It’s been 30 years since The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air first premiered on NBC, but it remains as timeless as it was when it first debut. The iconic sitcom follows Will Smith (Will Smith), who is shipped away from his hometown of West Philadelphia to live with his affluent aunt, uncle, and cousins, the Banks in Bel Air.
While his Uncle Phil (James Avery) and Aunt Vivian (Janet Hubert / Daphne Maxwell Reed) try to get him acclimated to Bel-Air, Will never stops being himself. He often pulls his cousins Carlton (Alfonso Ribeiro) and Ashley (Tatyana Ali) into his hijinks. His older cousin Hilary (Karyn Parsons) and the family’s butler Geoffry (Joseph Marcell) often got caught up in the shenanigans as well.
Following a well-received reunion on HBO Max, here’s what the cast of The Fresh Prince is up to today
Will Smith as Will Smith
Though The Fresh Prince was one of his first acting gigs, Smith’s career has skyrocketed since then, making him a bonafide movie-star and one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actors. He’s starred in everything from Ali to the Bad Boys franchise. Up next, he is slated to play Serena and Venus Williams’ father in King Richard.
James Avery as Uncle Phil
The late Army Vet was a well-known thespian before becoming America’s Dad. Before The Fresh Prince, Avery starred in everything from Hills Street Blues to Rambo. After the sitcom, he starred in The Closer, The Nightmare Room, The Division, and That ’70s Show. The actor died in 2016 at the age of 68.
Janet Hubert as Aunt Viv
The Julliard-trained actor starred as Aunt Viv for the first three seasons of the series. It made her a household name. After leaving Fresh Prince, Hubert has starred in series like If Loving You Is Wrong and General Hospital. On the HBO reunion, Hubert revealed what really went down when she left Fresh Prince.
Alfonso Ribeiro as Carlton Banks
We will forever know Riberio as Carlton and for that iconic dance that he still does. Since playing everyone’s favorite cousin, he hosted America’s Funniest Home Videos and starred in In the House, One on One, Shake It Up, and Meet the Browns.
Karyn Parsons as Hilary Banks
A fashion icon, Hilary Banks’ style is still talked about today. Following Fresh Prince, Parsons went on to star in Lush Life, The Job, Melrose Place, and Static Shock. She is also an acclaimed children’s book author.
Tatyana Ali as Ashley Banks
Ali grew up on The Fresh Prince. Following her role in the series, she went on to star in The Young and the Restless and Love That Girl! as well as a slew of films. Aliu has also dropped an EP, showcasing her stunning vocals.
Joseph Marcell as Geoffrey
The English-born actor starred as the Banks’ legendary butler whom Will Smith affectionately called “G.” Following Fresh Prince, Marcell returned to the theater and was also seen in The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind and Return to Zero. Most recently, he starred in Netflix’s Ratched.
Daphne Maxwell Reid as Aunt Vivian
Reid starred as Aunt Vivian in the final three seasons of Fresh Prince after Hubert left the series. Since then, she has starred in Jacqueline and Jilly, Eve, and Let’s Stay Together.
DJ Jazzy Jeff as Jazz
Before Fresh Prince, Jazzy Jeff was an acclaimed Grammy producer. He also starred on the show as Will’s best friend Jazz, who was often thrown out of the Banks’ mansion. Following the Fresh Prince, Jazzy Jeff has continued to focus on his music.
Photo: Getty/NBCU Photo Bank