Will Smith, James Avery, and Alfonso Ribeiro star in The Fresh Prince of Bel‑Air, a 1990s sitcom about a street‑smart teen sent to live with his wealthy aunt and uncle in Bel‑Air.
Main cast
- Will SmithWill Smith1–6Main
- Philip BanksJames Avery1–6Main
- Vivian BanksJanet Hubert (seasons 1–3) / Daphne Maxwell Reid (seasons 4–6)1–3/4–6Main
- Lisa WilkesNia Long4–5Main
Supporting cast
- Carlton BanksAlfonso Ribeiro1–6Supp
- Hilary BanksKaryn Parsons1–6Supp
- Ashley BanksTatyana Ali1–6Supp
- Geoffrey ButlerJoseph Marcell1–6Supp
- Nicky BanksRoss Bagley5–6Supp
Guest & voice
- JazzJeff Townes1–6Guest
- Uncle LouAlfonso Ribeiro4Guest
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About this cast
The Fresh Prince of Bel‑Air is a beloved American sitcom that aired on NBC for six seasons from 1990 to 1996, but in the UK it was broadcast on BBC One. The show follows Will Smith, a teenager from West Philadelphia, who is sent to live with his wealthy aunt and uncle in their Bel‑Air mansion. The central cast includes Will Smith as the titular Fresh Prince, James Avery as his stern but loving…
FAQs
Who plays Will Smith in Fresh Prince of Bel‑Air?
Will Smith plays himself (the character is also named Will Smith) in the series. The real Will Smith stars as the fictionalised version of himself.
Who plays Uncle Phil in Fresh Prince of Bel‑Air?
James Avery plays Philip Banks, Will’s wealthy and often stern uncle who is a judge. Avery was a main cast member for all six seasons.
Who plays Carlton in Fresh Prince of Bel‑Air?
Alfonso Ribeiro plays Carlton Banks, Will’s preppy cousin known for his love of Tom Jones and his signature dance moves.
How many seasons did The Fresh Prince of Bel‑Air run?
The series ran for six seasons, from 1990 to 1996, totalling 148 episodes.
Is The Fresh Prince of Bel‑Air based on a true story?
The show is loosely inspired by real‑life music producers’ experiences, but it is a fictional sitcom. The character of Will Smith is a fictionalised version of the actor.
Sources & where to watch: IMDb · Wikipedia · Where to watch (JustWatch UK) · Updated June 2026