Of course, The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air screams 90s. No need to take 90s fashion courses, just check out the amazing outfits the cast wears. Will Smith played himself in this heart-warming sitcom. The cast’s chemistry was electric. Who could forget Uncle Phil, Hilary or Carlton, to name a few? That’s why, after over 20 years (wow!), we want to show you where our favorites have been since the show!
Will Smith (Will Smith)
As the theme song goes, Will got in just one fight and he moved to his Aunt and Uncle’s in Bel-Air from West Philadelphia. Audiences loved the carefree, slightly immature and perhaps womanizing Will. There’s no question that this star’s career soared after his time on the show. Do we really need to catch you up on international star Will Smith? He’s married to fellow actress Jada Pinkett and even their two children, Jaden and Willow, are stars. Recently, Will announced he will play Genie in the new Aladdin film!
Will Smith (Will Smith)
Janet Hubert (Vivian Banks)
Will’s aunt, Vivian, was notoriously sassy and cynical during the first few seasons. Perhaps, you remember her close relationship with her sisters and how they would jump up and down together and Will hilariously joining in! Unfortunately, Janet Hubert proved difficult to work with and apparently, her diva ways and jealously of Will Smith caused her to lash out at the crew. They fired her after three seasons. Since the show she has had trouble landing bigger roles. However, she still acts and recently plays Diane on If Loving You Is Wrong, a soap opera.
Janet Hubert (Vivian Banks)
Joseph Marcell (Geoffrey Butler)
Ah, the lovable but sarcastic British butler, Geoffrey! Wait, let’s just refresh you on the character’s backstory…graduate of Oxford, worked for British aristocrats, former Olympian runner who fled his country after cheating in a race and being slapped by Queen Elizabeth II, then worked for Chuck Norris, yeah, that’s the Banks’ butler. Joseph Marcell’s role as Geoffrey was his breakout role and afterwards, he starred in The Bold and the Beautiful. He continues acting today and most recently, starred in Canadian movie Hero. He’s married to Joyce Marcell, and they have two children.
Joseph Marcell (Geoffrey Butler)
Nia Long (Lisa Wilkes)
Next up, is Lisa who came in during season five, perhaps to change Will from his womanizing manner. They even get engaged, but on both wedding attempts, they never tie the knot. Actually, Will’s mother and Lisa’s father get married at what would have been their wedding. Thus, making Lisa and Will step-siblings. Nia’s role as Lisa is without a doubt her most famous. She continued to act afterwards, starring in Big Momma’s House and Boiler Room among other works. Maybe you saw her in NCIS: Los Angeles as Assistant Director Shay Mosley or in Fox’s acclaimed show Empire. She married Ime Udoko, former Spurs basketball star, in 2010.
Nia Long (Lisa Wilkes)
Vernee Watson (Viola ‘Vy’ Smith)
Now to Will’s TV mom, Viola aka Vy. Vy sent Will to her rich sister, Vivian, when he got into some trouble. Then, as we mentioned, she married Lisa’s father, Fred. Before the show, Vernee had already made a name for herself in Hollywood. After the show, she continued acting on TV. You can see her on The Big Bang Theory as the nurse, Althea. She also played Stella in General Hospital.
Vernee Watson (Viola ‘Vy’ Smith)
Daphne Reid (Vivian Banks)
So when Janet Hubert was let go, Daphne Reid was chosen as the new Vivian Banks. With Reid playing Vivian, the character changed in that fourth season until the end. Aunt Viv had less of an attitude. Anyway, this star was already popular in Hollywood from her roles in Simon & Simon and Frank’s Place. After the show, she had smaller roles. Though as recently as 2016, she starred in the movie By the Grace of Bob. How could we not mention, she married Tim Reid, Tamera’s father in Sister, Sister, back in 1962 after meeting him when they both starred in Simon & Simon.
Daphne Reid (Vivian Banks)
DJ Jazzy Jeff (Jazz)
Will’s best friend Jazz was always getting thrown out of the house by the family. He had a huge crush on Hilary, who clearly did not feel the same. Oh, speaking of fashion courses, his outrageous outfits definitely had people talking! Let’s not forget his musical duo with Will Smith that was not just on the show. Actually, the pair won two Grammys, in 1989 for “Parents Just Don’t Understand” and 1991 for “Summertime.” We have big news for fans! As of August 2017, they debuted “Get Lit” at a music festival, which is their first new song in about 20 years!
