"I grew up on the streets just like you. I encountered bigotry you could not imagine" The sad part about this is that that was probably James Avery speaking, not just Uncle Phil.
amen man, as a white man i couldnt agree more. it makes me absolutely sick to my stomach watching the news, the racism that is out there now is on a completely different level, i cant possibly imagine what its like to be persecuted against and i never will which is so unfair. i cant possibly think of a way to apologize and make up for what others do, but to all other "races" out there who are beaten down. im sorry and just know not all of us believe in that racist bullshit
FALSE there is no way that a black would have gotten the same sentencing and trial that brock allen turner got. no matter how rich a black mans daddy is he will always be at a disadvantage. white privilege is a very real and very powerful thing dont you dare ignore it and try to put blacks on an equal pedestal when they (sadly) are not. and towards your point about blacks who grow up in bad neighborhoods end up bad people. why do you think mostly blacks are in bad neighborhoods? oh thats right because us white people dont give them a fair chance and make it nearly impossible to escape that. please stop trying to make the injustices against whites and blacks equal, it will never happen. we have hundreds of years to makes up for
+Devin Riou the only people that have more privilege than the rest of us are rich people. I've worked for everything damn thing i have. No one's handed anything to me, i get up, go to college THAT I PAY FOR, and then i go to work. When i get pulled over, caught red handed, any encounter with police officers, i comply. I do what the officers say. I've had guns drawn on me, given warnings and everything in-between. There is no such thing as white privilege.
Eli Maximoff Uncle Phil said pretty much says: "Find out what he's all about, then you can criticize him" Uncle Phil was criticizing Will before he knew what he was all about. Where in this comment did he say he doesn't need to behave? He was pointing out Uncle Phil's hypocrisy.
Uncle Phil criticized him not only for that, but alto because of his attitude. Will showing he has talent doenst cancels Uncle Phils reasons to be mad at him. He was hapilly surprised at the end, but doenst mean he wanst right about his discipline instruction.
I think the implication was that Uncle Phil, despite his speech, still thought of Will as just some street punk who glorifies the ghetto and can't relate to the kind of person that Uncle Phil is and the kind of things that are typically associated with people like him. Basically, Will thought Uncle Phil was an uncle tom, until he mentions that he listened to and read the words of Malcolm X, and Uncle Phil thought Will was just some thug, until Will showed his skill with piano by playing classical music.
+KingofSting19 Yeah, and in the end of the series, in the last episode, Uncle Phill says that in the first day of Will in the house he saw Will's potential.
It wasn’t will smith who was originally cast in the Fresh prince of bel air, it was actually kid n play who were offered the show, however, they chose to have their own cartoon over the fresh prince of bel air
I love the fact uncle Phil tells Will "before you criticize someone, find out what he's all about" and he himself found out something about Will he didn't know after he had already criticized him. Goes to show...
Whenever I hear him say this, I immediately begin picturing a young Phil standing with other men watching Malcolm speak. I think about all of his powerful speeches and how amazing it must have been to actually see it in person and all his iconic quotes which have repeated so many times and what must be like to remember hearing them spoken for the first time. I am so envious.
this ending is actually brilliant! "before you criticize somebody, you find out what's he's all about". and it ends with showing Uncle Phil realizing that he just criticized Will without knowing what he's all about
@@mileskenyon in the show phil's parents came and said that he grew up on a farm and didn't move into the city untill he was 17. He never lived in the streets also in that episode he does try to hide where he truly came from to try and look better.
Fast-forward to the series finale... Will: "I just don't want your last impression of me to be no better than the first." Uncle Phil: "You have no idea what my first impression of you is. I remember a kid loaded with all the potential in the world.... Now I see a person on the verge of realizing that potential."
its nice to see how both of them have their points validated sorta....and how the old gen can learn a thing or two as well....but also usually are right most of the time..will kept screwing up...he was given way too loose a leash...
@@razkable it’s been a long time since I’ve seen this episode but I think uncle felt like Will was trying to sabotage him just because he was rich and acting like he knew nothing about Will’s life. Uncle Phil may have put Will into a unsavory group. Maybe a part of him did forget how Will feels like at that age, he really wasn’t trouble he was just out of place and dealing with alot of issues
a sitcom that didn't forget the main characters were black was rare around this time. This show knew how to use that backround when it needed big moments.
