‘Will Smith is still an egomaniac’ says shows Aunt Viv
The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air cast reunion photo posted by Will Smith on his Facebook page sparked fond memories for most.
But one former cast member- notably absent from the shot- was not so happy to see the reference to that chapter of her career.
Janet Hubert – who played Will Smith’s aunt Vivian in the sitcom, has rubbished rumours sparked by the picture, saying: ‘There will never be a reunion … as I will never do anything with an a**hole like Will Smith.’
She told TMZ: ‘He is still an egomaniac and has not grown up. This constant reunion thing will never ever happen in my lifetime unless there is an apology, which he doesn’t know the word.’
Hubert, who left the show in 1993 halfway through its six year run, has blamed Smith for her departure since, claiming she was dismissed because she refused to bow to his ego.
Smith has refuted the claims however, and told an Atlanta radio station after her departure that Hubert had a bad attitude.
‘[Hubert] said once, “I’ve been in the business for 10 years and this snotty-nosed punk comes along and gets a show.” No matter what, to her I’m just the AntiChrist,’ the actor said.
It would appear that the animosity between the pair has not yet subsided.
The Fresh Prince of Bel Air which aired from 1990 until 1996, was staple for a generation of teenagers in the US and abroad.
It has been claimed that Hubert- who was replaced by Daphne Reid after three years on the show- violated her contract when she became pregnant.
A new character Nicky Banks was worked into the plot to accommodate the situation.
Hubert and Smith were reportedly at odds long before the pregnancy however.
Will, 43, said he was delighted to be able to see the rest of his second family in the run up to Christmas at a special charity event last week.
He said: ‘Got the Holiday season started right with a Fresh Prince of Bel Air reunion.
‘There’s nothin’ like spending Holidays with fam!’
A reunion picture- not including Hubert- was taken last week at a luncheon for the charity Sweet Blackberry, which was founded by Karyn Parsons, who played airhead weather girl Hilary on the show.
Other cast members present were Tatyana Ali, who played his little cousin Ashley, Alfonso Ribeiro who played his snobby cousin Carlton and James Avery, who was the Banks family patriarch Uncle Phil.
Sadly missing was Joseph Marcell, who played the Banks’ butler Geoffrey, Daphne Reid who filled the role of matriarch Aunt Vivian from 1993-6.