The Banks Family, Then And Now
Everyone knows who Will Smith is, one of his first roles ever was The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
But how's the rest of the cast doing today? Well here's that they've been up to and you wouldn't believe what Hilary looks like these days.
Janet Hubert as Vivian Banks - Then
For three seasons Hubert played the role of the Banks mother.
She had a cynical and feisty nature that stood out. But she ultimately got recast because of creative differences.
Janet Hubert as Vivian Banks – Now
The saddest thing is that her behavior ultimately gave her a bad reputation.
Her reputation went with her everywhere and she found it hard to find particular roles. These days she's still on Loving You Is Wrong.
Joseph Marcell as Geoffrey Butler – Then
Who could forget the sarcastic British butler of the show?
The writers gave him an amazing back story. After cheating on an Olympic race he had to run from the country. Since then he worked for Chuck Norris and was even slapped by Her Majesty.
Joseph Marcell as Geoffrey Butler – Now
Marcell's career got a breath of new life once he got a role on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
After the show ended he found a role on the Bold and the Beautiful. Today he's 69 and only gets better as an actor.
Vernee Watson as Viola Smith - Then
Watson’s character, “Vy”, had a hard life.
Her husband left her and Will to live in a dangerous neighborhood. Despite loving her son to the moon and back, she ultimately had to send him to live with his uncle, so he didn’t go down a darker path.
Vernee Watson as Viola Smith - Now
Even before Fresh Prince, Watson had an impressive career.
After the series ended, she didn’t slow down at all. She’s been in many tv shows, including a role as nurse Althea on the Big Bang Theory as well as appearances in The General Hospital.
James Avery as Philip Banks - Then
Uncle Phil was known for his strict and easily annoyed personality with the family, especially Will. But ultimately, he loved them all.
The scene where he embraces Will after his father ditches him was one that had everyone in tears.
James Avery as Philip Banks – Now
Avery stayed strong with acting before and after the Fresh Prince.
However, the beloved actor passed way on December 31, 2013. It hid everyone pretty hard, especially the cast and crew. His passing brough everyone back together to mourn him and pay loving tribute.
Karyn Parsons as Hilary Banks - Then
She was the oldest daughter of the Banks family.
Her main character attribute was being stuck up, snobby, and all around spoiled. Although she landed a great job on her own talk show, she ended up losing her fiancé in a tragic accident.
Karyn Parsons as Hilary Banks - Now
Parson’s “rich snob” role cornered her into an acting corner.
So, she left the limelight behind and created her own foundation – the Sweet Blackberry Foundation, which specialized in African American History education. At 51, and with two kids, she’s still looking utterly amazing!
Tatyana Ali - Then
She was the youngest child of the Banks family.
But with her father’s constant attempts to control every part of her life, she ended up growing close to the mischievous Will and becoming more rebellious.
Tatyana Ali - Now
Being Ashely Banks was the highlight of her career.
However, she branched out into other impressive life adventures – including graduating from Harvard in 2002 and participating in Obama’s 2008 campaign.
Honorable Mentions
The Fresh Prince was filled with special guest appearances – some of which ended up becoming very famous.
One of these guests was Naomi Campbell. She was a famous model in the 80s and 90s and then went out into the world of movies and tv. She was also on the reality competition “The Face.”
Honorable Mentions #2
Everyone knows America’s Next Top Model host and model for Victoria’s Secret.
But the host Tyra Banks made an appearance on the Fresh Prince before hitting it big. She had a small role that lasted a few episodes, but it certainly put her on the path to stardom.