The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Summary
Despite its relatively diminished size of it , the Banks mob fromThe Fresh Prince of Bel - Airis easily one of the most iconic television sitcom families of all time . While other memorable quality and even fame have depict up at dissimilar decimal point in the dear ' 90s sitcom , each member of the Banks mob has left a strong impression on audiences almost thirty year after its conclusion . Whether because of the screaming mischief-making that the Banks family finds themselves in or the heart - to - affection moments they share , the Banks resonated strongly with viewing audience .
The brilliant acting performances from the principal hurl and the hilarious unscripted moments are just a fistful of reasons why audiences hold the fictional menage in such eminent regard . While there are other democratic and belovedsitcom family similar toThe Fresh Prince of Bel - Air , something about these characters has given them a especial place in dada finish . From the previous fellow member to the youngest , the Banks family has been responsible for bringing plenteousness of joy and laughs to families all over the world .
Philip Banks
Played by James Avery
Often regard the expert television dad of all sentence , Uncle Phil is the stern but fair patriarch of the Banks class as well as a hardworking lawyer and eventual evaluator . play by the late James Avery , Uncle Phil is known for his near - infinite amount of solitaire and empathy for anyone he interact with - especially when it comes to matters concerning Will . Despite Uncle Phil ’s hulk mien , he just about always talk to his married woman Vivian and daughters Hilary and Ashley in a gentle and respectful tone , as he wants to set positivist lesson for Carlton and Will .
Despite Will constantly trying Uncle Phil ’s patience , he never plow Will other than from his biological kid and even go out of his fashion to ensure Will has a much better upbringing than what he was accustomed to prior to move in . A particularly strong example of this is in the tear - jerker time of year four instalment " Papa ’s pose a Brand New Excuse " in which he consoles a vulnerable Will after his biological father walks out on him again . Whether engaging in petty contention with Geoffrey or stand up for his family , Uncle Phil is arguably the most respected member of the Banks family .
Vivian Banks
Played by Janet Hubert (Seasons 1-3) and Daphne Maxwell Reid (Seasons 4-6)
Better known as Aunt Viv , Vivian Banks is the materfamilias of the Banks household and is depicted as a hard - working and intelligent woman . majestic and steadfast , Aunt Viv inThe Fresh Prince of Bel - Airis someone whom many of the characters list on whenever they need advice or guidance without invoking the more stern Uncle Phil ’s wrath . Nevertheless , Aunt Viv has been seen occasionally record her more stern side - especially with Will and Carlton , whenever the state of affairs calls for it .
A notable example of Aunt Viv ’s no - nonsense side was seen in the culmination of the 6th episode of time of year 1 , " Mistaken Identity " in which a furious Aunt Viv and Uncle Phil threaten corrupted police officer with legal activity after discovering they disregard to do their job decent in favor of racially profiling Will and Carlton . Furthermore , Aunt Viv has been known to correct Uncle Phil in the rare instances when he ’s unreasonable with the boys . A loving married woman and caring mother , Aunt Viv cemented herself as one of boob tube ’s greatest office mannikin .
Hilary Banks
Played By Karyn Parsons
The eldest of the cant ' nipper , Hilary Banks is often depicted as someone who is incredibly vain , shallow , dim - witted , selfish , and snobby . Her clubby mental attitude was on full showing betimes inThe Fresh Prince of Bel - Air ’s runwhen she was seen blatantly judging Will on write up of his rough upbringing despite not hump much about him . disregarding of her spiky exterior , her younger sister Ashley admires Hilary as she know deep down inside that she genuinely cares for her loved one .
After the second sequence of season 4 , " Where There ’s a Will , There ’s a room ( Part 2 ) , " Hilary ’s boyfriend Trevor tragically dies in a bungee cord jump chance event , and it has a profound effect on her . After processing what happens , she has an easier time hold her faults and being nicer , thus maturing more than any penis of her family or grapheme in the show . Despite her initial carelessness toward other people , Hilary experience plenty of growth that makes her much more likable throughout the show .
