Janet Hubert played the original Aunt Vivian in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” for three years, and her working relationship with Will Smith was friendly during seasons 1 and 2, but then soured. After the third season, Hubert left the show and Daphne Reed took her place as Mrs. Banks.
The conflicting egos of the two stars seemed to be a big problem in their feud, what he said, he said. Because I know the press will bother me, ”Smith said in an interview when the rivalry started. Yup!
Hubert says the friction began when Smith, unknown to the cast, became the show’s producer and his new position allowed him to give acting notes to his peers. And some have done more harm than good. “You told me how black women behave, but it turns out I’m a black woman,” Hubert said in an interview about his conversation with Smith. Witness ABC7NY News.
Hubert said he was barred from working elsewhere during the filming of season three and that The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’s contract significantly reduced both his hours and salary, leaving him with no further acting opportunities. Variables plagued the actress, and her abusive marriage apparently didn’t help create intolerable tensions with Smith.
–
