List of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air characters
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This is a list of characters on the television series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Contents |
[edit] The Banks family
[edit] Will Smith
William "Will" Smith (played by Will Smith) was born on July 3, 1973 in West Philadelphia. He often has spouts with his cousin Carlton, whom he sees as not quite "black." Despite their differences, Will grows extremely close to the Banks family, even turning down his mother when she offers to let him move back in with her again in Philly.
During one of Will's trips back to his old neighborhood, he confronts the old park bully, Omar (depicted in the opening credits), to restore his damaged reputation. When Will challenges him, he is startled when a reformed Omar refuses to fight. Omar misses Will, and through him Will gradually realizes that his reputation is not important, and returns to Bel-Air. At the conclusion of the story's run, he remains in Los Angeles to finish up his last year of college.
First Line in show: "Back to Life. Back to Reality."
[singing the song ""Back to Life (However Do You Want Me)" by Soul II Soul ]
Last Line in show: "I am definitely gonna miss you, C."
[edit] Carlton Banks
Nickname by Will "C"
Carlton Banks, (played by Alfonso Ribeiro), born November 10, 1973, is Will's pedantic and preppy cousin. Carlton is a firmly conservative Republican, and proves both friend and foe for Will. Although Carlton and Will often trade insults, Carlton obviously cares about Will by referring to him as "the brother I've always wanted." His role model is talk show host Bryant Gumbel, and his favorite singer is Tom Jones. His favorite actor is William Shatner, whom he annoys by making lame Star Trek jokes. Carlton also idolizes Macaulay Culkin, whom he once dressed up as for Halloween. Carlton is similar to Family Ties character Alex P. Keaton in many respects: he dresses in a preppy style, has conservative political leanings, is obsessed with college and his future career, is fairly short, and does not enjoy the popular music of most people his age. Carlton is often called upon to do a comic, usually improvised dance routine to Tom Jones' It's Not Unusual. In earlier seasons, he makes frequent reference to his virginity, and also plans to attend Princeton University. In later seasons, these arcs are both resolved: Carlton does indeed lose his virginity, but is not initially admitted to Princeton; instead he first attends the University of Los Angeles, where he briefly manages ULA's student store, the Peacock. Carlton also seems to have a gambling problem, and loses all of his money in any situation where gambling is involved. He usually declares that gambling is "evil" right before he goes all in and loses his and others' money.
In the sixth and last season, Carlton finally gains transfer admission to Princeton University and leaves for the east coast in the series finale (in reality, Princeton does not accept transfer students). Despite his geeky persona, he is surprisingly well-built, causing comment among Ashley's friends and the audience in particular when he appears in swim wear.
One running gag is that Carlton continuously being slapped across the head by various characters, usually due to making comments that are ridiculously self-centered (in second half of the show, for example, he would often make humorous comments about gaining his father's inheritance) or due to portraying ignorance of lives other than his own. Often Will would ask to hold what Carlton is holding and once receiving it he would slap Carlton across the head with the object.
First line in show: "How's it going there Will?"
Last line in show: "Hey, who turned out the lights?! Where is everybody?!"
[edit] Philip Banks
- Nickname by Will: "Uncle Phil"
- Nickname by Carlton: "Big guy"
- Nickname by Vivian: "Pookie Poo"
- Nickname by Mother (Hattie): "Zeke"
Judge Philip Banks (played by James Avery) was born on January 30, 1946 in Yamacraw, North Carolina. Phillip was raised on a farm where he was referred to by his parents (Hattie and Joe Banks) as "Zeke." He moved to Baltimore at age 16, went to Princeton University on a scholarship, and in the 1960s, became an activist for the civil rights movement. He was present at the riots in Selma in 1965 and Watts Riots, and in the pilot episode also mentions he had heard Malcolm X speak. In 1963, he was awarded a scholarship to study at Princeton University, after which he went to Harvard Law School. In 1975, Philip was put on the board of the NAACP and was later awarded the Urban Spirit Award for his work in promoting civil rights. At the beginning of the series, Philip is a lawyer with the firm of Firth, Wynn and Meyer, but in the third season is appointed to the judiciary; he becomes judge after his ex-mentor, Judge Robertson, who beat Phillip by a landslide in the elections, dies suddenly, and the state appoints Phil the position. Philip later considers making a deeper foray into politics, but decides against it when his wife disapproves.
