But that specific episode? Uh, must have the wrong crib. Will, as he is wont to do, acts a fool; and Carlton, as he is wont to do, hops over every task with a double front-flip, cleaning up the joint while he's at it. But it wasnt until the fourth season, with its characters deeply established, that the show decided to tackle the subject in depth. However, Smith revealed in his 2021 memoir Will that the relationship was occasionally turbulent due to his father's abuse of his mother. Because you're my son and I love you. The Post's Candace Buckner, David Betancourt and Tramel Raggs explore how current demonstrations against racial inequality are echoing memorable sports movies. Gregory Lawrence (aka Greg Smith) is a writer, director, performer, songwriter, and comedian. "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,. ", you know. Philip Banks Zuckerman described Lou as "a guy that just wasn't cut out to be a father.". They were all pretty the same: the dialogue would get cheesy (well, cheesier) and the music, sappy (sappier). When my father got out of the Air Force, he started his own refrigeration business. (Via). Will Smith: Oh, okay, well uh, cheerio and all that Walter now. 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!" 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. 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). 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? 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.". [after Lou cancels his trip with Will and leaves] And I'm a different man now. Having three Black male actors in an intensely dramatic scene on a comedic series only added to the power of the moment. While the legend that Smith ad-libbed much of the scene based on his troubled relationship with his actual father is probably false, the sobbing was not. Whatever he needed, whether it was a pat on the head or a kick in the pants, I was there for him. How come he don't want me, man? Whether youre a lifelong resident of D.C. or you just moved here, weve got you covered. He showed up, did this scene in one take, then disappeared again. She thought college was the only way. Will then begins to cry and asks Phillip why his father doesn't want him. [long pause as Will struggles to regain his composure]. He was drawing from personal experience because his dad had left when he was a baby and when he became famous because of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air he turned up like nothing had happened. Let's come up with something better that you can call me. Geoffrey Butler: If you will follow me, I will show you to your room, Master William. Following Avery's words, Smith pulled off the most iconic and emotional scene in the show's history. I'm sorry that everybody can't be as perfect as you, Uncle Phil, but if I can forgive him, how come you can't? There are around 148 episodes over six seasons, but one episode titled Papa's Got a Brand New Excuse made many fans emotional. February 24, 2022 armstrong siddeley cars for sale armstrong siddeley cars for sale He was born in 1973 in West Philadelphia. Avery, a trained Shakespearean actor, represented the strong father figure; Smith, four years into his first acting gig, the young man coming into his own manhood; and Vereen, a theater vet, was a man lost. 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. Ain't like I'm still five years old, you know. 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." I love when classic multi-cam sitcoms feel like excuses to put classic theater on television for the masses, and this episode has a wondrous scene that vaults into this hallowed ground. 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." When Will calls him Lou, oh my God, his whole frame just shrunk because he realized at that point that hed lost his son. It's purely powerful stuff, the kind of moment that immediately casts the rest of the episode in a better glow. Will never, ever, forget.. ", "He kept me in line. The Banks, especially Uncle Phil, see through Lou's. ", 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. Speaking of "Will's father is out of the picture". Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to be part of an upcoming music vid "Dad was tough but not tyrannical," Smith told Essence. All of the Banks are planning on leaving their palatial Bel-Air estate, which we've gotten to know and love over six seasons. 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. William 'Will' Smith While working at the Los Angeles University student restaurant, Will recognizes a customer - his father - whom he has not seen for 14 years. Oh yeah, I don't think so. : Get Discovered! Just cool down. : But much of white America remained (remains?) Instead, he laser-focuses on cleaning the house, taking care of everything except himself, feeling genuinely, scarily haunted. William 'Will' Smith Will Smith: Hey, Uncle Phil! : Guess what happens next. Come tomorrow, I'm out of here. 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. Or Hillarys Playboy spread? In 1990, when "Mistaken Identity" first aired on NBC, a gurgling of tensions and resentments between the Black community and the police, founded on an entire history's worth of subjugation and explicitly race-based violence, were churning nearly at a breaking point. : ", you know. I was honored to be there at the launch.. I told my parents I wanted to rap. I was actually at the taping. However Vivian has previously stated that hers, violas, Helens and Janices maiden name is Smith. James Avery (Uncle Phil) is also visibly in tears. Man, I'm glad you're here. Ashleys first date with R&B princeling Tevin Campbell? The actor was so convincing in his delivery that the entire audience started crying. : By the time Phil and Viv show up to bail them out, and for Phil to deliver a typically fiery speech about what justice should look like in this country (delivered to a particularly weaselly-looking Hank Azaria), the damage is done. 