Hilary Banks Family, Then And Now
We all know Will Smith from the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Everyone knows Will Smith after he made his debut in the phenomenal show Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
But what happened to the rest of the cast in all these years? Well here's an update on what they've done and where they've been.
Janet Hubert as Vivian Banks - Then
Janet Hubert played Vivian Banks - the mother of the Banks family for three seasons.
She took on the role of the feisty and self-absorbed mother that was a bit stuck up. She was later recast because of creative differences but some say she and Will Smith didn't get along well.
Janet Hubert as Vivian Banks – Now
But the unfortunate truth is that she found it hard being recast in other things because of her reputation.
She did end up finding roles but it seems that she nor anyone else would forget about what happened. Right now she plays Diane on Loving You Is Wrong.
Joseph Marcell as Geoffrey Butler – Then
Joseph Marcell played Geoffrey Butler, the family butler that had his own amazing persona. His character had a pretty amazing back story.
He fled his home country after cheating in an Olympic race. He even worked for Chuck Norris and had been slapped by the Queen before.
Joseph Marcell as Geoffrey Butler – Now
Marcell's career was propelled forward by the show.
He kept his acting career continued on after the show with him appearing in The Bold and the Beautiful as Hudson. Today he's still going strong at 69!
Vernee Watson as Viola Smith - Then
Watson’s character, “Vy”, had a hard life. Vernee Watson acted as Vy who had difficulties in her life.
Her husband left her and their son Will to go and live somewhere else more dangerous. She knew that she'd have to send Will away to live with her brother so he didn't get into trouble.
Vernee Watson as Viola Smith - Now
Watson has had an impressive career before she acted on the show. Her momentum from the show didn't stop once it ended.
She had been in a lot of TV series over the years including playing the role of Althea in The Big Bang Theory and making guest star appearances like in The General Hospital.
James Avery as Philip Banks - Then
Will's uncle, Phil, was a strict man who didn't have a lot of patience. But we learned to love him just like all the other characters.
Everyone remembers the moment when he hugs Will after he's rejected by his father.
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.