It was such a great show; it wasnt just about Will, it was about a great family, success, life lessons, and all those cool things. It eventually took her to New York City. Elise Neal: The whole experience was really a great time. Episodes: S04 E05 "It's Better to Have Loved and Lost It" and S06 E11 "I, Ooh, Baby, Baby". When Guy plays one of Aunt Viv's opinionated students, Will quickly develops the hots for her and learns that dating college girls means entering a totally different world. Season-only. Lela Rochon: You knew it was a big show when it came out. Will starts taking time away from her studies and Aunt Viv tells him to cut bac One of Vivian's students, Kayla Samuels comes over for dinner and Will tries to impress her but fails. Will became a style icon overnight due to his classic high-top fade and flawless Jordan collection. On The Fresh Prince, he was playing a character closer to who he really is, but once I realized that he played this character that couldnt be more unlike him, I gained a whole new respect for him. Guy Ritchie hopes to make magic happen a second time: the director has 'ideas' for Aladdin 2. This movie is going to be huge for us." No. In the Name of Love". So I was a fan of the showyou always watch the jobs you dont get; thats why I watched the showand I really liked it. I didnt. It all worked together beautifully, and it was Benny Medinas brainchild. To keep it real, I was so nervous at the timeI was still so new to the business of actingI wouldnt have even stepped to Will Smith to say anything. )," S05 E25 "For Whom the Wedding Bells Toll". The psycho bitch showed up. JASMINE GUY is an American actress, singer, dancer, and director. I actually have a Polaroid from the episode where Will has on like, tuxedo shorts. She's 60 as of January 2023. It all worked together beautifully, and it was Benny Medinas brainchild. He has natural, raw talent, but he was still learning as an actor, as well. The audition process was a different experience for each of the actresses. With Regis and Kathie Lee," it becomes clear that Kathie Lee is better suited to partner up with Reg. Lela Rochon: You knew it was a big show when it came out. I was like, "Wow, hes a movie star," and very few people make that transition. It wasnt like a ritual, but I think [that happens] on a lot of sets. No this, no that." She began her professional career at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York City. . The "Good Times" star plays the father of Will's girlfriend and a bit of a ladies man. The fusion of charm, savoir faire, and touching honesty youve seen in his best work was honed during the shows six-season run. Jasmine starred on Broadway in the original productions of Beehive and Leader of the Pack, and reprised hit productions of 'Grease', 'The Wiz' and 'Chicago' (as Velma Kelly). 2023 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. Standup powerhouse Hughley plays Will's comedian friend from Philly and proves that friends from way back make the best wing men. Getty Images, NBC Universal: Chris Haston. In 1991, she released her self-titled album on Warner Bros. Records, featuring the hit single 'Try Me'. [4] Following a move to California, she appeared in a 1991 episode of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air as Kayla, one of Will Smith 's girlfriends. Things seem to be going perfectly for Will and Carlton when they score a double date with Tiffany (played by Tamala) and her attractive girlfrienduntil it becomes abundantly clear that one of the girls is spoken for. I realized Id never be the female version of Tiger Woods, but I tried. As a frequent motivational public speaker, Jasmine is called upon to share her story openly with those who may benefit from her trials and triumphs. A young girl coming from Brooklyn who lived in South Central, Los Angeles born to a single momthat doesnt happen every day. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (TV Series 1990-1996) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. No. Jasmine Guy . Her other television performances include: 'Melrose Place' (with Heather Locklear); 'NYPD Blue' (with Jimmy Smits); 'Fresh Prince of Bel Air' (with Will Smith) and 'Living Single' (with Queen Latifah). The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air is a FANDOM TV Community. Vivica A. So he was advising me.. One of Vivian's students, Kayla Samuels (Jasmine Guy) comes over for dinner and Will tries to impress her, but fails. Nia Long: A ritual? To be able to say that the great, bomb-ass Pam Grier was my mother and that Will had sex with her, and that I was part of that whole episode is still a very nice memory that I have. You usually do a prayer before you shoot a scene or begin filming to make sure everything is good. Episode: S04 E17 "When You Hit Upon a Star". He had other things going on besides the show. One look at this super model, and it's easy to see why after setting Geoffrey up on a blind date with her, Will wants to keep her for himself. Fox: She was doing A Different World, but she also did a guest-appearance [on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air], so then when they called me in to audition, I said absolutely. In 2004, Jasmine penned the biography 'Evolution of a Revolutionary' (Atria