After meeting and dating his future wife Vivian, he proposed to her while on live television during an episode of Soul Train.
Philip is a somewhat strict and gruff man, but he does have a softer side, and is an upstanding citizen. Nonetheless, his anger can get him into trouble at times, especially when he feels his image is being besmirched. Additionally, Philip can be financially greedy. He pays his butler Geoffrey a salary so low that Geoffrey quits after Philip gives him a mediocre additional annual raise, and only returns when Philip apologizes for taking him for granted and agrees to increase his salary and benefits. Similarly, while he always spoils Hilary, Philip refuses to increase the allowances of his children.
However, despite his obvious acts of selfishness, Philip is a very caring and loving husband and father. He makes sure that he does what is best for all his children, including Will. Although Will is only related to Phillip by marriage, he very much cares for him as his own son. Throughout the series, Phillip has been there for his children in their time of need. If anything, he will go out of his way to make sure his children become something of themselves.
A common occasion for humor on the show is Phillip's portly shape and big appetite. Will commonly makes cracks about his figure, as does Geoffrey at times. Unfortunately, Phillip's appetite has given him trouble and a heart attack.
Uncle Phil also turned out to be an amazingly adept pool player.
First line in show: "It is amazing; you certainly have grown, Will."
Last line in show: "Sunday."
[edit] Vivian Banks
- Nickname by Will: "Aunt Viv"
Professor Vivian Smith Banks, born 1951, was portrayed by Janet Hubert-Whitten from Seasons 1 to 3, and was recast with Daphne Maxwell Reid in Season 4. This change of casting causes Jazz to comment on the change of her appearance in the new season. She has been a professor of Black History and Literature (Ph.D.) at UCLA since 1971, and in one early episode takes a temporary job as a teacher for a unit in Black History at Bel-Air Academy, the upscale preparatory high school attended by Will and Carlton. She has three sisters: Helen, Janice, and Will's mother Vy.
Vivian's personality and role in the show changes over the run of the series. During the Janet Hubert-Whitten years, she is a no-nonsense, vocally-talented, forthright, and career-minded woman who plays a part in the show equal to her husband Philip. After Reid took the part in 1993 and baby Nicky was added to the cast, the writers toned down Vivian's former persona and portrayed her as a homemaker who showed reluctance toward ambitious career moves, such as Philip's political aspirations, she also spoke and appeared less than Janet, despite them both being on the show for an equal time. She always supported her children in whatever they wanted (even if it was wrong), especially the air-headed Hilary, like allowing her to pose naked in a magazine, get abruptly married and do a seance despite Philip's disapprovals.
First line in show: "Willie!"
Last line in show: "You're going to love the Plaza!"
[edit] Hilary Banks
- Nickname by Will: "Hil"
Hilary Banks (played by Karyn Parsons), born 1969, is Will's attractive, but dull-witted, eldest cousin, known for her notable lack of intelligence, her pretentious attitude, for being "spoiled", and her dependence on Geoffrey. In earlier seasons, Hilary's snobbishness is emphasized, as well as her shallow trendy environmental activism. During this time, she often claimed to hobnob with celebrities and loves being mistaken by people for Whitney Houston. Later on, Hilary is written as a self-centered airhead; she looks down on Will's upbringing and is obsessed with shopping and money. However, despite her apparent shallow personality, she has a strong sense of integrity and shows obvious affection to her family members. Will gets along with her better than with Carlton. Hilary is portrayed as a stereotypical valley girl and speaks with some strong valspeak habits, in spite of her disdain for the San Fernando Valley (as evidenced from when she said, "And hell is like, the Valley.").