I would imagine back in the 70s with things like Good Times & The Jeffersons showing two different sides of life for black families. The Cosby show seemed to do so in the 80s, but as they mentioned, in the 90s there weren't very many shows that did that, with the exception of In Living Color, though I didn't watch it much. Frankly, one that actually I think has enough merit now is Black-ish. The scenes aren't usually so heavy like this one was, but it's still very well done and clever.
What is great about this scene is not only learning about the fatherly characteristics of Uncle Phil and the rebellious youngster of Will Smith, but also clearly shows two family members from different generations. Uncle Phil grew up in the civil rights and black power movement like Malcolm X and learned a lot about law on civil rights, while Will grew up in the 1990s hip hop generation about free expression and individuality, which is why Will loves to joke around, causing a commotion. ;-)
Rewatching this after I read about it in Will Smith's autobiography. Apparently Will was supposed to just stare into the distance, thinking about his uncle's words, but instead he improv'd and played Für Elise, the song his mother always played when he was a child. The directors kept the scene, obviously, since it fit in with the theme so well. If this is true, then it means that 1) James Avery's reaction is genuine and 2) this clip is even more legendary than we originally thought.
2:21 Uncle Phil was so alpha without being an actual dick. He was aggressive and knowledgeable. Everything he says when he’s trying to teach Will something has some kind of merit.
Back in the day, there wasn’t all this talk about the “alpha” man. People do that today because they are more conscious about themselves. Uncle Phil here represents what black TV fathers were before the turn of century where today the man concedes to his wife on shows and is usually not too serious of a character.
This scene correlates with the final episode when Phil says "you don't know what my first memory is of you. I saw a kid with all the potential in the world. . ."
so basically the lesson here is DONT JUGDE PEOPLE BASED ON THEIR LOOKS. will thought uncle phil was an uncle tom that forget where he came from till he mentioned that he heard and read the works of Malcolm x, uncle phil thought will was just a thug till he saw him play that piano. such an amazing lesson in an amazing scene from an amazing show from an amazing time.
I loved it ❤️ A lot of people think just because a person comes from the hood that they don't have brains or any talent which in fact a lot them do they just choose to not use their potential for good or even use it at all.
In Will's new book, it's revealed that the piano playing at the end of the scene was improvised. Everybody on set was stunned and it added that whole dynamic to the scene so they kept it. RIP Uncle Phil
@@mr.merchandise4350 He'd taken some lessons at the time. Enough to play and enjoy playing. But that's more than anyone knew at the time. They had no idea he could play the piano.
Fun Fact: Will was supposed to turn his back to the piano and face the music of what Uncle Phil said. He improvised and played Beethoven without the cast or crew acknowledgement he could actually play piano. Everyone went silent and stunned and they knew they had hit "gold" with the series.
@@PsychoticSorcerer666 That makes it a sad day. I grew up watching The Fresh Prince. I'm not like most other people. In fact, I was a social disaster and a personal failure back then. Uncle Phil taught me so much that my parents and others failed to.
Yugioh Pokemon LoL, you mean in a time where whites straight up lynched and beat blacks for coming into their establishments? Or harassing black school children who just wanted to go to the same school as the white children? Well no shit he would be violent towards them and I’m not even black
@@yugiohpokemon5285 self defense is not promoting violence He wanted separation not integration This doesn't make him a racist How about Martin Luther who teached love and still get killed any answer for that??
Now we know from Will’s book that the end was actually improvised. He should have landed his head on the piano, but instead played this song. That means uncle Phil’s reaction was also improvised perfectly. Masters at play
This is one of my favorite scenes of the entire show since it really emphasized a critical point when it comes to people from rough upbringings. The genuine surprise from Uncle Phil when he heard that Will could play the piano so well and knows such a respected and classic piece. This scene really makes a point of not judging a book by its cover and how you never know what talents people possess.
Eli Maximoff No, because Phil assumed he was just some waste clown, but he little did he know Will had talent. Not only that, but he played something very beautiful and a classic that I'm sure Phil never would have thought Will to know.
