MTV Raps" appears in one of his nightmares. Episode: S04 E17 "When You Hit Upon a Star". ", Vivica A. The guest stars they had on the show were just incredible week after week, the writing was excellent, and the cast was amazing. She came to work everyday, and she was with him everyday. Other actresses spoke about what happened prior to filming an episode. Fields's character Monique gets a crash course in boys and "The Facts of Life" when Will and Jazz devise a hair brained scheme to set up a fake marriage in order to trick her into going all the way with Will. Child acting phenomenon Nicholle Tom lands her first TV role in this episode, which also features a performance from Bel Biv Devoe. She has traveled throughout the U.S. and appeared at more than a hundred speaking engagements, addressing diverse audiences at colleges, universities, conventions, corporations, affinity groups, churches, high schools and countless charitable and fund-raising events. Nia Long: I think that when youre in the moment, youre not worried about that. In 1991, she released her self-titled album on Warner Bros. Records, featuring the hit single 'Try Me'. This is so awkward." It was just strange because I worked with Eddie Murphy and all of these people and nobody did that. Vivica A. I looked at him like, "Oh, thats Will Smith. She was born on March 10, 1962, in Boston, Massachusetts. The psycho bitch showed up. Will became a style icon overnight due to his classic high-top fade and flawless Jordan collection. I remember one time at lunch, they took me golfing and it was a disaster. Jasmine Guy . In honor of the show's 25th anniversary, we spoke to a few of themNia. Elise Neal: Do I have pride that I was one of the girlfriends? I didnt find it intimidating, but I was like, "Wow, hes so confident to be so young." Vivica A. Jasmine starred on Broadway in the original productions of Beehive and Leader of the Pack, and reprised hit productions of 'Grease', 'The Wiz' and 'Chicago' (as Velma Kelly). Its been 24 years, so I dont remember if Will and I had ever met before the show. As Uncle Phil's sexy ex-girlfriend, Pam Grier brings plenty of drama, as well as a daughter for Will to ogle. Episode: S01 E05 "Homeboy, Sweet Homeboy". Everyone was constantly laughing, and he would just do the goofiest dances, and youd say, "Oh my God, sit your ass down," but then you loved it because he was the nucleus and the spirit. "Cosby Show" cutie Raven-Symone may be a small child, but she makes a big splash as Claudia, the daughter of Will's mother's boyfriend. Carrie Fisher was actually one of the writers for Made in America, which Will and I starred in together, and I just remember going: "Thats fuckin Princess Leia." Nia Long: I dont think I allowed myself to get as excited as I shouldve been, because I was just in shock a lot of the time. Does Will make an effort to step up his game? Everybody was watching it and thats why being part of it, even if you werent a series regular, was a great thing because it always meant a lot on your resume. I think part of the amazing work comes from being pretty vulnerable and open, so I was just a young girl trying to live my dream, and Will was great. If he could do it, so could I. Im still trying to be like Will Smith [Laughs]. Jasmine Guy: All week people gave me mama jokes, most of which could never be aired, but I had so much fun throwing new lines at Will. Actor, singer, dancer, songwriter, director, writer. Fox: It definitely got the ball rolling and the phone started ringing. By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. While she doesn't necessarily have a preference between comedic and dramatic roles, the 59-year-old explained how she juggled the two extremes. That was sort of impressive to me. On The Fresh Prince, he was playing a character closer to who he really is, but once I realized that he played this character that couldnt be more unlike him, I gained a whole new respect for him. Then I got a call two weeks later like, "Yo, this is your chance." The ground isn't the only thing that gets shaky when Will and his girlfriend (played by Campbell) are stuck in the basement after an earthquake. Her most recent role as Grams on the popular series 'Vampire Diaries' can be seen on the C.W. A young girl coming from Brooklyn who lived in South Central, Los Angeles born to a single momthat doesnt happen every day. Every time you see him, he always greets you the same. It was representative of black televisions peak during the 1990s, but the fact that everyone watched and can quote entire scenes verbatim makes it exceptional. Episode: "Love At First Fight" (Season 1, Episode 21 