During the series, Hilary attends and drops out of UCLA, after which she begins a long streak of luck that eventually lands her a nationally-televised daytime talk show titled Hilary. It starts when she becomes a weather reporter at a local TV station, where she meets and falls in love with news anchor Trevor Collins (portrayed by Brian Stokes Mitchell). However, Trevor dies in a bungee jumping accident while proposing marriage, part of an ill-conceived live publicity stunt. At the conclusion of the series, Hilary's talk show moves to New York City, as does most of the rest of the Banks family.
Hilary's hair styles have changed as the series progressed: Early in the series it was brown and bushy, it then became longer and curly with blonde highlights, but later it was black, straight, and shoulder-length.
First line in show: "Dad, I need $300."
Last line in show: "Geoffrey, could you help me with my bag? Just kidding (giggle)."
[edit] Ashley Banks
- Nickname by Will: "Ash"
Ashley Banks (played by Tatyana M. Ali) is Will's younger cousin, born 1979. Ashley was Vivian's baby, and always loved being with her mommy. Philip was always trying to control Ashley's life so she didn't become anything like regular teenage girls. Will's devil-may-care approach to life is an exciting alternative, which makes her generally more sympathetic and understanding towards him than other members of the Banks family. It seems that by spending time with Will, Ashley often acts rebelliously as she gets older, for which her father becomes very angry at Will. In the episode "Father Knows Best", Ashley lies and drops out of her private school and goes into a public school. Ashley matures much in the series; she is a one-hit wonder with her brief singing career[1] and strives to become a fashion model.
In the series finale, Ashley decides to attend a performing arts school in New York City. As Hilary is moving to New York with her talk show, the two sisters decide to live together and both are extremely excited about the whole idea.
First line in show: "Hi Mom! Hi Dad!"
Last line in show: "I love you, Will."
[edit] Nicky Banks
- Nickname by Will: "(Little) Nicky"
Nicholas "Nicky" Banks (played by Gregory Wheeler in Season 4 as 5 year-old Nicky in one episode, and Ross Bagley from Season 5 onward) is born to Philip and Vivian in early 1993, towards the end of the third season. The character was primarily used as a plot device, often adding motivation for other characters, comic relief, or an emotional punch to the show's storyline. As is common in television series, especially soap operas, Nicky grows from newborn infant to preschooler between seasons, and confused characters on the show actually question how this came to be. This "spurt" begins in the fifth season.
Nicky's full name is Nicholas Andrew Michael Shawn Nathan Wanya Banks. His last four middle names are the names of the members of Boyz II Men; he was middle-named this way after they performed at his christening.
First line in show: "It's the same mom." (when Jazz asked who was playing the mom that season)
Last line in show: "Never give Dad any bad news when he's hungry."
[edit] Geoffrey Barbara Butler
- Nickname by Will: "G"
Geoffrey Barbara Butler (played by Joseph Marcell) serves as the Banks family's English butler. In addition to four years at Oxford University and a long career working for British aristocrats, Geoffrey was an Olympic runner several years before being hired by the Banks family, but fled his home country in shame after cheating in a race and being slapped by Queen Elizabeth II. In the 1970s, he was a butler for the band Led Zeppelin. In the early 80s, Geoffrey was sparring butler for Chuck Norris.
Geoffrey always refers to Will as "Master William", (except once on the last episode) and is the voice of caustic humor on the show, often commenting on Philip's weight, his own low pay, his lack of a social or romantic life, or the overall laziness of the family. He is known for his sarcasm. In early episodes, he has an interest in classical music and is often hinted at as leading a vibrant private life. Ironically, although a stickler for tradition, he incorrectly tells Will it is proper to refer to a butler by his first name, although this is possibly because his surname & job title are the same.[2] He considers himself to be part of the English working-class, despite his speaking the Queen's English, and, in one episode, is wary of a relationship with a rich woman.