Even if they did we wouldn't notice people always think what they came up with was better my wife and kids was an ample substitute for this show during the 00's and Blackish is a fun family show for today deon Cole is hilarious
@Jay Ant Blackish was pretty decent the first two seasons but it's been dragged out too long and even at it's best the writing and acting isn't in the same galaxy as Fresh Prince.
The part where Will plays the Piano is Uncle Phil realizing Will's great potential to do something constructive with his life. This episode really brings me sadness, knowing how quickly life truly passes by. I still remember being just over the age of taking my first steps and watching this. Sad.
max kinne Oh fuck off with that “anti-sjw” bullshit. Let’s be real-you’re white, so we all know seeing strong, Black men and women truly bothers you. Nothing’s changed within the last 400 years.
@@maxamillionnyy Showing the unfiltered shit black people face every day of their lives isn't being "politically correct", dude. Sorry you can't understand that.
I think the point of will playing the piano, and uncle Phil coming back, was to show that Phil realized he should live by his own words. He told Will to learn what a man is before criticising him. I think he realized in that moment that he doesn't know Will all that well, and that he was playing off of assumptions.
This scene gives me bigger chills now knowing that when Will plays the piano it was all improvised. Uncle Phil didn't expect it either and came back and gave a real reaction.
A touching scene, it just goes to show we are multifaceted despite people trying to deny our individuality. "Trust yourself. Think for yourself. Act for yourself. Speak for yourself. Be yourself. Imitation is suicide." ~ Mrs Marva Collins, Chicago educator.
I've never heard of her but damn those are wise words. You're not a people, you're a person. You aren't representing anybody but yourself so don't bother trying to be like others. Just ask yourself: What do you want people to know you for?
Uncle phil taught him a very valubale lesson just to be taught the same lesson by will 20 seconds later. That‘s why having children is invaluable. Brilliant writing!
This shit makes me tear up man, if you wanna talk about God tier character development on television, Will and Uncle Phil is up there. This show was way ahead of its time, truly timeless.
“One of the more famous moments on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was the final scene of the pilot, where after an argument with Uncle Phil, he leaves the room and I sit down on the piano bench. The producers had originally planned on me sitting with my back to the piano so they could push the camera in on my face as I pondered the profundity of Uncle Phil’s closing words. But when I sat down, I faced the piano, and began playing Mom-Mom’s favorite, Beethoven’s “Für Elise.” James Avery, stunned, stepped back around the corner. The set went silent as everyone realized this show was about to be special. The whole point of the scene had been to never judge a book by its cover. The producers were so inspired by this improvisational moment that they kept it, and it became the defining thematic premise of the entire series.” From Will by Will Smith
@@Radioclash Omg me too!!! I've been reading it in between work emails (working from home at the moment so thats been convenient) it's such a captivating read. I'm even reading it now while replying to this comment lol!
Yes!! I too, came here directly after reading that passage in Will's autobiography. Thus far, this has been a very captivating and profound read!! Happy reading bookers!!
Fun Fact: The scene where Will plays the piano wasn't actually scripted, he was originally supposed to sit back down with back facing the piano and contemplate on what Uncle Phil told him but instead just played the piano and the part where Uncle Phil walks back on screen wasn't scripted either, this was James Avery standing in awe by Will's talent.
This is my favorite scene from the whole series. Avery well an accomplished actor before this show, but most people that know of him only know of his role as uncle Phil. That's because he did everything well. All the way to the end. A wonderful actor and person.
this last scene really set the standards for what was to become of Will and what trials was ahead of him to become the man he was at the end of the show. I love every episode of this series, nothing can top the Fresh Prince.
What's amazing about this scene, including the ending specifically, is how Will went from a streetwise boy to a man who throughout the years learned many things, went through tough times, especially when his dad didn't want to take Will with him. Uncle Phil was a role model for him, but even Phil also learned many things, which made him go from a successful rich and fancy father to being more of a father who just let go and decided that not everything has to be perfect, he just wants to be there for his family and provide for them. Will playing the piano represents the ending and how he decides to finish school and to live his life choosing to make the right decisions, basically leaving the streetwise person he was before to become a better man
The ending where will plays the piano and shows uncle Phil that he is not just some jokester but that he actually has meaning was honestly one of the most important scenes in all of the show.
