Will Smith and Alfonso Ribeiro entertained the world with their snappy comebacks and practical jokes for six years on NBC’s sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air during the 90s.
The Bad Boys actor opened up about his close bond with Ribeiro and how he helped in shaping his career in the latest episode of the series, Black Comedy in America.
Smith revealed that he had plenty of creative relationships during his career that transformed his life, which also includes Ribeiro.
“Where you meet somebody who understands you in a way that other people don’t understand you. And they’re able to understand you, then craft things for you to create and shine and explode,” Smith said. “Alfonso was that guy for sure.”
The 56-year-old star lauded Ribeiro for his acting genius as he recalled a memorable audition for the beloved ’90s series.
“When he came in for the audition, there was like no question. That’s the one.”
The Oscar winning-actor also hailed Ribeiro’s commitment to work and his willingness to “risk it all” calling his dedication as the “comedic limb.”
“You know where you gon’ try this joke and you gon’ go out there with it, and you gon’ risk it all. And one of his big things, why he would commit so hard with the lines, he says, ‘You commit so the writers can know it doesn’t work.’”
He continued to describe Ribeiro “red-lining…giving everything” on a Tuesday, though they wouldn’t be filming until Friday. “The willingness to crash and burn is the only way you can be funny.”
Will Smith played himself in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air while Ribeiro played the role of Carlton Banks, Smith’s best friend and brother figure in the show.
The beloved show from the ’90s was reimagined in 2022 titled, Bel-Air, starring Jabari Banks as Smith and Olly Sholotan as Carlton Banks. The reboot has been renewed for forth and final season.