He becomes the godfather of Nicky Banks in the fourth season. Midway into the sixth season, Geoffrey discovers he has a son he never knew about, named Frederick, born to an ex-wife. During the same episode, it is also revealed that his middle name is "Barbara", which he explains is a "family name." Geoffrey leaves to be with his son in London in the series finale. However, in the fourth season episode "'Twas the Night Before Christening", a sequence set in the year 1998 portrays Geoffrey as still being the Banks family's butler.
First line in show: "I am NOT your Uncle Philip."
Last line in show: "Goodbye, Will."
[edit] Recurring characters
[edit] Jazz
- Nickname by Will: "J"
Jazz was portrayed by Will Smith's musical partner Jeffrey A. Townes, popularly known as D.J. Jazzy Jeff. Jazz is Will's ill-mannered, not-so-bright best friend who lives in the inner-city community of Compton, California. He has had a long crush on Hilary, and she has fallen for him at times. Jazz eventually marries a prison inmate named Jewel who had appeared on COPS. In an episode titled "Mother's Day", Jewel reveals that she and Jazz are expecting a baby, though no other mention of their child is ever made again. He divorces her shortly afterward, realizing he knows nothing about her and that her real name isn't even Jewel (it is Hortense). Jazz is almost completely tactless, and succeeds in insulting or irritating Philip almost every time they are together. He knows how to play the drums very well, and once gave Ashley a lesson.
In a recurring gag throughout the series, Philip usually ends up literally throwing or, as it was referred to the first time, drop-kicking Jazz out of the house, though sometimes Hilary, Geoffrey and even Will do it. Whenever Jazz is thrown out of the house, he is usually wearing the same clothes. This is because Warner Bros. decided to use the same clip over and over instead of throwing him out each time. Will was once on the receiving end of this punishment after making egregious changes to Uncle Phil's political campaign tape. During a dream sequence, Jazz got revenge by throwing Philip out instead. There was also an instance where Jazz was standing outside of the house, taunting Philip because he was already standing outside; as a result, Philip throws him inside the house. In another episode, Jazz was thrown out in the backyard along with a cardboard cutout of Bill Cosby that he was lugging around. There was also a scene at Jazz's apartment in episode "How I Spent My Summer Vacation," where Jazz throws Will out of his apartment.
Jazz's last appearance was in the first part of the series finale, where it was Uncle Phil's 50th birthday. He gave Philip his grandmother's teeth as a gift - because Jazz thought Philip was getting old. Thus, Philip was once again angry and threw Jazz out of the house. This was Jazz's final appearance.
After the house had been sold and Will had found an apartment, Philip was the only person to mention Jazz when asking when he was coming by to help Will pack, to which Will responded, "As soon as you leave." Philip was not surprised, but he did want to wish Jazz luck in the future.
First line in show: "You got that right."
Last line in show: "Ahh!" (upon being thrown out of the house, yet again)
[edit] Vy Smith-Wilkes
Viola "Vy" Smith-Wilkes, portrayed by Vernee Watson-Johnson, is Will's loving mother, and Vivian's oldest sister. It was her idea that Will should go to Bel-Air to get a good education and avoid a life of violence in their West Philadelphia neighborhood. Vy eventually marries Lisa Wilkes' father after Will and Lisa call off their second wedding attempt. Her maiden name and married name were previously the same, as Will's father was named Lou Smith. Her last appearance was in "There's the Rub (Part 2)."
[edit] Helen Smith
Helen Smith, portrayed by Jenifer Lewis, is Vivian's loud-mouthed older sister. She has frequent marriage difficulties with her husband Lester, whom she finally divorces, leaving him with custody over their son Bobby.
