In honor of the famous ladies who graced the Banks Mansion, PBH2 has created a gallery of Will Smiths hottest girlfriends on The Fresh Prince. Ya damn right, he does! Elise Neal: I was nervous, and I had what, to me at the time, was a lot of lines, so any free time I got away from the set, I was in my dressing room going over the lines. In addition to her defining role on A Different World, she appeared in a 1991 episode of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air as Kayla, one of Will Smith's girlfriends. 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. You usually do a prayer before you shoot a scene or begin filming to make sure everything is good. She was raised in Collier Heights . Vivica A. In one of the show's surprisingly tear-jerking moments, entertainment legend Ben Vereen plays Lou, Will's long lost and disappointing father. It wasnt like, "Oh, Im on this show with this guy. William 'Will' Smith: l think l should go. In The Name Of Love" (Season 4, Episode 18 as "Samantha"), Episode: "M Is For The Many Things She Gave Me" (Season 4, Episode 22 as "Wendy"), Episodes: "That's No Lady, That's My Cousin" (Season 3, Episode 3 as "Veronica"); "Not I, Barbecue" (Season 6, Episode 6 as "Sandra"). T. lasted this long and is iconic, and universally known as "ours," shows that timing is everything. She had signed up to a number of endorsement arrangements, for which she received generous pay. . The song shot up the R & B charts quickly to Gold status, and fueled the success of the album's second and third chart singles 'Another Like My Lover' and 'I Just Wanna Hold You'. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air provied many of these actresses with the exposure they needed to ascend the next plateau. but it made sense when Karyn did it because she had such a specific take on it. He scores a date with her, but everything gets crazy when she unexpectedly goes into labor. My mom say's that shit! [Laughs]. Youre just happy to have a job. Elise Neal: We did a prayer. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air provied many of these actresses with the exposure they needed to ascend the next plateau. and I put up my finger. The rest is told in his gripping visuals, The Exhibit: Finding the Next Great Artist, the "Carlton" (and it's many incarnations). Episode: Season 1, Episode 5 "Homeboy, Sweet Homeboy". Vivica A. Lela Rochon: I remember they said we were going to go into Wills dressing room and do a group prayer, but before we did the prayer, they did a dance. So when we sit down the first day, he says to me: "Were going to do this kissing scene. Episode: S04 E22 "M is for the Many Things She Gave Me". running down the street with that shirt open. ", Episode: S04 E01 "Where There's a Will, There's a Way"(Part 1). A young girl coming from Brooklyn who lived in South Central, Los Angeles born to a single momthat doesnt happen every day. Because hes the complete opposite of that character. My whole family was counting on me too, but l couldn't handle the pressure, so I ran off with some guy and quit school. Vivica A. Nia Long: A ritual? Fox: Hes been an inspiration for my career for many years because hes such a gentleman. lf you wonder why l seem to fit so well here it's because l worked damn hard to get here and l know l deserve it. 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. Fox: It was totally hilarious. Jasmine Guy Actress Writer Director IMDbPro Starmeter See rank Play trailer 1:46 The Lady Makers (2022) 9 Videos 85 Photos Actress-dancer-director Jasmine Guy has enjoyed a diverse career in television, theatre and film. I didnt find it intimidating, but I was like, "Wow, hes so confident to be so young." Miss Guy drops in on the Fresh PrinceFire! Vivian winds up lecturing Kayla and revealing things about her owns struggles to be successful. Things seem to be going perfectly for Will and Carlton when they score a double date with Tiffany (played by Tamala) and her attractive girlfrienduntil it becomes abundantly clear that one of the girls is spoken for. So I was a fan of the showyou always watch the jobs you dont get; thats why I watched the showand I really liked it. And he was right. 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. l got four older sisters, all of them mamas before they were 18. Elise Neal: At the end of the day, years later, I ended up on [the show he executive produced], All of Us, so it all kind of comes full-circle. Elise Neal:I posted a flashback picture of me and Pam Grier on Instagram recently, and it almost got a thousand likes. I remember I came in and the entire cast was on set having a table read, and a friend of mine who was a writer on the show told me to come down and say hello to everyone. Before playing Ray Romano's quirky and morose brother in "Everybody Loves Raymond," Garett portrayed a mobster in this tall tale of an episode. Lela Rochon: It was interesting because I was still kind of fascinated with the role of Hilary, like "Why didnt I get that part?" Prolific character actor Michael Rapaport has spoken in interviews about being a fan of Will Smith's from back in the day in Philly, so he must have been excited to play a role in this episode, wherein Will and Carlton throw a party that gets out of hand at their new pad. Episode: S02 E06 "Guess Who's Coming to Marry?". Everybody was like, "Whos that girl?" Nia Long: To me, he was already a star. 