“No... you can’t tell your side of the story, I know what you’re all about... believe me, the very thought of it makes me very very tired”. Good Night! .... then Will, plays the piano. At that moment, Uncle Phil, recognised that he prejudged, Will... a great episode! R.I.P James Avery
I believe that this scene is what Uncle Phil recalls when he talks to Will about his first memory. This moment is when Phil truly saw Will for who he could be. "I saw a boy with all the potential in the world. And now I see a man on the verge of realizing that potential."
James Avery is really good in beauty and the beast with Ron Perlman and Linda Hamilton, he plays Winslow it's a shame they killed him off near the end of season one
Let me tell you something son I grew up on the streets just like you I encountered bigotry you could not imagine now you have nice poster of Malcolm x on your wall I heard the brother speak I read every word he wrote believe me I know where I come from
I've heard and known people like Will. They all had talent. Most of them didn't use it to be successful. I believe they didn't have anybody around to motivate and praise them. Uncle Phil brought that potential out of Will.
Some fruits rot on the vine because they didn't have proper care to grow. At best, if Will stayed in Philidelphia, he'd have led an average life. But being exposed to the influences and resources Phil had, it allowed Will's potential to show.
Will talks about this scene in his autobiography. The producers didn’t know he could play the piano like this - he improvised it, James Avery improv’d coming back to the door and they kept it in.
Anyone here after Chapter Three of Will's book? A fantastic ending scene for the start of a revolutionary show! Will says so much at the end without saying anything at all.
PS; we seriously need more shows like this. fresh prince , boy meets world , home improvement etc were all amazing shows that were entertaining AND filled with life lessons that kids need
The moment Will started playing the piano is when Uncle Phil realized that he ate his own words in judging someone and not finding out what they're about.
I love how this show combined comedy with serious or sad situations. It is a better sitcom than most out there; and I have so much respect for the cast. I just wish I had gotten into it sooner.
If I remember? This scene was supposed to end with will sitting on the bench. Then he decided on his own to play. And James, in actual shock, walked back in.
Funny thing is that Will actually had a point. Later on in the episode "Will gets committed" it was shown that Uncle Phil actually did forget where he came from and had pretty much turned his back on it all.
You ougtha watch the Adabolla episode. Here's a quote "You talk as if I wasn't there with you in Birmingham facing dogs and firehoses. This is me, Olfame, the same Olfame that was with you the night Harlem went up in flames. But now I have a family, and I choose not to fight in the streets. I have an office to fight from and I have fought and won cases for fair housing, affirmative action, health care, and I am not ashamed to write a big fat check for something I believe in and that doesn't make me any less committed than you, so don't you dare look down your damn nose at me, Adabola." What you call getting soft, I call settling after fighting a long battle and winning.
Shanethefilmmaker Seen it. And I think it's great he think it's fighting differently. But I fail to see what that has to do with the episode I'm referring to where Philip admits he turned his back on the community that he got out of and even admits to his mother in another episode that he didn't want the public to find out about his childhood roots.
I loved how Uncle Phil said that bit about Malcolm X. "I heard the brother speak. I read every word he wrote. Believe me, I know where I come from." The way he delivered that line, even I felt it.
Every-time he says “I heard the brother speak” I just imagine uncle Phil, how he looks throughout the show, in his nice pants and comfy sweaters, just standing casually in a crowd of impassioned NOI members listening to X talk about “the ballot or the bullet”. And like everybody’s getting super worked up and impassioned, and it’s just uncle Phil in the middle of it all, being uncle Phil. It’s such a funny image to me lol
Will said he improvised playing this - absolutely genius considering the theme of this episode (and entire show) is not to judge a book by its cover, so him playing this complex/classical song as someone from the hood was brilliant!
one of the best things about this show was that it showed so many points of view, it wasnt often when you were siding with only one character because they were always right, but right here it show how both will and uncle phil misjudge each other and show you that they both have a point and neither one is wrong. this show will forever be intellectual for, and beyond its age
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"I grew up on the streets just like you. I encountered bigotry you could not imagine"
The sad part about this is that that was probably James Avery speaking, not just Uncle Phil.