DJ Jazzy Jeff (Jazz)
James Avery (Philip Banks)
Easily excitable, Uncle Phil usually could only be calmed by his wife Vivian. Despite being strict, he’s seen as a respectable father who truly loves his family. Most continued to know James Avery as Uncle Phil while he kept acting on TV afterwards. Unfortunately, he died in December of 2013 due to complications during his open heart surgery. His untimely death, at only 68 years old, reunited the cast to grieve over their former cast mate who they adored.
James Avery (Philip Banks)
Karyn Parsons (Hilary Banks)
Now, we have oldest Banks child, Hilary who is a bit of a snob. Karyn’s role as Hilary was her most well-known role during her career. She had some roles in TV and film after, but eventually, gave up acting. Parsons founded the Sweet Blackberry Foundation, which is a non-profit that educates kids on the history of African Americans. With her film director husband Alexandre Rockwell, she had two children.
Karyn Parsons (Hilary Banks)
Tatyana Ali (Ashley Banks)
Here, we have the youngest Banks child, the adorable Ashley. The world watched Tatyana grow up throughout the show. Years later, this actress has continued her career in the spotlight. She’s acted in Jawbreaker and The Young and the Restless. Recently, she was cast as Captain Bess Davenport in the upcoming series Fly, which is based on the real story of the first all African American female crew of a commercial flight. She married Stanford professor Dr. Vaughn Rasberry in 2016.
Tatyana Ali (Ashley Banks)
Naomi Campbell (Helen)
Maybe you forgot about Naomi Campbell’s guest role during the first season. Yes, this supermodel played Ashley’s friend’s nanny who Will sets up with Geoffrey. Then, Will sees her and wants to date her, so Geoffrey gives her number to Will. Of course, we all know Naomi is still acting and modeling. In fact, she recently starred as Camilla Marks in Empire and now is playing Rose Crane in Fox’s TV show Star.
Naomi Campbell (Helen)
Tyra Banks (Jackie Ames)
Yet another famous face, you may have forgotten starred in the show. Tyra’s role as Jackie began in season four as Will’s old girlfriend who grew up in Philly with him and reconnects with him when she moves to LA for her basketball scholarship. Years after her modeling and role on the show, she went on to produce and star in both America’s Next Top Model and The Tyra Banks Show. Talk about fashion courses, you could definitely talk high style with this model/producer! In 2016 she had a son with boyfriend Erik Asla, who is a photographer from Norway.
Tyra Banks (Jackie Ames)
Victoria Rowell (Mimi Mumford)
Do you remember the hilarious story line that Victoria Rowell’s character Mimi sparked in season one? Basically, Will tried hard to impress her father and pretended to be the preppy Kipp Smithers, but then learns Mimi likes bad boys. Anyway, Victoria became a soap opera star after her role as Mimi. She played Drucilla Barber Winters in The Young and The Restless. She sued Sony Entertainment in 2015 after they fired her because of harassment and racial discrimination she said she faced during her 14 years on the show. In 2017, the lawsuit was dropped due to the sides reaching a large settlement.
Victoria Rowell (Mimi Mumford)
Ross Bagley (Nicky Banks)
Aw, remember Will’s little cousin Nicky? How cute! You probably also recognize him from his role as Buckwheat in The Little Rascals. Anyway, Bagley played Nicky in the final two seasons. Now, that adorable kid is 28 years old! He reunited with costar Will Smith to star in Independence Day. However, now he is working as a real estate agent in Los Angeles.
Ross Bagley (Nicky Banks)
Alfonso Ribeiro (Carlton Banks)
Of course, Carlton is a signature feature of the show! Arrogant, but lovable, Carlton was adored by fans and everyone raved over his dance to the Tom Jones song, “It’s Not Unusual.” After Alfonso’s role as Carlton, he voiced for animated shows, Spider-Man and Extreme Ghostbusters. Then, he starred as Dr. Maxwell Stanton on In the House. He even revived his Carlton dance during his time competing on Dancing with The Stars. He has four kids and is married to writer Angela Unkrich.
Alfonso Ribeiro (Carlton Banks)
Jennifer Lewis (Aunt Helen)
The fun, hip Aunt Helen was played by Jennifer Lewis. This all-star did not just act, but she also sang and even worked as Bette Midler’s backup singer. Let’s not forget, she’s a famous Broadway actress, known for roles in The Wedding Singer, The Princess and the Frog, Sister Act and What’s Love Got To Do With It. Lewis even voiced Flo in the animated film, Cars 3.