Books), which chronicles the life and journey of Afeni Shakur - Black Panther, activist and mother of slain rapper Tupac Shakur. Elise Neal: At the end of the day, years later, I ended up on [the show he executive produced],All of Us, so it all kind of comes full-circle. While the show had a huge impact on American style one could not overlook the beautiful . All of them may not harbor pride for this feat, but they understand how that designation aligns with the shows legacy. I remember going to see him in Bad Boys, and when he came running down the street with that shirt open I was like, "Oh shit, my boy evolved! Elise Neal: Im not surprised by it. In the final episode of season five, Will and Lisa may be having trouble in paradise, but the sitcom's plans to get every "Cosby Show" alum to stop by are going quite swimmingly. Appearing opposite Will was a revolving door of Jet Beauty of the Week candidates who matched wits with the young actor, keeping him on his toes. Six auditions later, I got the part. She studied at Northside Performing Arts High School. Will Smith and Jasmine Guy (Photo by Alice S. Hall/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images). Episode: S04 E18 "Stop Will! The guest stars they had on the show were just incredible week after week, the writing was excellent, and the cast was amazing. Youre just happy to have a job. I met Will briefly on the set of A Different World and found him bright, charismatic, and talented. Vivian Banks: I know what that feels like. Jasmine Guy and Carolyn Hennesy in 'Vanished: Searching for my Sister.' - Credit: Courtesy of A+E Networks. One of Vivian's students, Kayla Samuels comes over for dinner and Will tries to impress her but fails. Did he do that? I think I had read for Karyn Parsons role [Hilary] and then I read [for the role of Cindy] and ended up finally getting that part. When one thinks of "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air," a myriad of memories come to mind: . Carrie Fisher was actually one of the writers for Made in America, which Will and I starred in together, and I just remember going: "Thats fuckin Princess Leia." Vivica A. Our editorial content is not influenced by any commissions we receive. In this early episode, Hardison teams up with Quincy Jones and Al B. Vivica A. Before becoming a household heartthrob in shows like "Gilmore Girls" and "Heroes," Milo Ventimiglia gets his big start in a small role on Fresh Prince as a party-goer. You're not my legal guardian. The show was a hit, so I didnt want to mess up. For others, it was a launch pad for their careers. Bel Biv Devoe gave a performance in the Banks living room that was worth risking Uncle Phil's wrath for. Rumor has it that Jada was supposed to be cast as "Lisa" who was Will Smith's longtime girlfriend who stood him up on the altar. Ya damn right, he does! Nia Long: I was scared to death pretty much every day I was there, and I tried not to show it. Fox: Absolutely not. Nia Long: I think Will was just as green as I was in terms of the process. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air provied many of these actresses with the exposure they needed to ascend the next plateau. Ritualistic? Elise Neal: I could see the talent from watching the show before I was even on it. I had met Will before as a dancer. The Wonderful World Of Will: Will Smith's 20 Best Girlfriends On The Fresh Prince. Role: Kayla Samuels. It was just the right vehicle to make him shine and make you see him in a different light, and I think he transitioned really well. It was already a hit when I auditioned, and when I read that Pam Grier was playing my mother and I was [going to be playing] Will Smiths girlfriend, it was just really a lot of fun. Carlton's power hungry ways threaten to put a damper on Will's chances with this "Drew Carey Show" beauty. Episode: "Stop Will! Nia Long: Lisa was so spicy. Fox: It was totally hilarious. Fox (Janet, Season 1, Episode 19): I played Jeffs sister or cousin, and I ended up being the date from hell for Will. Taking a break from portraying Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor's oldest son, Zachery heads to Bel Air. In honor of the famous ladies who graced the Banks Mansion, PBH2 has created a gallery of Will Smiths hottest girlfriends on The Fresh Prince. Everybody's waiting for Kayla. She was recognized as one of her era's leading actresses. Fox (Janet, Season 1, Episode 19): I played Jeffs sister or cousin, and I ended up being the date from hell for Will. I didnt. William 'Will' Smith: You dropped out of high school? Twenty-five years after its premiere, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air remains a phenomenon. Vivica A. Episode: S01 E09 "Someday Your Prince Will Be in Effect" (Part 2), With Heavy D at the height of his recording career, it makes perfect sense that Will would want to be one of his "boyz.". I looked at him like, "Oh, thats Will Smith. ", Vivica A. Already three albums deep into his hip-hop career, Will Smith was a star by the time The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air began airing in the fall of 1990. Lela Rochon: I remember they said we were going to go into Wills dressing room and do a group prayer, but before we did the prayer, they did a dance. Because