+Tyler Pollitt That was funny what he said! Lmaoooo reverse racism is a crock of shit!!!
amen man, as a white man i couldnt agree more. it makes me absolutely sick to my stomach watching the news, the racism that is out there now is on a completely different level, i cant possibly imagine what its like to be persecuted against and i never will which is so unfair. i cant possibly think of a way to apologize and make up for what others do, but to all other "races" out there who are beaten down. im sorry and just know not all of us believe in that racist bullshit
FALSE there is no way that a black would have gotten the same sentencing and trial that brock allen turner got. no matter how rich a black mans daddy is he will always be at a disadvantage. white privilege is a very real and very powerful thing dont you dare ignore it and try to put blacks on an equal pedestal when they (sadly) are not. and towards your point about blacks who grow up in bad neighborhoods end up bad people. why do you think mostly blacks are in bad neighborhoods? oh thats right because us white people dont give them a fair chance and make it nearly impossible to escape that. please stop trying to make the injustices against whites and blacks equal, it will never happen. we have hundreds of years to makes up for
+Devin Riou the only people that have more privilege than the rest of us are rich people. I've worked for everything damn thing i have. No one's handed anything to me, i get up, go to college THAT I PAY FOR, and then i go to work. When i get pulled over, caught red handed, any encounter with police officers, i comply. I do what the officers say. I've had guns drawn on me, given warnings and everything in-between. There is no such thing as white privilege.
+1HellavaName Thank You...I mean a Black man is president, as privileged as it gets...
I love the ending of this scene. Uncle Phil sees potential in Will and misjudged him like he told Will not to.
Why's that? Just because he is a good musician he doenst need to behave?
Eli Maximoff Uncle Phil said pretty much says: "Find out what he's all about, then you can criticize him"
Uncle Phil was criticizing Will before he knew what he was all about. Where in this comment did he say he doesn't need to behave?
He was pointing out Uncle Phil's hypocrisy.
Uncle Phil criticized him not only for that, but alto because of his attitude.
Will showing he has talent doenst cancels Uncle Phils reasons to be mad at him.
He was hapilly surprised at the end, but doenst mean he wanst right about his discipline instruction.
I think the implication was that Uncle Phil, despite his speech, still thought of Will as just some street punk who glorifies the ghetto and can't relate to the kind of person that Uncle Phil is and the kind of things that are typically associated with people like him. Basically, Will thought Uncle Phil was an uncle tom, until he mentions that he listened to and read the words of Malcolm X, and Uncle Phil thought Will was just some thug, until Will showed his skill with piano by playing classical music.
+KingofSting19 Yeah, and in the end of the series, in the last episode, Uncle Phill says that in the first day of Will in the house he saw Will's potential.
The fact Will Smith was hired on this show without ANY prior acting experience is amazing
He owed the IRS and they were garnishing 70 percent of his check the first 3 seasons
@@MightMouse2174 They didn't get him the job though.
Mashallah tbark allah alhamudillah inshallah better AStgfrallah
It wasn’t will smith who was originally cast in the Fresh prince of bel air, it was actually kid n play who were offered the show, however, they chose to have their own cartoon over the fresh prince of bel air
@@nawafasmd5146 ????
I love the fact uncle Phil tells Will "before you criticize someone, find out what he's all about" and he himself found out something about Will he didn't know after he had already criticized him. Goes to show...
I did not notice that until you said it
This whole segment is about paradoxical balance when you think about it deeply.
+Ana Montero Later in another season, Uncle Phil realized he changed and forgot where he came from. It was the Soup Kitchen Episode.
+Justin An figures
Yo wasn't it Will Smith who didn't turn up to James Avery's funeral, maybe it's Will who forgot where came from?
"I heard the brother speak." Still sends shivers down my spine. James Avery delivered that line perfectly.
He was a great actor and obviously perfect for this part.
Whenever I hear him say this, I immediately begin picturing a young Phil standing with other men watching Malcolm speak. I think about all of his powerful speeches and how amazing it must have been to actually see it in person and all his iconic quotes which have repeated so many times and what must be like to remember hearing them spoken for the first time.