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. : 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. 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." Well, one day, I just panicked and ran. Well, one day, I just panicked and ran. William 'Will' Smith: Hey, why should I be mad? Who needs him? : HD1080p WILL'S DAD EMOTIONAL SAD SCENE ON THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL AIRNEW 2013 OF. You know what, you ain't got to do nothing, Uncle Phil. Will runs up to him to give him a big hug. William 'Will' Smith 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. That childlike sense of rage, coupled with his newfound maturity, rises into his throat; his final act of defiance is to refuse to call his father "Dad," opting for his name instead. Will believes that Uncle Phil is jealous and tells him that hes not his real dad. I had *fourteen* great birthdays without him. Philip Banks 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. 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. Will Smith Explains The "Dad Episode" of Fresh Prince, According to episode co-writer David Zuckerman, this episode was written to showcase Will Smith's dramatic acting talents, following his recent turn in the dramedy, The initial script for this episode cast Lou as a pool shark breezing through town. In the episode, Wills father shows up unexpectedly after a 14-year absence. Wills delivery was so perfect it seems like it was in the moment.. The show begins with Will Smith at the door singing and knocking on the door. 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. Lou claims it was great to see Will again, and Will responds "You too Lou" instead of Dad, officially disowning Lou as his father. It was also so unexpected. He loves dancing, especially to Tom Jonesand theSugarhill Gang. [shouts] Will tells Uncle Phil (James Avery) that he, straight up, has forgotten where he came from. While Will is forgiving and understanding, Phillip and Vivian not so much. Maybe a little longer. But his words, as Uncle Phil's so often do, ring passionate with promise, with ideals, and with familial love. Philip Banks: I'm sorry. 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. : His father was a question mark, or, as cousin Hillary puts it in the episode, a deadbeat who left him and his mom flat.. Wills father introduces himself as Lou Smith, which would mean that Violas (Wills mother) married name is smith. : 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". The story behind the episode is almost as good as the episode itself. 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. I started feeling trapped. : [Uncle Phil rushes forward to hug Will, and Will breaks down sobbing]. I've been waiting for this for a long time, my whole life and ain't nobody gonna stop me. And Will, in one of the all-time tension diffusers, hypes up his cousin's speech with bravado. Oct 20, 2017. I know my dad had been planning this for a long time. Just for a couple of weeks. Release Dates Where There's a Will, There's a Way (Part 1), Where There's a Will, There's a Way (Part 2). Im messing up the lines because I wanted it so bad, Smith said in the podcast interview. How you doin'? [to Will] But it means, more than ever, we can't lose faith in people. Usually, the director would retake the scene, but really, nothing could replace this moment. 'Bad Boys For Life', which filmed in Atlanta, Georgia. That he heard Malcolm X, whom Will had deified earlier in the episode, speak in person. I just wish I hadn't wasted my money buying this stupid present. Lou Smith He also recalls that unusually for a sitcom with a live audience, the audience was entirely silent during filming, comparing the average taping as like a football stadium but this taping like "being in a church.". Smith said that he was originally supposed to sit at the bench and reflect on his uncle's words. Will Smith, Alfonso Ribeiro, and Aunt Vivs Janet Hubert and Daphne Maxwell Reid return alongside the rest of the cast for HBO Max's unscripted 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Reunion. Phillip understands, and wishes Will the best. Episode director Shelley Jensen worked on the series for all six seasons and watched Smith, who started the show at 21, go from novice to supernova. 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. Its already in there, you know what it is. Phillip asks Vivian to allow him to talk to Lou in private, and Vivian agrees, on the condition that he doesn't hit Lou because she wouldn't want to miss that! 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. 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. : William 'Will' Smith Will Smith helped co-write the script for this scene. Home; About. You probably remember the goofy dancing scenes and guest appearances from DJ Jazzy Jeff, but every so often, The Fresh Prince would attempt something legitimately poignant. 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.

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