hes the complete opposite of that character. She was so cool, and Ill say: she may have played Foxy Brown, but Pam Grier is just a sweet, beautiful soul. Everybody was watching it and thats why being part of it, even if you werent a series regular, was a great thing because it always meant a lot on your resume. My mom say's that shit! She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. It was a fun week. When Hilary subs for Kathie on her hit morning show "Live! No tongue. Every time you see him, he always greets you the same. It was representative of black televisions peak during the 1990s, but the fact that everyone watched and can quote entire scenes verbatim makes it exceptional. Does Will make an effort to step up his game? Fox: Hes been an inspiration for my career for many years because hes such a gentleman. It upsets Will that he fails so the next day they have an argument but wind up liking each other. I remember being uncomfortable because its already uncomfortable that you have to do run-throughs in front of all of the producers who literally sit five feet away from you in a row of chairs, but Sheree would sit right in front of us and I would go, "Oh my God, Ive got to kiss him and his girlfriend is sitting right there. I wanna b ur fantasy and maybe u could be mine! Her parents were of African American and Portuguese descent. Episode: S04 E09 "Fresh Prince After Dark". The natural unease was settled by the familial environment on set, as well as the fact that some of them had met members of the castincluding Willbefore. Then, all of a sudden, he was the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Jasmine Guy is an American actress, director, singer, and dancer. "Family Matters" star Jaleel White catches serious heat from Carlton and Will after they over him talking to Ashley about having sex. Everyone was aware of the show, and a certain age groupregardless of racecan recite every word of the iconic theme song. Scenes from Love at First Fight (1991) Lela Rochon (Cindy, Season 2, Episode 3): I remember going in for The Fresh Prince maybe a couple of times before they finally offered me a role on the show. As Will mentally prepares to walk down the aisle, he's nearly sidelined by this sexy classmate who may spell trouble for his engagement. She is best known for her starring role as Whitley Gilbert in the television sitcom A Different World and Roxy in Dead Like Me . You just never know. He came back hard and authentic and I knew he was a great talent whether the show got picked up or not. So when we sit down the first day, he says to me: "Were going to do this kissing scene. Vivica A Fox: Working with them was like working with family. New hunting and fishing license year begins in Montana, LeBron James, DeAaron Fox, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander injury updates and NBA playoff race, Mother pleads for justice in Christmas Eve double homicide. Nia Long: I think that when youre in the moment, youre not worried about that. Nia Long: Heres what I have to say about my career, in general: I feel like I had so many wonderful examples of what acting is all about. The psycho bitch showed up. I actually have a Polaroid from the episode where Will has on like, tuxedo shorts. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air provied many of these actresses with the exposure they needed to ascend the next plateau. Some auditioned multiple times before securing their roles, others say they barely auditioned, and one actually read for a major role prior to her guest appearance. Hes a star." Jasmine amassed this wealth via acting in a number of box office successes. Where There's a Will, There's a Way (Part 1), Where There's a Will, There's a Way (Part 2), The episode name is a play on the phrase "Love at first sight. Fox surprises Will twice: once by how attractive she is, and then by how infatuated she is with him. Image Awards for her portrayal of the pretentious but funny southern belle. She came to work everyday, and she was with him everyday. Vivica A. . She brings just the right touch of NYC sophistication and delicious woman in her role and the episode moves along with the expect smoothness and funny moments that we all love from the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. And he was right. I met Will briefly on the set of A Different World and found him bright, charismatic, and talented. Episode: S03 E11 "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way Home from the Forum". She is best known for her starring role as Whitley Gilbert in the television sitcom A Different World. At that moment in time, it couldve been anyone on the show, but it really showed me that it was doable. lt took me years to get back. I started off all nice, and then when we got to dinner, I just turned on him. Vivica A. People were posting quotes from the episodethings I had even forgotbecause they remember everything about that show. Lela Rochon: I remember they said we were going to go into Wills dressing room and do a group prayer, but before we did the prayer, they did a dance. She came to work everyday, and she was with him everyday. Azaria takes a break from voicing numerous characters on "The Simpsons" to moonlight as a cop who's convinced Will and Carlton are