Jennifer Lewis (Aunt Helen)
Dave Florek (Coach Smiley)
Despite the deceiving name, this coach was no easy-going guy. If you recall, he particularly disliked Carlton. Anyway, you may actually know Dave Florek’s brother, Dann, from Law & Order or Under The Dome. Back to Dave though, he starred in many films since the show including, Ghostbusters II, Priest and Hidalgo.
Dave Florek (Coach Smiley)
Lela Rochon (Cindy Norris)
Despite being tight on money, Will manages to take the lovely Cindy, played by Lela Rochon, to the dance in season two. Lela’s role as Cindy helped launch her career. She was able to get a breakthrough part in the movie Waiting to Exhale (1995). Afterwards, she had roles in Knock Off, The Chamber and Why Do Fools Fall In Love. More recently, you can find her in Reversion, which she starred in back in 2015. So now, we’re left patiently waiting for this amazing actress’ next role.
Lela Rochon (Cindy Norris)
Charlayne Woodard (Janice)
Charlayne Woodard played Janice, younger sister of Helen, Vy and Vivian. After this role, Woodard’s career really took off! She got roles on Roseanne, Law & Order: SVU and even ER. Like her former costar, Jennifer Lewis, this star’s talents have even debuted on Broadway. Oh and she’s a playwright as well. What can’t this amazing woman do?
Charlayne Woodard (Janice)
Malcolm Jamal-Warner (Eric)
Despite only starring in one episode, Eric made quite the impression. Perhaps, that’s because he appeared the epitome of perfection as this genius law student who dated Hilary. After playing Eric, Malcolm starred in, yup you guess it, The Cosby Show and let’s not forget Malcolm & Eddie and Reed Between the Lines. More recently, he had roles in Lethal Weapon and Sneaky Pete. His talents span far beyond the screen though. Yes, he’s actually a performance poet and bass player who tours around the US.
Malcolm Jamal Warner (Eric)
Queen Latifah (Dee Dee)
Whoa, talk about fashion courses, check out Queen Latifah as Dee Dee. How fabulous is she?! Denise Williams aka Dee Dee was introduced during the “She Ain’t Heavy” episode. Will goes on a date with her, but they end up becoming good friends. Do we need to catch you up on Queen Latifah these days? Well she’s a singer, model, rapper, songwriter, TV host, producer and actress, so she really has kept busy! Some more recent movies she starred in include, Girls Trip, 22 Jump Street, Bessie and Hairspray.
Queen Latifah (Dee Dee)
Ebony Solomon (Paula Hoover)
It was hard to like Ebony’s character Paula since she bullied Ashley at school. Eventually, the girls work it out sort of, but we’re still bitter. Anyway, this was Ebony’s first role believe it or not! Afterwards, she had roles in many films and shows like, One Eight Seven, Day of the Dead 2: Contagium, Babylon 5, Sister, Sister and ER. Though her acting career has come to a halt since 2005. Well, we’re all on the look out for any new appearances from her!
Ebony Solomon (Paula Hoover)
Craig Kirkwood (Frederick)
Craig Kirkwood played Geoffrey’s long-lost son named Eric. Unfortunately, Eric was scamming Geoffrey for a ton of money. Anyway, actor Craig has since appeared in The Steve Harvey Show, Mercy Point, My So-Called Life, Courting Alex, The Burning Zone, Deepwater Black and cult classic, Remember the Titans. However, this talented man left acting in the mid 2000s to attend Loyola Law School. Now, he practices law as a criminal defense attorney.
Craig Kirkwood (Frederick)
Vivica A. Fox (Janet)
Just as her TV brother Jazz seemed a bit off, the character Janet was somewhat odd. First, she seemed lovely and polite, but then her controlling and bossy behavior surfaced. Vivica was already a star before this role from her time on Days of Our Lives and Generations. Since the show, she’s starred in Ella Enchanted, Kill Bill and Boat Trip. Like other former costars, you can find her in Empire. Also she had her very own TV show called Vivica’s Black Magic.
Vivica A. Fox (Janet)
Don Cheadle (Ice Tray)
Seriously, Ice Tray? Yeah, Don Cheadle’s character had a pretty ridiculous name we have to admit. Despite the name, this character felt real and authentic in his role as a West Philly friend of Will’s who ends up cozying up to Hilary. This role came just as Cheadle was gaining recognition in Hollywood. Of course, now he’s known for roles in everything from Rosewood, Boogie Nights, Ocean’s Twelve, Ocean’s Thirteen and the acclaimed genocide drama Hotel Rwanda. Recently, he has played Colonel James ‘Rhodey’ Rhodes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Don Cheadle (Ice Tray)