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1.) Although some may believe that Will Smith was heavily in debt before he landed the role of the Fresh Prince, there is no evidence of this. In fact, he was already doing well as a rapper and had released several albums with his friend DJ Jazzy Jeff before the Fresh Prince era. However, it is true that he had some financial issues due to overspending, (he openly admitted this in some interviews). Smith spent a lot of money on cars, jewelry, and other luxurious items, which led to him owing a significant amount in taxes. It was only after he landed the role in Fresh Prince that he was able to pay off his debts and establish himself as a successful actor.
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2.) Will Smith’s character was almost written as a wealthy business tycoon, but Smith suggested the idea of a street-smart teenager from Philadelphia.
3.) A true story actually inspired the show’s beginnings. Benny Medina, one of the show’s producers, was sent to live in Beverly Hills with his wealthy relatives after getting into trouble in Los Angeles (his hometown).
4.) The famous theme song, “Yo Home to Bel Air,” was written and performed by Smith himself.
5.) The show’s iconic mansion set wasn’t actually located in Bel Air. It was a mansion in Brentwood, Los Angeles that was used for exterior shots. The mansion, which has since been sold and renovated, was originally listed for $29.9 million in 2015.
6.) Aunt Vivian’s role was done by two different actresses through the seasons of Fresh Prince. Daphne Maxwell Reid played Vivian starting in the fourth season, while Janet Hubert did the first three. The reasons for Hubert’s departure are still a matter of controversy, with reports of tensions between Hubert and Will Smith, as well as other cast members.
7.) Alfonso Ribeiro (who played Carlton) was actually a trained dancer before joining the show, which explains his impressive dance moves.
8.) Will’s girlfriend (role of Lisa) was actually auditioned by Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith. Another woman got the part, but they ended up marrying off the set.
9.) During the years of Fresh Prince, Will Smith and Sheree Zampino got married (in ’92), and they had a son named Willard Carroll “Trey” Smith III. However, their marriage fell short, and they divorced in 1995.
10.) James Avery, who played Uncle Phil, passed away in 2013. He and Smith became close friends off-screen and Smith describes Avery as a mentor and father figure.
**We’re all prone to errors from time to time. If you see a mistake in this article that may be untrue, please let me know in the comments below. Hope to see you in the afterlife, James Avery!
Img by Matt Brown of Flickr under a CC BY 2.0 license.