Years After Will Smith Squashed His Feud With The Fresh Prince’s OG Aunt Viv Actress, He Recalled The ‘Horrible’ Mistake He Made While Working With Her

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As a longtime fan of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” I’ve always admired the chemistry between the cast members and their ability to create such a memorable show. However, the feud between Will Smith and Janet Hubert, who originated the role of Aunt Viv, was something that always piqued my curiosity. It’s heartening to see that they’ve managed to squash their differences and reconcile, just like two beloved characters from a classic sitcom should.

For quite some time, the main cast of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” have maintained close relationships, which continues to this day. However, there was tension between lead actor Will Smith and one of his co-stars in the past. This was with Janet Hubert, who initially played Vivian Banks. They had a long-standing feud following her departure from the show, but eventually put their differences aside. Now, Smith is reflecting on a regrettable action he committed during his time working with Hubert.

In a recent interview for Vice’s “Black Comedy in America,” Will Smith opened up more about his longstanding disagreements with Janet Hubert. The Academy Award winner revealed that much of their strife stemmed from something related to Hubert’s work, which he didn’t fully understand until later on.

In simpler terms, I greatly underestimated her significance, influence, and charm within the show, and more importantly, the impact she had on me personally at that time.

As per the current 56-year-old actor from “Bad Boys,” he underestimated the significance of his co-star’s role in the show at first. The actress who played “Aunt Viv” in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” notably Will Smith’s co-star, is still widely acclaimed for her portrayal. Phylicia Rashad’s character was known for her quick wit, affectionate nature, and no-nonsense attitude, which provided some of the most memorable moments in the early seasons of The Fresh Prince. One of her most iconic scenes on the show is from Season 2, titled “The Big Four-Oh,” where she performed a dance routine that has since become popular online.

More on Will Smith and Janet Hubert

‘After reconciling, the Original Aunt Viv from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, played by Daphne Maxwell Reid, and Will Smith have reunited! Fans are delighted to see this heartwarming reunion.’

Janet Hubert portrayed Vivian Banks in the first three seasons of the NBC comedy, from 1990 to 1993. After the third season (during her pregnancy), she was given a contract that she felt wasn’t equitable. However, it was primarily this perceived unfairness that led Hubert to stop playing Viv. Rumors persisted for years that she had been dismissed from the show due to conflicts with Will Smith on set. Later, Daphne Maxwell Reid took over the role of Vivian and played her until the end of the sitcom’s six-season run. In 2020, during a reunion special, Hubert and Smith reconciled after their heartfelt conversation.

On the occasion of Independence Day, it’s not just Will Smith (the Star) who has acknowledged the Sweet Magnolias actress; Tatyana Ali, the actress who portrayed Ashley Banks, also paid tribute to her on-screen mother. Soon after their reunion during the special episode, Ali spoke highly of her co-star, recognizing her as a radiant Black woman who excelled on a grand stage. As a young Black girl, it was influential for Ali to collaborate with someone so graceful and gifted.

For years, I’ve been an ardent admirer of the Will Smith-led series, and it’s clear that Janet Hubert richly deserves all the appreciation she gets, then and now. It’s heartening to see that they’ve resolved their past issues, and it’s great that Will Smith acknowledges the significant role his co-star played in the show’s success and his personal journey. They both have made significant cultural impacts, and together, they helped create one of the iconic Black sitcoms from the ’90s.

Watch all six seasons of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” instantly with your Max subscription! Don’t forget, this membership grants you access to stream the special reunion episode as well.

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2024-12-05 00:38