Where Are They Now
Will Smith: William 'Will' Smith
In the late 1980s Philadelphia native Will Smith began his career in the music industry by teaming up with his friend Jeff Townes to form the hip-hop group DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince. A few years later, Smith landed a staring role in his very own TV sitcom, 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.' During the show's six year run he played William 'Will' Smith, who was a street-savvy adolescent from West Philadelphia.
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Will Smith: Mr. July
Since the show ended in 1996, Smith has maintained a strong presence in Hollywood- now commanding a reported $20 million per film. In addition to marrying actress Jada-Pinkett Smith, he has starred in several blockbuster flicks such as, 'Bad Boys,' 'Independence Day,' 'The Pursuit of Happyness,' and 'I Am Legend.' On July 2, Smith will play the role of superhero John Hancock in his 16th feature film 'Hancock.'
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Tyra Banks: Jackie Ames
Before she became the force behind 'America's Next Top Model,' Tyra Banks began her television career on the fourth season of 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.' During her seven episode run on the sitcom, the Cover Girl cosmetics spokeswoman played Smith's longtime friend Jackie Ames. Her appearance on the sitcom was just the beginning of her journey through the Hollywood ranks.
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Tyra Banks: America's Next Top Mogul
Today, Banks is far from Bel-Air. In addition to starring in feature films 'Coyote Ugly' and 'Higher Learning,' the supermodel-turned-TV mogul is now an executive producer of her own CW Network shows 'America's Next Top Model' and 'The Tyra Banks Show.' On top of that, Banks recently added to her long list of accomplishments by receiving a Daytime Emmy Award for her nationally syndicated talk-show.
Nia Long: Lisa Wilkes
After making her second movie appearance in John Singleton's Academy Award nominated 'Boyz N The Hood,' Nia Long decided to bring her talent to 'Bel-Air.' Long played Will Smith's girlfriend turned fiancée Lisa Wilkes. Over the course of 16 episodes the two maintained a relationship that eventually evolved in the two getting engaged.
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Nia Long: Bold & Beautiful
Following her 'Fresh Prince' days, Long has managed to not only land roles in 'Soul Food' and 'The Best Man,' she has also achieved success based off of her physical assets. In 2000, 'People' magazine voted the Brooklyn siren as one of the "50 Most Beautiful People" in the world. During that same year, the 'Love Jones' actress took the last place spot on Black Men's Magazine's poll of "The 10 Sexiest Women of the Year." As for her acting skills, NAACP recognized Long in 2004 with their Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series for her role on 'Third Watch.' The former 'Dark & Lovely' hair care spokeswoman also starred in the first and only season of the ABC series 'Big Shots.'
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Tatyana Ali: Ashley Banks
Beginning a TV/music career at the tender age of five can only lead to a successful career at an early age. Tatyana Ali was first known to the public as Ashley Banks on the popular sitcom. Despite pursuing a career in acting, Ali still managed to incorporate her musical talents on some episodes. The multi-talented singer/actress showcased her skills by singing popular songs such Aretha Franklin's 'Respect.'
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Tatyana Ali: Triple Threat Talent
It was only a matter of time before the North Bellmore, Long Island native would pursue her childhood dream of being a singer. Her debut album 'Kiss The Sky,' which featured the singles 'Daydreamin' and 'Boy You Knock Me Out' with Will Smith, went gold in early 1999. Earlier this year she contributed to will.i.am's 'Yes We Can' song supporting Barack Obama's presidential campaign. Her recent acting credits include 'Glory Road,' 'Nora's Hair Salon' and 'The Young and the Restless.' The 'Fresh Prince' beauty is also featured as a hostess of BlackVoices' 'Weekly Wire' show.
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Alfonso Ribiero: Carlton Banks
Most notably for his outrageous dancing to Tom Jones' 'It's Not Unusual,' Carlton Banks was definitely a stand out on the 'Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.' Unlike his cool cousin Will, Carlton was considered to be a nerd and uptight amongst Will and his friends. Alfonso's role on the hit show wasn't his first, the multitalented actor/singer made his acting debut many years earlier at age eight on the PBS series 'Oye Ollie.' He also starred in the Broadway musical 'The Tap Dance Kid' and appeared in popular Pepsi commercials with Michael Jackson during his 'Thriller' heyday.
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Alfonso Ribiero: Host with the Most
Following the 'Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' Ribeiro played the role of Dr. Maxwell Stanton on L.L. Cool J's sitcom 'In The House.' Most recently, the New York City native appeared in reality show competitions 'Celebrity Duets,' which he won, and 'The Singing Bee.' This summer, he makes his game show host debut as the host of GSN's newest game show 'Catch 21.'
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1. Like this blog, The old bastard can keep up with the jiffypops like keister kole and kool jay from places I used to live.Oakland and Long Island and other people I do not know but was in the town!
bigdrob1[pain in the keister + the mouth of the south] at 9:54AM on Jul 27th 2008