[edit] Janice Smith
- Nickname by Will: "Aunt J"
Janice Smith, played by Charlayne Woodard, is the youngest of the Smith sisters, flighty according to Vivian, and married to a white man named Frank (portrayed by Diedrich Bader in Seasons 1 and 2, Robert Torti in one episode in Season 3), a marriage older sister Vy initially objects to. She also appears in the series with a baby son.
[edit] Hattie Banks
- Nickname by Will: "Granny"
Hattie Banks, played by Virginia Capers[3], is Philip's mother, having appeared in six episodes over the series' run. She forms a close affinity with Will and even falls for some of his pranks, much to Philip's irritation.
[edit] Beulah Lisa Wilkes
Lisa Wilkes, portrayed by Nia Long, was introduced in the fifth season episode, "Will's Misery," as the girlfriend who tames Will into forsaking his womanizing ways. The two fall deeply in love and are engaged to be married, going so far as the ceremonies twice, but never actually tie the knot. The first time, they elope to Las Vegas and try a Shaft-themed wedding, but walk out on the ceremony after being interrupted so many times and realizing they aren't ready, yet. The second time Lisa leaves Will at the altar, just as they are about to say "I do" in front of all their friends and family, because she is having doubts. She is never seen again.
Lisa's father was memorably played by veteran actor John Amos. When Lisa and Will cut their second wedding short, he and Will's mother decide not to let the ceremony go to waste; they get married right then and there, making Lisa Will's stepsister.
[edit] Jackie Ames
Jackie Ames was portrayed by Tyra Banks in the fourth season in a few episodes. As manager of The Peacock, Jackie is the object of Will's affection and frequent come-ons, but continually spurns his advances, deeming him too immature. The two were old childhood friends from Philadelphia, but she feels Will hasn't grown up since those days. There are certain innuendos indicating she still has feelings for Will.
At first, Carlton believes that Jackie was "the girl of his dreams" after she told off some people who were making fun of his peacock costume (Carlton was dressed up as ULA's mascot the peacock). Later that night at a party, Will discovers that this girl that Carlton was talking about was Jackie, a girl he had dated back in Philly.
[edit] Kellogg Lieberbaum
- Nickname by Will: "Cornflake"
Kellogg Lieberbaum (played by Michael Weiner) was a classmate and friend of Will and Carlton at Bel-Air Academy. Most of his appearances were in the first season, but he makes two appearances in the second season as well. As a pun on Kellogg's Corn Flakes, he is nicknamed "Cornflake" by Will. Much of the humor of his character comes from the dissonance of an unassuming Jewish preppie using such phrases as "She is one fly sister" and "Power to the people - say it loud: I'm black and I'm proud!"
[edit] Edward "Ned" Fellows III
Will and Carlton's English teacher at Bel-Air Academy. He was played by Jonathan Emerson.
[edit] Tyriq Johnson
- Nickname by Will: "Ty"
Ty (played by Perry Moore) was one of Will's best friends who appeared in five episodes.[4] Ty has mentioned that he has been left back in the 10th grade several times.
[edit] Trevor Collins/Newsworthy
Trevor (portrayed by Brian Stokes Mitchell) was Hilary's news anchor fiancé back in 1992 and co-worker at the television station at which they both worked. Trevor often gave himself compliments. Also, he always left the air and the Banks' mansion by saying, "Goodnight and Godspeed." He was originally referred to as "Trevor Collins", but later episodes established his surname as "Newsworthy."[citation needed] He eventually proposes to Hilary, but she insists that he officially proposes on live television later that day. Trevor then proposes to her on television while bungee jumping, and dies during the stunt when something goes wrong with the jump and he hits the ground. Hilary mourns his death by bringing back what she presumes to be Trevor's ashes in an urn, but later learns that Trevor was not cremated, and that she grabbed a stranger's urn. His death continues to haunt Hilary for the next few episodes and his memory, unlike almost everything else (including Trevor's very name), never leaves her mind.
