TIL that during Will Smith's monologue about his father on Fresh Prince, it was so heart-wrenching that audience members can be heard crying after it is over. : It's a brilliantly played scene, rife with warmth and gentility even as they discuss tricky stuff. Carlton, however, self-weaponizes and assumes too much responsibility again, and his faith in an inherent sense of decency in the systems of life is shattered again. Manage all your favorite fandoms in one place! Will Smith: Hey, Uncle Phil! Instead, he laser-focuses on cleaning the house, taking care of everything except himself, feeling genuinely, scarily haunted. However, Smith revealed in his 2021 memoir. The episode title is a reference to the James Brown song. Geoffrey Butler: Master William, tradition dictates that a clean, unbreakable line be drawn between a family and their butler. I'm ready to be part of your life if you'll let me. : While Will and Lou bond at a carnival, Lou tells him that the real reason that he abandoned him was because he was scared of having a kid. The altercation purportedly began when the then neophyte actor felt a scene wasn't working on his sitcom, "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" and unilaterally made some changes to the script . You see, the day you were born was the happiest day of my life. This was the first time the show just went there and stayed there and let it resonate, Zuckerman said of the episodes lasting impact. Behind the scenes, the episode was also meant to showcase Smiths dramatic acting chops. What's up? Gregory Lawrence (aka Greg Smith) is a writer, director, performer, songwriter, and comedian. Will's father is out of the picture; Uncle Phil is by all accounts the closest to a dad he has. When they express how this is going to crush Will, Lou asks Phillip and Vivian to break the news to Will. And to do so, he has to leave the building one final time. 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. "I did not make the rules, but I do know how to play the game. At 2:04 Will goes off script, so everything that happens after that is real. I know my dad had been planning this for a long time. Got through my first date without him, right? You are forced to invest your time, family, and even your wallet to make your dream come true. Will and his dad, Willard Carroll Smith, Sr., remained on good terms until he passed away in November 2016. William 'Will' Smith Zuckerman described Lou as "a guy that just wasn't cut out to be a father.". To hell with him! Geoffrey Butler: I am not your Uncle Philip. I agree so much . Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to be part of an upcoming music vid "Dad was tough but not tyrannical," Smith told Essence. James Avery was relentlessly on me to elevate. I didn't know there was so many brothers living in the neighborhood. Erase Nothing: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air - The Dad Episode - Blogger : The pair attempt to rebuild their relationship and even plan activities together, but when the time came for them to embark on their trip, Lou bailed. ", "He kept me in line. At least he said goodbye this time. 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 . Geoffrey Butler approaches the door and lets Will in. For survival, please dont marry this man.". : Hilary's response is just a wonderfully stated, expertly performed piece of sisterly advice and love, undercut appropriately by in-character jokes (Parsons knows this character like a craftsman knows their tool). 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. The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air is a FANDOM TV Community. Vivian Banks After the following perfect take, which made it into the final episode, Avery whispered in Smith's ear during Will and Uncle Phil's hug, "That's fucking acting right there. That year we won the first Grammy given to a rap artist.". All this "Master William" stuff, I'm not down with that, make it sound like we back on the plantation or something, we like "Massa William, Massa William!" Will Smith recalls iconic "how come he don't want me" scene + Being Oh, come on. 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. When the time has come for Top Dog to choose his new candidate, Carlton assumes he'll get picked, and Will's foolishness will not be tolerated. Regrettably,The Fresh Prince of Bel-Airis full of fat-shaming jokes, particularly from Will toward Uncle Phil (and in one entire episode, they bring on royal guest starQueen Latifahjust to have her be a learning moment that overweight people have feelings too; Latifah and Smith sell the material, of course, but there's definitely a lack of depth in the exploration, which I guess means Mametwasright). By Season 4 of The Fresh Prince, Will and Carlton have graduated from high school and are now beginning their college studies. Smith gave his first highlight-reel performance, and it wouldnt have been possible with Uncle Phil, who whispered something in Smiths ear while they were hugging on camera: To read more about the episode, click here. 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. 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." : Look, why are you telling me this now? Carlton is confidently, uniquely himself. Hes a steady and positive figure in my life. 