Bel Air reimagined a lot Fresh Prince of Bel-Air characters, but some big names from the original show have yet to return. Before welcoming aliens to Earth, Will Smith began his career in the hugely successful film The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The comedy series took on the typical fish-out-of-water scenario and ran for six seasons from 1990 to 1996, making Smith a global star in the process, but also including many other great characters played by great actors.
The show was iconic for several reasons; Will Smith’s charismatic personality was infectious and featured laughs, dramatic stories, and a roster of memorable characters. When a more dramatic spin-off, titled Bel Airwas released in 2022, fans of the original series were curious to know which characters would return. Bel Air always have two options when it comes to cameos and guest appearances –either reimagine and recast a Fresh Prince character or bring in an actor from the original series as an entirely different character. Many Fresh Prince characters and actors have already returned, but some are still missing.
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Coach Smiley
Originally played by Dave Florek
One of the funniest and most beloved secondary characters in Fresh prince, was Bel-Air Academy’s history and basketball teacher, Coach Smiley. He first appeared in the Season 1 episode “Courting Disaster” when he recruited Will to his basketball team. Will’s relationship with Coach Smiley is a key element of the original series and could make for some interesting storylines in the future. Bel Air.
While Bel Air featuring Doc Hightower, a basketball recruiter and AAU coach, season 4 would undoubtedly benefit from the inclusion of a tenacious and funny character like Coach Smiley. On the show, it turns out that Hightower took bribes from colleges and agents, so the inclusion of Coach Smiley would be a great Easter egg for fans and would also add some dramatic conflict to the series.
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Dee Dee Williams
Originally played by Queen Latifah
Unfortunately, some of the best characters in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air only appeared in a solitary episode, and that is the case of Dee Dee Williams, played by Queen Latifah in the season 2 episode, “She Ain’t Heavy”. It wasn’t Latifah’s first time on the show, as she also played a small role as Marissa Redmond in the first season of “Working it Out.” However, Dee Dee is without a doubt Will’s most unforgettable short-lived love interest.
Dee Dee was supposed to become a recurring character in the original series. The timing could be perfect for her to appear in Bel Air. Will already has several love interests, but the inclusion of a character with as big a personality as Dee Dee would add an extra spark to Will’s arc. That is, if he escapes being kidnapped after the events of Bel Air season 3 finale.
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Best dog
Originally played by Glenn Plummer
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air it often introduced narratives with a heavy dose of dramatic weight and conflict. One character who was at the center of these stories was Top Dog. He only appeared in Season 4’s “Blood is Thicker Than Mud,” but his introduction left a lasting impression on the series, playing the stubborn former president of the Phi Beta Gamma fraternity who recruits Will and Carlton.
Top Dog’s appearance may have been short-lived, but the tension he brought to the episode is pivotal, making Cartlon’s life a misery due to his jealousy over his Beverly Hills mansion and wealthy upbringing. Racial tensions play a prominent role in Bel-Air, and the inclusion of a character like Top Dog would give Cartlon’s arc on the show extra impetus. It would also provide fans with a memorable but not necessarily liked character.
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Janice Robertson
Originally played by Pam Grier
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air had some cameos from a number of celebritiesin all six seasons. One of the best was undoubtedly Janice Robertson, played by legendary 70s movie star Pam Grier. THE Coffy the actress only appears in the season 4 episode “M is for the Many Things She Gave Me”, as a manipulative old college flame of Phillip Banks who seduces Will in his hotel room.
Janice drives a wedge between several characters in the original series, acting like a femme fatale and using her sexuality to get what she wants. This dynamic would add an extra layer to the Bel Airand while Will has no shortage of love interests on the show, introducing someone as feisty as Janice would be intriguing. If Bel Air has been calling, Pam Grier is still very active, having starred in the horror anthology series They, in addition to lending his voice to Bob’s Burgers very recently.
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Trevor Collins-news
Originally played by Brian Stokes Mitchell
One of the funniest and most tragic moments in the original series was when Hilary witnessed her boyfriend, Trevor, fall to his death while bungee jumping on live television. The character first appeared in the season 3 episode “Hilary Gets a Job” and made more appearances before his untimely death at the beginning of season 4.
