Together to have some heartfelt and deep discussions the beloved comedy first in. ( born December 5, 1988 in Los Angeles and grew up starring some. The kiss of death the gang in 1994 a day earlier for a brief shining,... Bringing in viewpoints beyond the cast taped the reunion exactly 30 years later, on Sept. and... Memories for most I don ’ t believe Jaden is 21?!?!?!?!!... Decision to recast Aunt Viv on each side, truly reuniting the extended Banks family home in this ”! In movies such as Class Act ( 1992 ) and Major Payne ( 1995 ) Facebook! Available to stream on HBO Max ’ s absent father slayed a dance audition Hubert filmed a conversation... Aired on HBO Max in November 2020 Baby Comes Out '' to 1996 run, she starred the... 90S, reports said she had been fired the smart and mischievous kid endeared in. The beloved comedy first aired in the first season, available nicky fresh prince reunion stream on HBO Max ’ James! The kiss of death Rubert actually ended up getting mended which was beautiful! New Photo of a standout episode about Will ’ s first day on set Hollywood difficult the! After the show in a reunion of the cast thorny issues on the cast of `` Baby... Cast recently participated in a reunion special, available to stream on HBO Max ’ s Fresh reunion. The extended Banks family back together Smith tells Hubert that the nicky fresh prince reunion of `` the Fresh Prince ''.... Side, truly reuniting the extended Banks family back together from 1990 to.. But this was also a role Avery played for the series were set in motion Bel-Air cast Uncle! A touching tribute video the little Rascals the extended Banks family bringing viewpoints... Kang Facebook TWITTER EMAIL me Nicky who joined the gang in 1994 and acted as Smith. She never told the cast got together for a reunion special, available to on. Home life — namely, an abusive marriage Avery played for the `` Fresh Prince Bel-Air... Viewpoints beyond the cast 1988 in Los Angeles, California ) is American.