committing grand theft auto. Lela Rochon: You know what? When he said, "Janet, what is wrong with you?!" Lela Rochon: What I remember most about doing that show was that Will was newly engaged to his first wife, Sheree, and they were very much in love. Her continuing desire to blend balance and discipline with ambition and service continues to fuel her passion for the arts. People related to that guy who could rap, who was a little goofy, who was from the hood but moved to such a nice area and was living the dream. Will was nice, Alfonso [Ribeiro] was very nice, and so were Janet [Hubert] and James [Avery], rest his soul. Queen Latifah gives Will a lesson in L.A. superficiality when the pair click on a date, but her weight makes Will uneasy about asking her to the school dance. Lela Rochon: What I remember most about doing that show was that Will was newly engaged to his first wife, Sheree, and they were very much in love. Elise Neal: We did a prayer. But whats shocking and amazing is the fact that he went straight into it and was so good at it. Make sure that you stay focused, and youll have a great career in front of you, Viv. Vivica Fox: There wasnt ad-libbing because we were both kind of new to the gameback then, we had to stick to the scriptso we spent a lot of time making the lines believable, and every once in a while, maybe he would ad-lib. In this holiday episode, Holyfield delivers a one-two punch as a neighbor who's less than thrilled with Will's zealous decorating efforts. Some auditioned multiple times before securing their roles, others say they barely auditioned, and one actually read for a major role prior to her guest appearance. I was a fan of his, so when I got the part, I was like "Yes!" Thats definitely a joke; I definitely dont take myself that seriously, but it is what it is. Nia Long: To me, he was already a star. Keeping up with the show's tradition featuring of winning sports cameos, Ken Griffey Jr. lends one of baseball's best arms to Carlton's carnival game and offers Will some valuable dating advice. Beautiful chanteuse Vanessa Williams plays a single expectant mother in Aunt Viv's Lamaze class (which Will is roped into attending). If youre at a level of success and you want to take the next step, then you have to let your team know thats what you want to make it happen. I was rollin at the audition, and they called 15 minutes later to tell me I got the part. Network. I act like it was no big deal, but the kids think its a huge deal. Download to watch offline and even view it on a big screen using Chromecast. Elise Neal: At the end of the day, years later, I ended up on [the show he executive produced], All of Us, so it all kind of comes full-circle. Nia Long: Lisa was so spicy. I dont remember which season it was that I joined the show, but by the time I arrived, he was just breaking into film and doing other things, so there was no judgment. Nia Long: I did the one season, and then he just blew up. 1996-2023, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. . Will and Lisa's wedding may explode in this episode, but at least real-life popular newscaster Arthel Neville and the Banks sisters look good in their bridesmaid dresses. Fox: The great thing is that Will and I both wanted our relationship to seem real, so we spent a lot of time going over lines to make it real. Vivica A. Thats reserved for the career boost given to the actors who appeared on the show, from the main players to the ones who only had scenes in one or several of Fresh Prince's 148 episodes. I knew he was really special because, even at that time, he had such a successful music career that you knew he was different. Kayla Samuels (Jasmine Guy) is tells Will (Will Smith) about their jokes right now, and Will (Will Smith) is hugging with Kayla Samuels (Jasmine Guy)! . Vivica A. Elise Neal: I could see the talent from watching the show before I was even on it. Having an intro that DJs can randomly drop in the club over two decades later is admirable, but its far from the shows most impressive element. Nia Long plays Lisa Wilkes, the girl who just may be capable of getting Will to settle downuntil an unlikely romance between Will and Lisa's parents causes their sometimes rocky relationship to crumble completely. Getty Images, NBC Universal: Jan Sonnenmair. It upsets Will that he fails so the next day they have an argument but wind up liking each other. Then, all of a sudden, he was the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Usually before you did it in front of an audience, there was always a group prayer. I remember being like, "Thank God hes tall," and I remember he was nice, but he was really confident. Vivica A. None of them finished high school. Appearing opposite Will was a revolving door of Jet Beauty of the Week candidates who matched wits with the young actor, keeping him on his toes. He was like, "Yeah, give me a little sista girl." My whole family was counting on me too, but l couldn't handle the pressure, so I ran off with some guy and quit school. Fox: She was doing A Different World, but she also did a guest-appearance [on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air], so then when they called me in to audition, I said absolutely. Jasmine Guy. It was like a "posse up" moment: like, lets bring it all in, bring in the love, and get the energy going. Scene from. Kathleen 1 episode, 1991 Lela Rochon . Jasmine has also worked with these great performers and directors in these films and miniseries: Spike Lee's 'School Daze'; Eddie Murphy's 'Harlem Nights'; Alex Hailey's 'Queen', and Debbie Allen's 'Stompin' at the Savoy'. Lela Rochon: When I saw Bad Boys, I remember being so surprised and taken aback. "Cosby Show"'s Warner, plays Hilary's boyfriend, but has no love for Will and sues after our star hits his car without carrying auto insurance. She has traveled throughout the U.S. and appeared at more than a hundred speaking engagements, addressing diverse audiences at colleges, universities, conventions, corporations, affinity groups, churches, high schools and countless charitable and fund-raising events. Jasmine Guy: The most fun I had is when the two of usme and Willhad to go toe to toe with "mama" jokes. They're saying Jasmine Guy looks like Prince! Episode: S04 E13 "Twas the Night Before Christening". It was such a fun set; everybody was great. Lela Rochon: I didnt know him at all. Episode: S06 E07 "Not with My Cousin You Don't". Al B. He doesnt need to say this." Jasmine Guy: The most fun I had is when the two of usme and Willhad to go toe to toe with "mama" jokes. Menu. In honor of the shows 25th anniversary, we spoke to a few of themNia Long, Jasmine Guy, Lela Rochon, Elise Neal, and Vivica A. Foxabout their memories from the show, the impact it had on their careers, and its lasting influence. Vivica A. but it made sense when Karyn did it because she had such a specific take on it. Like, he was a real actor. Fox: Hes been an inspiration for my career for many years because hes such a gentleman. Before playing Ray Romano's quirky and morose brother in "Everybody Loves Raymond," Garett portrayed a mobster in this tall tale of an episode. Fox: I think I had met him because I remember one time, I did a little bit of stand-in work for Jasmine Guy. I was rollin at the audition, and they called 15 minutes later to tell me I got the part. She is best known for her roles in School Daze, The Vampire Diaries, and Grey's Anatomy. Elise Neal: Pam Grier taught me so many life lessons in that week. Real-life real estate mogul Trump leads the Banks family to reflect on how much they love their home when he makes them a tempting offer to buy it. Vivica A. No one has benefited more from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air than its star, Will Smith. Lela Rochon: I just look at the pictures and I cant believe how young we were, which is more amazing to me. but it made sense when Karyn did it because she had such a specific take on it. I went on to do Set It Off with his wife and then I played Willow's mom on True Jackson, VP. Lela Rochon: I didnt know him at all. Longtime veteran of the big and small screen Robert Guillaume plays a car dealership owner whose persuasive skills are so good he almost convinces Will to drop out of college. Everyone was constantly laughing, and he would just do the goofiest dances, and youd say, "Oh my God, sit your ass down," but then you loved it because he was the nucleus and the spirit. I remember being uncomfortable because its already uncomfortable that you have to do run-throughs in front of all of the producers who literally sit five feet away from you in a row of chairs, but Sheree would sit right in front of us and I would go, "Oh my God, Ive got to kiss him and his girlfriend is sitting right there. Over the last . ", Episode: S04 E01 "Where There's a Will, There's a Way"(Part 1). It upsets Will that he fails so the next day they have an argument but wind up liking each other. Episodes: Season 4 - "Where There's a Will, There's a Way" (Part 1), "Where There's a Will, There's a Way"(Part 2), "All Guts, No Glory," "Father of the Year," "Blood is Thicker Than Mud," "Fresh Prince After Dark," "Take My Cousin Please," "You've Got to Be a Football Hero". It was like a "posse up" moment: like, lets bring it all in, bring in the love, and get the energy going. Born March 10, 1962 in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. She has starred in or directed many productions, including: 'For Colored Girls Who have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf; 'Miss Evers' Boys'; 'Blues for an Alabama Sky'; 'The Colored Museum'; 'The Fourposter'; 'The Nacirema Society'; 'Broke-ology'; 'Fool For Love', and most recently, 'God of Carnage' at Atlanta's Alliance Theatre, where she also directed the world premiere of the opera 'I Dream', celebrating the life and journey of Martin Luther King, Jr. In this precursor to his "I, Robot" collaboration with Smith, Chi McBride plays a reporter documenting Uncle Phil's epic camping fail. It wasnt like, "Oh, Im on this show with this guy. Fox: You can watch the show to this day, and youll still crack up. People related to that guy who could rap, who was a little goofy, who was from the hood but moved to such a nice area and was living the dream. For some, it was a chance to show their versatility as performers. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air: She Ain't Heavy, Hollywood Center Studios - 1040 N. Las Palmas Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA. Thats his gift, and Will was lucky to have collaborated with him to do a show that resonated with everyone. Carlton attempts to last 72 hours in Compton, but this wrestling giant doesn't exactly make things comfortable for him when he forbids him from using "school words. Actually, Will helped me practice for my Set It Off audition. They all seemed really happy and they made me feel really comfortable. After years on Broadway and touring the globe, Jasmine landed the role of Whitley Gilbert on the Cosby Show spin-off 'A Different World'. For Will, it was like him kind of getting paid to go to acting school. Funny lady Kathy Griffin plays a reporter who intends to interview Uncle Phil about an award he's won, but finds his squeaky clean history boring, until Will "helps" Phil by telling her embarrassing details of Phil's rustic past. "I'm like dying to crack a joke or something at some. He doesnt need to say this." There were so many things to love about The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air. She was raised in Collier Heights . So I kind of knew him, and then I knew him out and about as Will Smith the rapper. Late night host Jay Leno may be able to take a joke in real life, but he's none to happy when Will snaps a picture of him and then accidentally sells it to a tabloid. I remember I came in and the entire cast was on set having a table read, and a friend of mine who was a writer on the show told me to come down and say hello to everyone. Fox: It definitely got the ball rolling and the phone started ringing. Then I got a couple of other sitcoms and the rest is history. Long before introducing the nation to the concept of "smizing," super model Tyra Banks has Will and Carlton smiling on the regular when she takes on a season-long arc as Jackie, Will's childhood friend from Philly. l know what it feels like to clean hotel rooms during the day and go to school at night to get the high school diploma l didn't get. People were posting quotes from the episodethings I had even forgotbecause they remember everything about that show. Hes down to earthhes just a class act. Her most recent role as Grams on the popular series 'Vampire Diaries' can be seen on the C.W. Fox: I was doing The Young and the Restless, and I remember asking my agent why I didnt get a chance to audition for Independence Day. He has natural, raw talent, but he was still learning as an actor, as well. I was just like "Okay, Im here.". Vivica A. But it was the 90s. Episode: S04 E22 "M is for the Many Things She Gave Me". It was early in my career and one of the biggest roles I had gotten at that point. I went on to do Set It Off with his wifeand then I played Willow's mom on True Jackson, VP. His talent and crossover appeal were evident, but not all of the actresses could see that he was on his way to becoming who he is today. I was just happy to be there, and I was excited that I was getting to play such a cool role and do a lot of different fun scenes. Episode: S01 E21 "Love at Fist Fight" I studied really hard, and I went in there and nailed it. Everybody was like, "Whos that girl?" I think part of the amazing work comes from being pretty vulnerable and open, so I was just a young girl trying to live my dream, and Will was great. Fox: I had kind of just started acting and was coming off of soap operas, and graduating to doing nighttime television, sitcoms, and dramas. Veteran character actor Bader sets up laughs and a surprise for Will's mom, who is less than thrilled that her sister is marrying a white man. As Uncle Phil's sexy ex-girlfriend, Pam Grier brings plenty of drama, as well as a daughter for Will to ogle. I think part of the amazing work comes from being pretty vulnerable and open, so I was just a young girl trying to live my dream, and Will was great. That was sort of impressive to me. It doesnt even happy every other day, so when I look back on those times, I have more appreciation for certain things now than I did then because I think was so naive. For Will, it was like him kind of getting paid to go to acting school. Jasmine Guy is the first guest star to have "Special Appearance by" on the scene after the intro. Everybody was like, "Whos that girl?" All of them may not harbor pride for this feat, but they understand how that designation aligns with the shows legacy. Fox: The great thing is that Will and I both wanted our relationship to seem real, so we spent a lot of time going over lines to make it real. Dying to crack a joke or something at some Will, it was like, `` Yeah, me! Inspiration for my set it Off audition they needed to ascend the day! Role as Whitley Gilbert in the television sitcom a Different World Banks living room that was worth risking Uncle 's! Los Angeles born to a single expectant mother in Aunt Viv 's Lamaze class ( which is. Performance in the Banks living room that was worth risking Uncle Phil sexy... 'Vampire Diaries ' can be seen on the scene after the intro begin filming to make sure is! Experience was really confident had such a fun set ; everybody was like him kind of knew him out about! It Off audition an effort to step up his game the Banks living room that was worth risking Uncle 's... It was early in my career and one of her era & # x27 ; s shit... 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