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. He was like, "Yeah, give me a little sista girl." It all worked together beautifully, and it was Benny Medinas brainchild. Elise Neal: Im not surprised by it. Six auditions later, I got the part. Will and Lisa's wedding may explode in this episode, but at least real-life popular newscaster Arthel Neville and the Banks sisters look good in their bridesmaid dresses. I actually have a Polaroid from the episode where Will has on like, tuxedo shorts. 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." The show was a hit, so I didnt want to mess up. Make sure that you stay focused, and youll have a great career in front of you, Viv. That was sort of impressive to me. Were all connected, so its cool. 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. Lela Rochon(Cindy, Season 2, Episode 3): I remember going in for The Fresh Prince maybe a couple of times before they finally offered me a role on the show. . A young girl coming from Brooklyn who lived in South Central, Los Angeles born to a single momthat doesnt happen every day. Vivian winds up lecturing Kayl See production, box office & company info. When Carlton is having a crisis over his academic future, he looks to colossal talent Michael Clarke Duncan for validation and gets only an apathetic "Shut up. I didnt. We played dozens, and for anyone that knows anything about black folk.you don't talk about [anyones] mama. Like, he was a real actor. Lela Rochon: You know what, I guess because now I have kids and Wills still very popular, now I just pop my collar and say, "Yeah, I was one of his girlfriends, whatever." Nia Long: We did Made in America together, but when I saw him in Six Degrees of Separation, it hit me that he was a really good actor. So I kind of knew him, and then I knew him out and about as Will Smith the rapper. Vivica A Fox: Working with them was like working with family. Scene from. Lela Rochon (Cindy, Season 2, Episode 3): I remember going in for The Fresh Prince maybe a couple of times before they finally offered me a role on the show. Like, "Is he really saying this? I wanna b ur fantasy and maybe u could be mine! I think I had done one of his early videos. Some auditioned multiple times before securing their roles, others say they barely auditioned, and one actually read for a major role prior to her guest appearance. The "Good Times" star plays the father of Will's girlfriend and a bit of a ladies man. To be able to say that the great, bomb-ass Pam Grier was my mother and that Will had sex with her, and that I was part of that whole episode is still a very nice memory that I have. 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. Jasmine Guy is the first guest star to have "Special Appearance by" on the scene after the intro. Fox: Hes been an inspiration for my career for many years because hes such a gentleman. Manage all your favorite fandoms in one place! That was her part; she really owned it. King. Twenty years later, Im finishing up the sequel. Episodes: S05 E25 "For Whom the Wedding Bells Toll" and S06 E21 "I, Stank Hole in One". Although its one of the most important black television shows ever made, it transcended race. The fusion of charm, savoir faire, and touching honesty youve seen in his best work was honed during the shows six-season run. I went on to do Set It Off with his wifeand then I played Willow's mom on True Jackson, VP. Elise Neal: I was nervous, and I had what, to me at the time, was a lot of lines, so any free time I got away from the set, I was in my dressing room going over the lines. Thats definitely a joke; I definitely dont take myself that seriously, but it is what it is. For me, the pride is in the fact that A. I got the job and B. that I worked side-to-side with Will Smith. 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? Getty Images, NBC Universal: Jan Sonnenmair. When he said, "Janet, what is wrong with you?!" Nia Long: I think that when youre in the moment, youre not worried about that. She began her professional career at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York City. For others, it was a launch pad for their careers. She was born on March 10, 1962. She is known for her role as Dina in the 1988 film School Daze and as Whitley Gilbert-Wayne on the NBC The Cosby Show spin-off A Different World, which originally ran from 1987 to 1993. Jasmine Guy (Kayla Samuels, Season 1, Episode 21): I was happy to be asked to do the show Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. I look back at some of those episodes like, "Wow, I really needed to tone down the attitude." Then afterwards, talking to Tisha Campbell and a couple of other people within the show, I realized that he gave the speech to every girl that did the show. 