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. And Uncle Phil, in the first of Avery's many perfect performances, sets him straight. Fresh Prince of Bel-Air - Will's Father leaves Charles Bentley 13.3K subscribers 381K 13M views 7 years ago There wasn't a good quality version of one of the most touching scenes in TV. Will Smith helped co-write the script for this scene. People were crying for a long time when it was over, doing their best not to make noise before the director said cut., I was ten years old. The two collapse into an embrace. After all, given his upbringing, getting threatened by folks packing guns is an unfortunately common part of life. Up until that point, they were thinking of [Smith] as a TV actor, Vereen said of the young mans burgeoning film career. Hey, why should I be mad? Philip Banks Damn, I didn't think a scene from "The Fresh Prince" would hit me that hard. The 'Fresh Prince Of Bel Air' Father Episode Aired 25 Years - UPROXX "How come he don't want me, man?" Directed by Shelley Jensen with a script from David Zuckerman and Bill Boulware, "Papa's Got a Brand New Excuse" is about Will's father, played by Ben Vereen,. 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Oct 20, 2017. He never even sent me a damn card! 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. Is Viola's reaction mere prejudice, plainly spoken? I just wish I hadn't wasted my money buying this stupid present. And, it lets Will have a "not what he seems" moment, too; when Uncle Phil leaves the room after this chat, he notices Will playing Beethovenon the piano. But there is one episode that stands head and shoulders above the rest. [Uncle Phil rushes forward to hug Will, and Will breaks down sobbing]. However Vivian has previously stated that hers, violas, Helens and Janices maiden name is Smith. Boulware, who also wrote the episode of 227 in which a characters father pops back into the picture, drew from his own life experience for the script. Hey, just cool it. Looking for Disney, Game of Thrones, or Marvel movie casting calls? Casting Calls and news is updated daily get the industry news here! Find talent. : You too Lou. Both parties have lots to positively learn about each other. : "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" Papa's Got a Brand New Excuse (TV - IMDb This film was the first movie he ever worked on, and this really helped him make the giant leap from being a TV actor to a film actor. He just had that acting power that I wanted to have.. Borrowing its title fromGuess Who's Coming to Dinner, the 1967 film in whichKatharine Houghtonbrings home fianc Sidney Poitierto her white parents to examine interracial relationships in a lightly comedic purview, "Guess Who's Coming to Marry?" Will. A powerful, teachable, simple lesson. He and Uncle Phil embrace each other crying, as the camera zooms in on Will's present: a statue of an African father holding his young son. : Prior to 'Fresh Prince' both Will Smith and Jazzy Jeff were set on releasing albums. The Post's Candace Buckner, David Betancourt and Tramel Raggs explore how current demonstrations against racial inequality are echoing memorable sports movies. But Top Dog makes the opposite decision, deciding that WIll is more "authentically Black," calling Carlton a "sellout.". We all knew we were having a great time. It was 1994, and he had just come off Six Degrees of Separation, a dramedy about a young con man who charms his way into a rich White family. The two are prepared to take a cross-country trip around the country for the remainder of the summer, but Philip sees that this reunion and trip is in Lou's favor rather than Will's. Ain't like I'm still five years old, you know. : | William 'Will' Smith : He's my father. Geoffrey Butler: You have the right house. The Real Story Behind the Most Heartbreaking Scene in 'The Fresh Prince And yet. But much of white America remained (remains?) The entire temperature of the room shifts. And he told us that this was going to be our gig over the summer. Fearing for his safety his mother sent him out to Bel Air. 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. Lou Smith : [to Will] You see, the day you were born was the happiest day of my life. In the episode, Wills father shows up unexpectedly after a 14-year absence. But in fact, Wills dad was an active participant in his sons life, and even encouraged him. This relationship needs to be attended to, now. Willard Carroll Smith II (born September 25, 1968), also known by his stage name The Fresh Prince, is an American actor and rapper.Known for variety of roles, Smith has received multiple accolades, including an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award and four Grammy Awards. It's entirely possible that two people named Smith that are completely unrelated could meet, fall in love, and start a family. People were crying for a long time when it was over, doing their best not to make noise before the director said cut. I was ten years old. : He uses his emotions like an instrument, starting as strong as he can, until it can't help but fracture and fall. William 'Will' Smith William 'Will' Smith: Hey, why should I be mad? Company Credits Washington Post Retrospective on the episode. The three of them were like a range of Black manhood, Boulware said. People were crying for a long time when it was over, doing their best not to make noise before the director said cut.". And when it digs into this core, it doesn't need silly jokes. TIL that during Will Smith's monologue about his father on Fresh Prince The first time I held you, I didn't think I'd ever put you down. Will Smith: What are you, Robo-Butler, man? Where does that leave Will? I was actually at the taping. The Fresh Prince Project/Transcript | The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air | Fandom Because you're my son and I love you. You know, if there was something that l William 'Will' Smith Philip Banks: I'm sorry. 