I am so envious.
I wonder if James did actually hear him speak.
He was in the right age range, and lived in New Jersey around the time Malcolm was living in Queens after leaving Nation of Islam
I agree 👍 his did a very good job 😊 I love this show it's very good 😊
Uncle Phil is one of the greatest fictional surrogate fathers EVER!
THE greatest*
And Bobby Singer
Next to Carl Winslow
He may not be a surrogate, but Burt Hummel is definitely in the running as one of the most supportive father figures on TV, ever
James Evans best TV dad hands down!
this ending is actually brilliant! "before you criticize somebody, you find out what's he's all about". and it ends with showing Uncle Phil realizing that he just criticized Will without knowing what he's all about
andomez later on during the season, is was also found out that phil was who he said he was either. Or he lied about where he grew up.
Raphial Lee but still it was significant, Phil is never be a sellout
Brother Faisal a lie a bit
This show deserved to have an Emmy nomination for outstanding comedy series!
@@mileskenyon in the show phil's parents came and said that he grew up on a farm and didn't move into the city untill he was 17. He never lived in the streets also in that episode he does try to hide where he truly came from to try and look better.
"I can't think that far ahead" and now he's older than James Avery was in this scene. YIKES
swampthing94 one day I'll be that age and be like damn? I swear I'm still 22 lol
African 1st Congolese 2nd lmao
@Philadelphia Eagles careful, the years start speeding up at 17
@@kingolo97 god tell me about it☹🤧
@@kingolo97 No it starts speeding up at 22. I am 27 now and my god I am scared how time just blows by.
Uncle Phil: "Now, you have a nice poster of Malcolm X on your wall. I heard the brother speak."
tv station: Meet your perfect boyfriend
The timing on that was comically perfect
That look Uncle Phil gives when he sees Will playing the Piano is priceless, like he realizes the great potential Will has.
Fast-forward to the series finale...
Will: "I just don't want your last impression of me to be no better than the first."
Uncle Phil: "You have no idea what my first impression of you is. I remember a kid loaded with all the potential in the world.... Now I see a person on the verge of realizing that potential."
@@thedefinitionisthis Wow
its nice to see how both of them have their points validated sorta....and how the old gen can learn a thing or two as well....but also usually are right most of the time..will kept screwing up...he was given way too loose a leash...
Just found out that last part of him playing Beethoven was improvised they didn't even know he knew how to play
@@razkable it’s been a long time since I’ve seen this episode but I think uncle felt like Will was trying to sabotage him just because he was rich and acting like he knew nothing about Will’s life.
Uncle Phil may have put Will into a unsavory group. Maybe a part of him did forget how Will feels like at that age, he really wasn’t trouble he was just out of place and dealing with alot of issues
Uncle Phil: Look at me when I'm talking to you.
Me: Yes sir. You have my undivided attention.
jdolaktv Me: Smack across your face for being a smart-ass.
I know right, Phil and James Evan's didnt play. Especially James Evan he have me going to my room.
Lateshia Childs James Avery*
That voice. If some random stranger used that stern of a tone in public with me, I'd straighten the hell up, too.
@@lateshiachilds3640 expecily Carl Winslow(family matters)
First things first: Rest In Peace Uncle Phil, for real
You're the only father that i ever knew
Adonis Arbizu prophecies that I made way back in the ville
for real
I'd prefer to say Rest in Peace James Avery. Uncle Phil was just a character he played.
James Bryson yes that would be preferable, but he's quoting from jcole's song "no role modelz"
a sitcom that didn't forget the main characters were black was rare around this time. This show knew how to use that backround when it needed big moments.
Rare there was a slew of shows like that that came before fresh prince
I would imagine back in the 70s with things like Good Times & The Jeffersons showing two different sides of life for black families. The Cosby show seemed to do so in the 80s, but as they mentioned, in the 90s there weren't very many shows that did that, with the exception of In Living Color, though I didn't watch it much. Frankly, one that actually I think has enough merit now is Black-ish. The scenes aren't usually so heavy like this one was, but it's still very well done and clever.
Wow, I posted this a long time ago.