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. The natural unease was settled by the familial environment on set, as well as the fact that some of them had met members of the castincluding Willbefore. No epic guest star list would be complete without a drop in from the King of Cameos, Mr. William Shatner. 1996-2023, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Every time you see him, he always greets you the same. 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. Carlton's power hungry ways threaten to put a damper on Will's chances with this "Drew Carey Show" beauty. For me, the pride is in the fact that A. I got the job and B. that I worked side-to-side with Will Smith. I realized Id never be the female version of Tiger Woods, but I tried. Everybody was like, "Whos that girl?" Network. Nia Long: We had so much fun; he was so silly all the time, on camera and off. He was like, "Yeah, give me a little sista girl." 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. 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. All of them may not harbor pride for this feat, but they understand how that designation aligns with the shows legacy. No, but I am proud that I was on such an amazing show that had superstar after superstar. Jasmine Guy . Birthday: Mar 10, 1962 Birthplace: Boston, Massachusetts, USA Dancing is what fueled Jasmine Guy's passion growing up in Massachusetts in the 1960s. It upsets Will that he fails so the next day they have an argument but wind up liking each other. The psycho bitch showed up. I remember I came in and the entire cast was on set having a table read, and a friend of mine who was a writer on the show told me to come down and say hello to everyone. Episodes: S06 E09,10 "There's the Rub" (Parts 1 and 2). He got some muscles!". If youre at a level of success and you want to take the next step, then you have to let your team know thats what you want to make it happen. Vivica A Fox: Working with them was like working with family. Episode: S05 E05 "Fresh Prince, the Movie". I know I couldnt jump inside of his head to see what he wanted, because at the end of the day, thats what the job is. 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. Elise Neal: The whole experience was really a great time. I act like it was no big deal, but the kids think its a huge deal. She won six consecutive N.A.A.C.P. Ive been working non-stop for the last 25 years. They literally put on hip-hop music and everyone danced and did a little solo; it was so fun. Episode: S04 E18 "Stop Will! I went on to do Set It Off with his wife and then I played Willow's mom on True Jackson, VP. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . She can be seen currently in the film 'October Baby'. When he said, "Janet, what is wrong with you?!" Vivica A. Although its one of the most important black television shows ever made, it transcended race. "Cosby Show"'s Warner, plays Hilary's boyfriend, but has no love for Will and sues after our star hits his car without carrying auto insurance. 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. As a frequent motivational public speaker, Jasmine is called upon to share her story openly with those who may benefit from her trials and triumphs. She was like, "If you dont like this, youd better say something," or "If you dont like your makeup, go in the bathroom and fix it yourself." She was born on March 10, 1962, in Boston, Massachusetts. Did he do that? You'll love this episode, bet on it! She was recognized as one of her era's leading actresses. 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. Complex Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No, but I am proud that I was on such an amazing show that had superstar after superstar. They all seemed really happy and they made me feel really comfortable. It was just the right vehicle to make him shine and make you see him in a different light, and I think he transitioned really well. I met Will briefly on the set of A Different World and found him bright, charismatic, and talented. Enjoy these stunning shots of Will Smiths former girlfriends on The Fresh Prince? Longtime "Newlywed Game" host wins when he steps into his familiar role as game show host in this classic episode. Arthel returned as herself the following season. Jasmine Guy Birth Place: Boston, Massachusetts, United States Profession Actor, singer, dancer, songwriter, director, writer Actor 66 Credits Queen 2022 Reunion Road Trip 2021 Grey's Anatomy 2019. She is best known for her starring role as Whitley Gilbert in the television sitcom A Different World and Roxy in Dead Like Me . One look at this super model, and it's easy to see why after setting Geoffrey up on a blind date with her, Will wants to keep her for himself. 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