as "Kayla Samuels"). He was like, "Yeah, give me a little sista girl." If youve interviewed any of the other actresses who were cast opposite of him, I know someone told you that he gives a speech, right? Vivica A. Jasmine Guy: Everyone on that show was talented and gifted, and we have to stick together. Episode: S04 E13 "Twas the Night Before Christening". When Will and Lisa attempt to elope in Vegas, they find a true Soul Man of an officiant in the form of Isaac Hayes. There were so many things to love about The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air. I was like, "Wow, hes a movie star," and very few people make that transition. Everyone was aware of the show, and a certain age groupregardless of racecan recite every word of the iconic theme song. You just never know. To keep it real, I was so nervous at the timeI was still so new to the business of actingI wouldnt have even stepped to Will Smith to say anything. Vivica A. It was a fun week. Where There's a Will, There's a Way (Part 1), Where There's a Will, There's a Way (Part 2), The episode name is a play on the phrase "Love at first sight. In honor of the show's 25th anniversary, we spoke to a few of themNia Long,. For some of the actresses, filming an episode of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was the biggest moment of their careers at that point. Furthermore, that finesse helped the TV-version of Will Smith score the attention of some of the most talented and desirable young actresses of that era. What I love about the show is that it started a great history of friendships, and Im still good friends with all of them to this day. Al B. When one thinks of "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air," a myriad of memories come to mind: the uncannily catchy theme song, the "Carlton" (and it's many incarnations); and, of course, more celebrity cameos and guest stars than there are cool hats in Hilary's wardrobe. Vivica A. While the show had a huge impact on American style one could not overlook the beautiful women who also made cameos on the show. 'Try Me' was produced by Full Force and features Xcape with Candy Burgess. Then, all of a sudden, he was the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. But whats shocking and amazing is the fact that he went straight into it and was so good at it. Elise Neal (Wendy, Season 4, Episode 22): I was really excited to be part of the show. They all seemed really happy and they made me feel really comfortable. He came back hard and authentic and I knew he was a great talent whether the show got picked up or not. I didnt. People related to that guy who could rap, who was a little goofy, who was from the hood but moved to such a nice area and was living the dream. Guy Ritchie hopes to make magic happen a second time: the director has 'ideas' for Aladdin 2. Manage all your favorite fandoms in one place! All I heard was "No tongue," and everything went black. The fact that it has lasted this long and is iconic, and universally known as "ours," shows that timing is everything. On The Fresh Prince, he was playing a character closer to who he really is, but once I realized that he played this character that couldnt be more unlike him, I gained a whole new respect for him. Im still sassy, Im still spicy, Im still edgy. Let's help each other fly. Although its one of the most important black television shows ever made, it transcended race. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Airr (1991)- as Kayla Samuels on the episode dubbed Love at First Fight; Stompin' at the Savoy (1992)- as Alice; Because hes the complete opposite of that character. Vivica A. In this early episode, Hardison teams up with Quincy Jones and Al B. It was representative of black televisions peak during the 1990s, but the fact that everyone watched and can quote entire scenes verbatim makes it exceptional. Image Awards for her portrayal of the pretentious but funny southern belle. Having an intro that DJs can randomly drop in the club over two decades later is admirable, but its far from the shows most impressive element. For others, it was a launch pad for their careers. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air: She Ain't Heavy, Hollywood Center Studios - 1040 N. Las Palmas Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA. Lela Rochon: It was interesting because I was still kind of fascinated with the role of Hilary, like "Why didnt I get that part?" I remember being like, "Thank God hes tall," and I remember he was nice, but he was really confident. ", Episode: S06 E19 "I, Whoops, There It Is". Make sure that you stay focused, and youll have a great career in front of you, Viv. Parents Just Dont Understand but Andy Borowitz Gets It, We Must Stop Will Smith From Rebooting The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, I had met Will before as a dancer. When a bout of tonsillitis forces Will to come to grips with his fear of hospitals, Doctor Dre from "Yo! Hes a star." No. As of July 2022, Jasmine Guy 's estimated net worth was $4 million. Like, he was a real actor. King. I think I had read for Karyn Parsons role [Hilary] and then I read [for the role of Cindy] and ended up finally getting that part. I was just happy to be there, and I was excited that I was getting to play such a cool role and do a lot of different fun scenes. Fox: It was totally hilarious. If youve interviewed any of the other actresses who were cast opposite of him, I know someone told you that he gives a speech, right? Then I got a call two weeks later like, "Yo, this is your chance." Fox surprises Will twice: once by how attractive she is, and then by how infatuated she is with him. Motownphilly's back again as Will orchestrates some holiday harmony in this Christmas episode with Boyz II Men. Lela Rochon: I didnt know him at all. Will was nice, Alfonso [Ribeiro] was very nice, and so were Janet [Hubert] and James [Avery], rest his soul. She can be seen currently in the film 'October Baby'. Fox: I was doing The Young and the Restless, and I remember asking my agent why I didnt get a chance to audition for Independence Day. It upsets Will that he fails so the next day they have an argument but wind up liking each other. Your problem is that you don't know you deserve it. I went on to do Set It Off with his wifeand then I played Willow's mom on True Jackson, VP. I knew he was really special because, even at that time, he had such a successful music career that you knew he was different. He got some muscles!". Funny . Eventually, Will wins her over and inadvertently starts taking time away from her studies, so Aunt Viv tells him to cut back on their relationship so Kayla can have a good future. At that moment in time, it couldve been anyone on the show, but it really showed me that it was doable. Robin is best known as the right-hand woman to outspoken talk show host Howard Stern, but here, she contributes her contagious cackle to a somewhat haunting episode of Fresh Prince. Her other television performances include: 'Melrose Place' (with Heather Locklear); 'NYPD Blue' (with Jimmy Smits); 'Fresh Prince of Bel Air' (with Will Smith) and 'Living Single' (with Queen Latifah). Vivian Banks: Look, l didn't always fit in. Kathleen 1 episode, 1991 Lela Rochon . I was just like "Okay, Im here.". I guess that one episode was sort of my audition, and then after that, they invited me back to do most of the following season. The Wonderful World Of Will: Will Smith's 20 Best Girlfriends On The Fresh Prince. I looked at him like, "Oh, thats Will Smith. The show was a hit, so I didnt want to mess up. Already three albums deep into his hip-hop career, Will Smith was a star by the time The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air began airing in the fall of 1990. We would do a prayer before every show, and there would be aI dont even know what you call it, its like what a basketball player does with his team before a gameand Will would jump right in the circle. Download to watch offline and even view it on a big screen using Chromecast. The show was a hit, so I didnt want to mess up. His talent and crossover appeal were evident, but not all of the actresses could see that he was on his way to becoming who he is today. After years on Broadway and touring the globe, Jasmine landed the role of Whitley Gilbert on the Cosby Show spin-off 'A Different World'. Episode: S06 E04 "Bourgie Sings the Blues". . He doesnt need to say this." [4] Following a move to California, she appeared in a 1991 episode of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air as Kayla, one of Will Smith 's girlfriends. For some, it was a chance to show their versatility as performers. Jasmine Guy: The most fun I had is when the two of usme and Willhad to go toe to toe with "mama" jokes. I think part of the amazing work comes from being pretty vulnerable and open, so I was just a young girl trying to live my dream, and Will was great. [Laughs]. Kim Fields appeared on the show as Will's love interest Monique. Episodes: S06 E09,10 "There's the Rub" (Parts 1 and 2). Drama, as jasmine guy fresh prince as a daughter for Will to ogle, Pam Grier plenty... Tonsillitis forces Will to come to grips with his fear of hospitals, Doctor Dre ``... 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