This is a story about how The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air reunion special returned to the iconic Banks mansion for genuine laughs and candid conversations.
The special began streaming Wednesday night on HBO Max. It features Will Smith reuniting with the stars of the classic television show, including Tatyana Ali, Karyn Parsons, Joseph Marcell, Daphne Maxwell Reid and Alfonso Ribeiro, as well as recurring co-star DJ Jazzy Jeff.
The group took a walk down memory lane and talked about the show’s cultural impact since it debuted in 1990.
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The special also showed a candid conversation with Smith and actress Janet Hubert, who originated the role of Aunt Viv, but was replaced after three seasons.
“I was hurt deeply,” Hubert said on the special, via Entertainment Weekly.
Over the years, the actress has openly criticized Smith, saying the rapper and actor was to blame for her departure.
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On the reunion special, Hubert revealed she was struggling with personal issues during her last season on the show. She said she was pregnant and in an abusive marriage. Losing her job only made things worse.
“When I left the show, I had this new baby and no one. Family disowned me. Hollywood disowned me. My family said, ‘You’ve ruined our name.’ And I wasn’t unprofessional on the set. I just stopped talking to everybody because I didn’t know who to trust because I had been banished. And they said it was you who banished me. Because you were Will. It was hard,” she told Smith.
The actress clarified what really happened, and said she was offered a new contract, which she declined, because it greatly reduced her salary and barred her from working on other projects.
Smith said he has matured after having children and his second marriage, yet Hubert countered that life was extremely difficult for her following her exit from the show.
“You took all of that away from me — with your words. Words can kill. I lost everything. Reputation. Everything. And I understand you were able to move forward, but you know those words, calling a Black woman difficult in Hollywood, is the kiss of death ,” Hubert said.
After sharing their emotions together, Smith thanked Hubert and hugged her.
“You’re still my Aunt Viv,” he said.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air reunion special is now streaming on HBO Max. Watch a trailer for the special below.
She’s still hot. I’d do her, hell yeah.