Culture

Everyone’s Favorite Aunt Viv, Janet Hubert Will Star in Will Smith’s ‘Fresh Prince’ Reunion Special

Janet Hubert and Will Smith were spotted in a candid photo unleashed in preparation of the upcoming special.

If you’ve been wondering whether or not Janet Hubert would be part of the upcoming Fresh Prince reunion alongside Will Smith, your prayers have been answered.

On Thursday evening, Smith shared photos from the sitcom’s 30th-anniversary special. In one image Hubert and Smith are captured candidly smiling. While in another shot on the original set Will is reunited with the original cast members  Tatyana Ali, Karyn Parsons, Joseph Marcell, Daphne Maxwell Reid, Alfonso Ribeiro, and DJ Jazzy Jeff. Accompanying the photos was also a tribute to Uncle Phil played by James Avery who died at the age of 68 in 2014. “RIP James. #FreshPrince30th.”

Photo Credit: Twitter

The first image was a bit of a surprise for fans as Hubert has expressed exactly why she left the series. In the past, she’s made it clear she parted ways because Smith was an “egomaniac” who ruined her career. 

Hubert was cherished as the original Aunt Viv from 1990-1993 before she was replaced by Daphne Maxwell Reid in season 4. Long story short, she left on bad terms. In 2011 per Complex she said, “There will never be a reunion as I will never do anything with an asshole like Will Smith.” Hubert added, “He is still an egomaniac and has not grown up.”

In 1993, Smith released a statement alleging Hubert left solely due to jealousy. “I can say straight up that Janet Hubert wanted the show to be The Aunt Viv of Bel-Air Show,” Will said on an Atlanta radio station. “She’s mad now but she’s been mad all along. She said once, ‘I’ve been in the business for 10 years and this snotty-nosed punk comes along and gets a show.’ No matter what, to her I’m just the AntiChrist.”

We’re assuming Smith and Hubert are now on good terms as there’d be no point in casting her again. The reunion will be the first time the duo have paired up in 27 years. Airing on HBO Max, the special has been described as a “funny and heartfelt night full of music, dancing, and more special surprise guests.”

The Prince of Bel-Air reunion special is set to premiere sometime around Thanksgiving. Take a look at fan’s reactions below. 

Robyn Mowatt

Robyn Mowatt is a Staff Writer at Okayplayer where she covers culture, music, and fashion. You can see what's on her mind on Twitter at @robyn_mowatt.

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