Centering around a young kid from West Philadelphia, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air not only defined a generation but also resulted in some of the most unforgettable dance moves and fashion trends to come out of the ‘90s. Aired on NBC from 1990 to 1996, the sitcom is one of the most iconic shows of all time. Take a look at five facts you probably didn’t know about the show.
Will Smith used to memorize the lines of other members of the cast so he would remember his own.
Back then, Will Smith was new to the acting industry. The rapper felt uncomfortable with his level of skill, especially since his co-stars were well-versed in the ins and outs of the industry. To keep up, he ended up memorizing entire scripts and he’d lip along while everyone else was saying their lines.
The sitcom made it possible for Will and Jada-Pinkett Smith to cross paths.
Courtney Cox and Eddie Murphy were inspirations for the unforgettable Carlton Dance.
Alfonso Ribeiro who plays the character of Carlton Banks on the show said that his signature Carlton Dance was inspired by Courtney Cox’s dance in Bruce Springsteen’s Dancing in the Dark video. He also credited Eddie Murphy, whose white man dance in the comedy video Delirious served as an inspiration for the popular move.
The IRS played a role in Smith’s first acting stint.
Before becoming a big star on TV, Will Smith was already known for being a successful rapper. Unfortunately, he had some issues with the IRS and was required to pay $2.8 million in back taxes. In order to pay off the debt, Smith’s financial advisors recommended that he take the NBC show offer, with the IRS taking 70% off his check for the first three years.
Will and Jazz were real-life best friends too.
Jazz, played by Jeffrey A. Townes, was Will’s best friend in the show. The two got into one mishap after another, with Jazz almost always getting thrown out of the Banks’ mansion. Off-screen, Smith and Townes (also known as DJ Jazzy Jeff) are best friends, even forming a rap duo that won them the 1989 Grammy for Best Rap Performance.