It’s been decades since the tension between Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star Will Smith and Janet Hubert, the original Aunt Viv, made headlines. But in a heartfelt moment of reflection, Smith is owning up to his past mistakes.
During an episode of Vice’s Black Comedy in America, Will Smith sat down with comedian and actor Chris Spencer to revisit his tumultuous relationship with Hubert, who famously portrayed Vivian Banks for the first three seasons of the iconic 1990s sitcom.
Their fallout, which played out publicly, became one of Hollywood’s most infamous feuds. However, Smith now admits that his actions and judgment of Hubert were wrong.
“I made a horrible error and misjudgment of her value, power, and beauty to the show,” Smith confessed. “I horribly underestimated what she was for me at that point in my life.”
Smith’s reflection comes three years after the pair reconciled during the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air 30th anniversary reunion special. That emotional reunion marked the first time the two had come together in 27 years, with both parties acknowledging the pain they caused each other and finding closure.
The legacy of Aunt Viv, particularly Hubert’s portrayal, remains a cultural touchstone for many fans of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Her fiery personality, elegance, and unapologetic stance as a matriarch were hallmarks of the show’s early seasons, making her an irreplaceable part of its success.
In a special reunion for HBO Max celebrating 30 years of Fresh Prince, Smith and Hubert had their first discussion in almost 30 years. This heartfelt moment allowed them to clarify the miscommunications that led to their separation.
In an interview with PEOPLE in 2021, Hubert reminisced about the experience, saying, “I meant it with all my heart when I hugged him because I saw that little boy, that little 21-year-old boy. Had we had an opportunity to talk back then, I think this would have never happened.”
Since then, Will Smith has been an enthusiastic supporter of Hubert’s ventures, particularly her inspiring initiative, JG and the BC Kids, a program that empowers children through the transformative power of education and creativity, helping them unlock their potential and express themselves in vibrant ways.
For now, Smith’s public acknowledgment of Hubert’s worth is another step in the right direction, and fans are here for the healing.
