Why does Will Smith play himself in Fresh Prince?

Why does Will Smith play himself in Fresh Prince?

Will Smith Reveals Why He And ‘Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ Character Shared The Same Name. Smith’s play cousin Alfonso Ribeiro actually suggested that the actor use his own name. “We had talked and I said, ‘Look, if you’re ever gonna do this show, you’ve gotta be Will Smith,” Ribeiro recalled.

How did Will Smith get famous?

In the late 1980s, Smith achieved modest fame as a rapper under the name The Fresh Prince. In 1990, his popularity increased dramatically when he starred in the popular television series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

Why did Will go back to Bel Air?

Will is originally from West-Philadelphia but was forced to move soon after participating in a fight with a couple of thugs. Fearing for his safety his mother sent him out to Bel Air. They decide to start a fight with Will, but being raised in Philadelphia, Will feels as if he is tough enough to fight them.

How did Will Smith get the name Fresh Prince?

Executive Benny Medina as well as the actor that plays him of the same name (although in the show ‘Will’ is short for William, while in real life it is short for Willard). Smith’s charming and mischievous personality earned him the nickname “Prince,” which eventually became “Fresh Prince”.

What happens to Will Smith at the end of Fresh Prince?

Summary. In the series finale, the Banks family prepares to move away from California, and Will confronts his lack of achievements since he moved in with them. Hilary moves to New York as her show has been moved there, Ashley will be living with her and will attend a performing arts school.

Who is Will Smith’s friend Fresh Prince?

DJ Jazzy Jeff
Jeffrey A. Townes (aka DJ Jazzy Jeff), played Jazz, Will’s friend who was always making trouble in the Banks’ home.

Did Will Smith grow up poor?

Grew up in a Loving Family, Entered the Music Business as a Teen. On television he was the Fresh Prince of Bel Air, a streetwise Philadelphian sent to live with wealthy relatives in California.

What did Will Smith do after Fresh Prince?

After the series ended, Smith transitioned from television to film and went on to star in numerous blockbuster films, including Independence Day (1996) and Men in Black (1997).

Was Fresh Prince based on a true story?

The television sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which began in 1990, was loosely based on Smith’s real-life persona. Buoyed by his small-screen success, Smith expanded into cinema with Where the Day Takes You (1992).

Who are the characters in The Fresh Prince of Bel Air?

The characters of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. From top left: Hilary Banks, Geoffrey, Vivian Banks, Carlton Banks. From bottom left: Ashley Banks, Philip Banks, Will Smith. In 1990, music manager Benny Medina , along with his partner real estate mogul Jeff Pollack , decided to market a TV story based on Medina’s life.

Who are the actors in the Fresh Prince?

‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ Cast Reunites — See What the Stars Look Like Now. Tatyana Ali (Ashley), Karyn Parsons (Hilary), Alfonso Ribeiro (Carlton), Will Smith (Will), Daphne Maxwell Reid (Aunt Vivian no. 2), and Joseph Marcell (Geoffrey) posed for a group photo at a charity event in Malibu , Calif., TMZ reports.

What is the theme song for Fresh Prince of Bel Air?

“Yo Home to Bel-Air”, informally known as “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air theme”, is a song performed by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. It is the theme song to the NBC sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

What is the name of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air?

Joseph Marcell (born August 14, 1948) is a British actor and comedian best known for his role as Geoffrey Butler , the butler on the NBC sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air from September 1990, until it ended in May 1996.