Ya, it seems as if the 90s tried too hard to "normalize"
I agree, there are black shows they dont mention out history enough like they did on sitcoms in the 80s and 90s.
What is great about this scene is not only learning about the fatherly characteristics of Uncle Phil and the rebellious youngster of Will Smith, but also clearly shows two family members from different generations. Uncle Phil grew up in the civil rights and black power movement like Malcolm X and learned a lot about law on civil rights, while Will grew up in the 1990s hip hop generation about free expression and individuality, which is why Will loves to joke around, causing a commotion. ;-)
I think sometimes Will hid behind the jokes, his father did abandon him and he seemed kinda lost in life
Will grew up in the 80’s.
@@StoneGone born in 80s i grew up in the 90s
" I heard the brother speak ", I got goosebump only to heard the actor said that
That Was James Avery Speaking, Not Uncle Phil.
@@DXVI9 That's correct.
Rewatching this after I read about it in Will Smith's autobiography. Apparently Will was supposed to just stare into the distance, thinking about his uncle's words, but instead he improv'd and played Für Elise, the song his mother always played when he was a child. The directors kept the scene, obviously, since it fit in with the theme so well. If this is true, then it means that 1) James Avery's reaction is genuine and 2) this clip is even more legendary than we originally thought.
Same reason I'm here!
Same :)
Im here for that reason too
@@beautifulangel7723 hey. Just wanted to wish you luck in your journey. If you ever need someone to talk to, i'd be glad to do so
Same
"I heard the brother speak." I actually got goosebumps when he said that. Such a PHENOMENAL scene!!
2:21 Uncle Phil was so alpha without being an actual dick. He was aggressive and knowledgeable. Everything he says when he’s trying to teach Will something has some kind of merit.
Plain Jane simple: when that man spoke, you listened.
"Alpha" no. Dominate male, yes !
Yep, Uncle Phil was a hardass when he needed to be, because he needed to be. He loved Will like a son and would have done anything for him.
ain't that the truth
if i'd thought of that back in the day i'd have watched every episode with utter fascination,
i was busy being young
Back in the day, there wasn’t all this talk about the “alpha” man. People do that today because they are more conscious about themselves. Uncle Phil here represents what black TV fathers were before the turn of century where today the man concedes to his wife on shows and is usually not too serious of a character.
This scene correlates with the final episode when Phil says "you don't know what my first memory is of you. I saw a kid with all the potential in the world. . ."
Greg Schaiberger I always wondered did they review the first episode before they made the last one
Definitely a great catch ‼️
Well, potential is not the same as fulfilling it.
@@Dhakadice true it’s not, but by the end of the show will was fulfilling it
Perfectly said bc I always thought about both scenes while watching the final episode
The stern tone the man says when he says "look at me when I'm talking to you" is incredible. RIP James Avery.
I actually do look at him when he says that too. He makes you feel like he's talking to you as well. Brilliant acting
so basically the lesson here is DONT JUGDE PEOPLE BASED ON THEIR LOOKS. will thought uncle phil was an uncle tom that forget where he came from till he mentioned that he heard and read the works of Malcolm x, uncle phil thought will was just a thug till he saw him play that piano. such an amazing lesson in an amazing scene from an amazing show from an amazing time.
You nailed it!
Don't judge a book by it's cover.
@@williamdiemert9866 thats better
I loved it ❤️ A lot of people think just because a person comes from the hood that they don't have brains or any talent which in fact a lot them do they just choose to not use their potential for good or even use it at all.
Currently reading will smith’s book and no one knew he could play the piano he wasn’t supposed to but the producers liked it and kept it in the scene
In Will's new book, it's revealed that the piano playing at the end of the scene was improvised. Everybody on set was stunned and it added that whole dynamic to the scene so they kept it. RIP Uncle Phil
Yea don’t judge a book by it’s cover basically
So Will is actually classically trained in piano?
@@mr.merchandise4350 He'd taken some lessons at the time. Enough to play and enjoy playing. But that's more than anyone knew at the time. They had no idea he could play the piano.