Trevor’s death in the original show had a huge impact on Hilary and was the main reason why Will and Carlton ended up living in the pool house, as Hilary couldn’t stand being in the same places Trevor used to be. Hilary has a complicated love life in Bel Airincluding a relationship with Jazz, just like in the original show. Trevor was such an iconic part of the ’90s series that his appearance in Season 4 would be great for fans of both shows.
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Janet Townes
Originally played by Vivaca. A. Fox
Another great artist who had one of her first roles in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, was Kill Bill star Vivica. A. Fox, playing the sensible Janet. Although she only appeared in the first season of “It Had to Be You,” her role alongside Will Smith is great, and watching her run around the poor lovesick guy is hilarious.
Janet’s character would fit Bel Air the same way she did in the original show. After Will tries to win her over, he pushes the aggressive lady towards Cartlon, who surprisingly wins her over. There’s already a complicated love triangle involving Will, Carlton, and Lisa, and the introduction of another equally headstrong female character would add an extra great dynamic to the series. Furthermore, Vivica A. Fox is active and involved in several projects.
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Tyrik Johnson
Originally played by Perry Moore
The friendships Will makes during both The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and its spin-off, Bel Airare fundamental to the longevity of both programs. He forms a close bond with Carlton despite their obvious differences, and his best friend Jazz also gets a lot of air time in the original, mainly due to being thrown out the front door by Uncle Phil. Another character Will is close friends with is Tyriq Johnson.
Unfortunately, Tyriq didn’t have a fitting ending to his appearance in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Airso the introduction of the character in Bel Air not only would it add another cool Easter egg for fans, but it would also give it some overall closure. The somewhat stupid Tyriq is the third stage of the relationship between Will, Carlton and himself, thus adding this comical dynamic to the more serious one. Bel Air would work well.
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Michelle Michaels
Originally played by Stacey Dash
Another character who leaves a lasting impression is singer and musician Michelle Michaels, who appears in the season 4 episode, “When You Hit Upon a Star.” Although his appearance is fleeting, Will’s crush on Michelle is an important learning curve for the character in season four. It also further strengthens his bond with Uncle Phil, whose fatherly advice is a recurring emotional anchor for Will.
Actress Stacy Dash will be recognized by fans of the original series and has also appeared in many other memorable roles in her career, including a major role in Uninformed in 1995. What Bel Air manages to have done so well in its first three seasons, is to establish its female stars with good character arcs. While it may not be necessary to add more to her already full roster, if Dash were to be persuaded to return, it would be interesting to see her as a different character in addition to the inclusion of Michelle Michaels.
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Cindy
Originally played by Lark Voorhies
When Cindy is introduced in season three’s “Mama’s Baby, Carlton’s Maybe,” her appearance causes tension at the Banks’ Beverly Hills mansion. Lark Voorhies plays Carlton’s ex-girlfriend, and her arrival with a baby named Carlton Jr is one of the series’ most important episodes. This brings some emotional turmoil for Carlton, along with Will’s usual humorous teasing.
At the end of season 3 of Bel-Air, it’s revealed that Aunt Viv is pregnant, which, along with Will’s kidnapping, leaves some major obstacles in season three. Bel Air left open for what fans will see if season 4 happens. If Cindy returns to the show, it would offer another intriguing addition to the cast, especially if producers introduce her pregnancy storyline to go along with Aunt Viv and her own impending motherhood.
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Nicky Banks
Originally played by Ross Bagley
One of the most touching, humorous, and memorable additions to the original series in the ’90s was the introduction of Will’s cousin Nicky. Or, to give him his full name; Nicholas Andrew Michael Shawn Nathan Wanya “Nicky” Banks. Her relationship with Will became the heart of the series after he was introduced in the third season finale.
Some of the best Fresh Prince of Bel-Air characters have already returned in Bel-Air remake, and one of the most notable omissions, besides Will Smith himself, is undoubtedly Nicky. Actor Ross Bagley is now 35 years old and it might be interesting to have him back on the show as well, in addition to the addition of Bel AirNicky’s version.