Home Entertainment Will Smith’s reunion with father James Avery of ‘Fresh Prince’, what James whispered into Will Smith’s ear made him cry on set

Will Smith’s reunion with father James Avery of ‘Fresh Prince’, what James whispered into Will Smith’s ear made him cry on set

Entertainment — 04/26/2024

During the early HBO Max premiere of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air reunion, James Avery was much missed. During the special, Will Smith and the rest of the cast honored James, who portrayed Banks patriarch Philip Banks. Will cried a lot as he thought back on the influence James, who died in 2013, had on him in his early acting career.

“James, he really shoved me,” Will told the group. “It’s because of my special position that you have to improve your craft,” he said. He simply wouldn’t give me an inch, even if you are the one making the way and you have to represent.

Will remembered the scene in which the father of his character reappears after a 14-year absence. Will claimed to be inspired by James and to have a strong desire for James “to think I was good.” Will remarked that he also wanted James to feel “proud” of him when co-star Tatyana Ali brought it up.

Will and Uncle Phil have a tearful talk about Will’s father in the season 4 episode. In front of the crowd, Will “flubbed” his line, as he disclosed to the cast. “My mind snapped because I messed up in front of the audience,” Will said. James intervened to console Will when he acknowledged that he was upset with himself. Will was told by James to “get yourself together.” James then made a “action” call.

Will stated, “The scene that we perform is the scene that ended up being in the episode.” After the intense scene, Will and Uncle Phil give each other hugs. Will disclosed that James said, “Now that’s acting,” in his ear at that precise time.

Will took out a tissue to dab at his tears as he relived the story. “People are always molding, forming, and crafting you without even realizing it.” Will acknowledged. James knew exactly what he was doing with them, the cast and Will agreed.

The cast was then given a clip featuring some of James’ best shots. Everyone had started crying by the time the reel ended. Will kept crying and blotting his face with tears. Alfonso Ribeiro, Daphne Maxwell Reid, Karyn Parsons, Janet Hubert, and Joseph Marcell were also present in the special.