[edit] Other Characters
[edit] Lou Smith
Lou Smith (played by Ben Vereen) was a one-time character, appearing only in the episode "Papa's Got a Brand New Excuse." He is Will's biological father, and a trucker. Lou abandoned his family when Will was 5 or 6 years old[citation needed], and explains his motives for leaving by saying he "felt trapped."
Lou drops in unannounced at the Peacock cafe where Will and Carlton work. Will invites Lou to the Banks' residence, but when he arrives, he is unwelcome; Vivian and Phillip want nothing to do with him, especially Phillip, who insults him. Will and his father go to a carnival where Lou explains to him he wasn't ready to be a father. When they return to the house, Lou announces that Will is joining him for the summer on a statewide trip in Lou's truck. Philip objects to this because he believes Lou will let Will down again. After Lou leaves the mansion to go to the pool house, Will and Philip get into a heated argument that ended with Will screaming at Phil, "Who cares what you think? You're not my father!" before storming out. Philip is hurt and begins wondering if he is a good father to his other kids. He apologizes to Will the next day and wishes him good luck.
After a while, the family is still waiting for Lou to return. Lou eventually shows up, claiming them he has found a "big" new job that will not afford enough space for Will. Before he leaves, Vivian tells Lou, "If you walk out of Will's life now, don't you ever come back." Philip then challenges Lou, reminding him of his responsibility to Will, and explains that being there for his family is what a man does. Will then walks in before Lou can duck out, again. Lou tells Will that he can't take him along because of his job, and promises to call him "next week." Will knows Lou has bailed on him again, and accepts the fact he will get through life without him. Will finally breaks down, asking Philip tearfully, "How come he don't want me, man?" The two embrace, and Will accepts Philip as the father he never had.
The episode fades out with Will's sobbing as the only sounds being heard. The camera fades in on a statuette of an apparent father figure embracing his son in his lap, displaying the symbolism of a father always being there for his son. This gift had been purchased by Will, intending it for his father.
[edit] Celebrity Appearances
The show had many guest appearances by celebrities, including Al B. Sure!, Hank Azaria, Dante Basco, Garcelle Beauvais, Bell Biv DeVoe, Milton Berle, Earl Boen, Riddick Bowe, Boyz II Men, Zachery Ty Bryan, Naomi Campbell, Tevin Campbell, Jaime Cardriche, Don Cheadle, Dick Clark, Don Cornelius, Stacey Dash, Doctor Dré, Daniel Evans, Norman Fell, Kim Fields, Vivica A. Fox, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Brad Garrett, Robin Givens, Pam Grier, Ken Griffey, Jr., Kathy Griffin, Robert Guillaume, Jasmine Guy, Kadeem Hardison, Issac Hayes, Heavy D, Hugh Hefner, Sherman Hemsley, Evander Holyfield, D. L. Hughley, Bo Jackson, Quincy Jones, Tom Jones, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, B.B. King, Bernie Kopell, Jay Leno, Tom Lister, Jr., Marla Maples, Duane Martin, Chi McBride, Pat Morita, Wayne Newton, Allen Payne, Regis Philbin, Queen Latifah, Lela Rochon, Chris Rock, Shavar Ross, Richard Roundtree, William Shatner, Raven Symone, Larenz Tate, Isiah Thomas, Donald Trump, Joan Van Ark, Lark Voorhies, George Wallace, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Jaleel White, Vanessa L. Williams, Oprah Winfrey, John Witherspoon, James Tolkan, and Steve Wynn.
John Roarke impersonated President Ronald Reagan in an early episode.
The series finale featured Conrad Bain and Gary Coleman reprising their roles from Diff'rent Strokes, as well as Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, and Marla Gibbs reprising their roles from The Jeffersons, as potential buyers of the Banks' house. (Hemsley and Sanford had appeared as George and Louise "Weezy" Jefferson in the fifth season episode "Will is From Mars..."). Hemsley himself had also previously played the recurring role of Judge Robertson).
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