Will Smith
Played By Will Smith
While not a biologic son of Uncle Phil or Aunt Viv , Will is relate to the Banks class on news report of his female parent being the older sis of Vivian Banks . Unlike any of his enate cousin , Will had an incredibly pugnacious upbringingdue to his father walking out on him and his mother and leaving them to supply for themselves in West Philadelphia . In nastiness of Will ’s circumstances , he ’s demo to be someone who is constantly happy , effortlessly charismatic , and always uncoerced to stand up for people weaker than him .
well one ofWill Smith ’s best characters , Will endeared himself to audiences and everyone around him as he was reliable and always true to himself . While this authenticity initially clashed with his more regal mob members , they finally learn to swallow it as they realized Will ’s personality is largely what kept him out of trouble before being mail to Bel - Air . Will ’s good temper and accountability were great examples for Ashley and Carlton , and his desire to be greater than what his circumstances allowed earned him Uncle Phil , Aunt Viv , and Hilary ’s obedience .
The Fresh Prince of Bel - Air almost got a spinoff in 1990 long before Bel - Air , which would have starred Don Cheadle as his time of year 1 role Ice Tray .
Carlton Banks
Played By Alfonso Ribeiro
The eldest boy of Uncle Phil and Aunt Viv , Carlton Banks is typically seen extend the brunt of the children ’s responsibilities . Even though Carlton often complains about these responsibility , he inevitably accepts them as he realizes his parents do it to help him develop his reference and personality . Outside of this , Carlton is often portray as a stereotypical preppy individual with little to no street smarts . This change somewhat after Will move in as his first cousin ’s extroverted nature help oneself get Carlton out of his shell .
Despite Carlton ’s common ostentatious and fearful characterisation , he ’s displayed signs of bravery and fortitude when it mattered the most . In the 8th episode of season 4 , " Blood is Thicker Than Mud , " Carlton is seen standing up to an all - dark fraternity after its loss leader Top Dog questions his authenticity as a Black humanity due to his wealthy upbringing . The important moment had an impact on Will as he treated Carlton likewise to how Top Dog did , and it firmlyestablished Carlton as a strong fictional character in the boldness of his comprehend weakness .
Ashley Banks
Played By Tatyana M. Ali
The second - new member of the Banks kinsfolk , Ashley is an level-headed and caring young noblewoman who immediately show the most affection towards Will upon forgather him . Perhaps due to Will ’s hip - record hop aesthetic and coolheaded - guy wire demeanor , Ashley gravitates and even simulate Will over the course of the first few season to hilarious effect . Despite its mirthfulness , however , Ashley started butting heads with her parent early in the show because of Will ’s influence - something that completely appal Uncle Phil and Aunt Viv .
In the seventh episode of time of year 5 , " Father Knows skilful , " Ashley drops out of private shoal behind her parent ' dorsum and convinces Will to cover for her . After the duo ’s failed plot of ground , Ashley get along neat to Uncle Phil and Aunt Viv - and despite her punishment for the act , is commended for eventually tell apart them the true statement . Nevertheless , Ashley displays an aptitude to follow in Aunt Viv ’s shadow throughout the series while still keep a close relationship with Will .
Nicky Banks
Played By Ross Bagley
The new member of the Banks family , Nicky is the second son of Uncle Phil and Aunt Viv and is show to be a small fry wise well beyond his years , friendly , curious , and respectful for the most part . In other instances - usually with Will , he expose arrogance and crudity , typically as a event of being frustrated with someone he take for a dork . Nicky was fulfil with sundry response when he was introduced since he was more a plot machine to prompt older grapheme to ameliorate themselves than a fleshed - out quality . regardless of this , his interpersonal chemistry with Will get some of the funniest moments in the 2nd one-half ofThe Fresh Prince of Bel - Air .
Joe and Hattie Banks
Played by Gilbert Lewis and Virginia Capers Respectively
pick up the least amount of screen time out of any member of the Banks family , Philip ’s parents , Joe and Hattie Banks , are its old members seen inThe Fresh Prince of Bel - Air . The elder Banks debut in the time of year 1 episode , " Not with My Pig , You Do n’t , " and it is in this instalment that audiences learn Phil ’s humble beginnings as a child on his parents ' farm . Even though Uncle Phil is chagrined about his past , his family - Will in particular - thinks it ’s great that he grew up on a farm , believing that it ’s largely what contributed to his disciplined and principled theatrical role .
Whereas Joe only appeared in the season 1 installment on account of passing aside off - sieve before long after his launching , Hattie made five additional appearances throughout the show ’s footrace , with her last sojourn coming in time of year 6 ’s Christmas episode . Moreover , despite Will having no blood intercourse to either Joe or Hattie , he dear refer to them as his grandparents and was seen bonding with Hattie in her subsequent appearances inThe Fresh Prince of Bel - Air .
