The Fresh Prince of Bel Air: Will Smith

577 Words2 Pages

The Fresh Prince of Bel Air is a sitcom portraying actor Will Smith in the title role which aired on television from 1990 to 1996 (IMDB). The Fresh Prince is a comedy that showcases the efforts of a young under-privileged black teen trying to adapt to the lavish lifestyle of his wealthy relatives, whom he is sent to live with. The sitcom is actually based on the real life struggles of the producer Benny Medina. The character “Will” was sent by his mother to Bel Air to live with his aunt “Vivian Banks,” played by actresses Janet Hubert and Daphne Reid, and uncle “Philip ‘Uncle Phil’ Banks,” played by actor James Avery, to escape the inner city confines of Philadelphia. Each of the show’s male characters played a different role of what black masculinity looked like. “Will” was cast as a relatable young man humorously trying to find his place in the new world that he has been given. “Will” is an easy-going cool guy, who has his way with the ladies. “Will’s” cousin “Carlton,” played by actor Alfonso Ribeiro, is the privileged, money hungry goody-too-shoes who efforts seem to always f...

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