'Bad Boys For Life', which filmed in Atlanta, Georgia. Geoffrey Butler approaches the door and lets Will in. Baker is the husband-to-be of Janice (Charlayne Woodard), who's set to be married in the Banks' spacious Bel-Air backyard if Will's mother Viola (Verne Watson-Johnson) doesn't blow a gasket first. He rages at his cousin about the futility of violence and revenge. 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. During the episodes final scene, Smith was struggling to bring it all home. Come tomorrow, I'm out of here. Lou awkwardly admits that he's got to take care of some business so the planned trip is going to have to wait a week or two, but most likely longer than that, and he promises to call to work it out. (One year later, Rodney King's beating by police will spark a series of protests and clashes in Los Angeles.) ", you know. The young actor would go on to deliver one of the biggest emotional punches in Fresh Prince history. Speaking of "Will's father is out of the picture". I might have been 12 and my brother 9 when one day he decided he wanted a new front wall at his shop. Ben Vereen (Lou) stated in an interview that he broke into tears himself after walking out of the camera shot. 1 His First Major Movie Role Was In Six Degrees Of Separation. You know what, Aunt Viv? "Before this scene, Will Smith disappeared. Geoffrey Butler: Master William, walk this way. Those qualities I assigned Carlton regarding the previous episode? Fresh Prince of Bel-Air - Will's Father leaves - YouTube Philip Banks: [after Lou cancels his trip with Will and leaves] I'm sorry, Will. Are you a content creator looking for an opportunity to show your stuff? Ain't like I'm still five years old, you know. Thus, the hunt for a fraternity is on, and the two decide to attend a rush event for a Black frat on campus, run by Top Dog (Glenn Plummer). I rarely cried for a sitcom, but this is it. | 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 entire show was quiet, even during the funny parts, and I could not figure out why, a Reddit user wrote. For more, www.smithlgreg.com, The Best Serious Moments in 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air', 'The Last of Us' Made Flashbacks Work, But Episode 7's Doesn't, The 10 Best 'South Park' Episodes of All Time, Ranked According to IMDb, 10 Best Villains from 'Batman: The Animated Series', Ranked. Kim Kardashian Tackled to the Ground at Paris Fashion Event, Marvel's 'Ant-Man' Casting Call for Kids in Peachtree City, Georgia, NBA YoungBoy and Birdman Hire Director for 'Ballin Blocker 2', 'The Weeknd' To Star in a Movie He Co-Wrote and Produced, Michael B. Jordan Reunites with High School Reporter at 'Creed III' Premiere: 'I Was the Corny Kid, Right? Every true Fresh Prince of Bel-Air fan knows the most emotional scene in the entire series. I wanted him to approve of me., Fans of the show have long believed that Smith improvised that final scene in which his character builds to an emotional crescendo, loudly proclaiming all the milestones he got through without Lou, but every word was written by Bill and I, Zuckerman said. The Story Behind The Saddest "Fresh Prince" Scene Is Not - Throwbacks Or so the widely-spread legend goes. While hes hugging me, he whispers in my ear, 'Thats f---ing acting right there, recalled Smith, who also revealed the motivation behind that performance. Think back to any emotional scene on Full House. I knew it was good, good television and it was really special.. Will says in one episode, while the camera tilts up to literally show the studio lights). : Philip: Yeah, then why did he say it? [after Lou cancels his trip with Will and leaves] Or remember that time Aunt Viv just really wanted to dance? We can talk about this another time. He reflected that there was an element of his character fully coming to terms with how much he had failed Will after being referred to by his name rather than as "Dad". Jensen said Avery, who died in 2013, was a driving force on set. (Andrea Raffin / Shutterstock.com), Game Brain Starring Will Smith Open Casting Call, Watch DWTS Alfonso Ribiero Get Jiggy Wit It to Will Smiths Hit Song, Will Smith Quits the Movie Brilliance Weeks Before Production. I was honored to be there at the launch.. So there you have it everyone! And finally, just like any great play, she tells her sister Janice what's really going on. William 'Will' Smith Did he actually accomplish anything during this time living with his upper-class relatives? Emotional and great. William 'Will' Smith Following Avery's words, Smith pulled off the most iconic and emotional scene in the show's history. William 'Will' Smith: You know what? Smith rarely resorts to out-and-out anger in his Fresh Prince performances, but we see it here, and it is warranted. An emotional Will lets his frustration out in a conversation with Uncle Phil, but things got really sad when he finally breaks down in tears. And I got pretty damn good at it too, didn't I, Uncle Phil? Will Smith: I once cursed out an NBC exec on 'Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' Nov 11, 2021, 12:36 PM. Directed by Shelley Jensen with a script from David Zuckerman and Bill Boulware, Papas Got a Brand New Excuse is about Wills father, played by Ben Vereen, returning to his sons life after 14 years. There are around 148 episodes over six seasons, but one episode titled Papa's Got a Brand New Excuse made many fans emotional. :