The book is what brought me here 🙈😜
Ahahah well I'm not alone here )))))
Fun Fact: Will was supposed to turn his back to the piano and face the music of what Uncle Phil said. He improvised and played Beethoven without the cast or crew acknowledgement he could actually play piano. Everyone went silent and stunned and they knew they had hit "gold" with the series.
Uncle Phil. Good with speeches. God rest his soul. He will be missed dearly... :(
He died on the very last day of 2013. That makes it easy to remember.
@@PsychoticSorcerer666 That makes it a sad day. I grew up watching The Fresh Prince.
I'm not like most other people. In fact, I was a social disaster and a personal failure back then.
Uncle Phil taught me so much that my parents and others failed to.
I heard the brother speak!!!
That part always gives me goosebumps
@Salmonfaky that's all u got
@@Franchise128 malcolm x promoted violence and hatred towards whites just look at any malcolm x speech
Yugioh Pokemon LoL, you mean in a time where whites straight up lynched and beat blacks for coming into their establishments? Or harassing black school children who just wanted to go to the same school as the white children? Well no shit he would be violent towards them and I’m not even black
@@yugiohpokemon5285 self defense is not promoting violence
He wanted separation not integration
This doesn't make him a racist
How about Martin Luther who teached love and still get killed any answer for that??
Now we know from Will’s book that the end was actually improvised. He should have landed his head on the piano, but instead played this song. That means uncle Phil’s reaction was also improvised perfectly. Masters at play
Wooooow. Omg. I had no idea! And this is one of my fave scenes of the series.
Yesss! I'm actually reading the book now and had to type this in really quick!! Amazing !! ❤️
That’s actually what brought me back here
Yeah James Avery walked back in because he was stunned that will could play the piano and fur Elise on top of that.
I don't buy it lol
This is one of my favorite scenes of the entire show since it really emphasized a critical point when it comes to people from rough upbringings. The genuine surprise from Uncle Phil when he heard that Will could play the piano so well and knows such a respected and classic piece. This scene really makes a point of not judging a book by its cover and how you never know what talents people possess.
Exaclty my thoughts
Why's that? Just because he is a good musician he doenst need to behave?
Eli Maximoff No, because Phil assumed he was just some waste clown, but he little did he know Will had talent. Not only that, but he played something very beautiful and a classic that I'm sure Phil never would have thought Will to know.
Toone sad thing is i hate that song
This realization was discovered from both sides. They both misjudged one another for opposite reasons. Very powerful scene.
They don't make sitcoms as good and funny as this anymore.
Even if they did we wouldn't notice people always think what they came up with was better my wife and kids was an ample substitute for this show during the 00's and Blackish is a fun family show for today deon Cole is hilarious
@Jay Ant Blackish was pretty decent the first two seasons but it's been dragged out too long and even at it's best the writing and acting isn't in the same galaxy as Fresh Prince.
Or as genuine and heartfelt.
I feel like all the sitcoms today all look the same, something about them idk nothing ever sticks like the old shows
The fact that will playing the piano at the end was improvised and uncle Phil’s reaction is completely genuine
This show was originally meant to be a sitcom. However, it turned into one of the best situational dramas on TV. It was as funny as it was real
Will is such a natural entertainer, the piano playing was improv and absolutely makes the scene! What a badass beginning to an incredible show.
I’m just on that part in his new book
And avery improvised as well. It worked out to be one my favorite all time scenes
@@SteveWoodsGsy me too! I came here to see the very scene he's describing as i dont really remember the pilot episode :)
The chemistry that James and Will had was unreal. Made you forget this was just a show
The part where Will plays the Piano is Uncle Phil realizing Will's great potential to do something constructive with his life. This episode really brings me sadness, knowing how quickly life truly passes by. I still remember being just over the age of taking my first steps and watching this. Sad.
He references this moment on the last episode
Carmen Blundo Indeed, I certainly do remember. Good memory, well noted.
Carmen Blundo what does he say
Jason Gafar aa
We really need another show like this. Something that can be funny and still analyse the black community so cleverly at times
Kieran EK but not hella politically correct
max kinne Oh fuck off with that “anti-sjw” bullshit. Let’s be real-you’re white, so we all know seeing strong, Black men and women truly bothers you. Nothing’s changed within the last 400 years.
@@maxamillionnyy Showing the unfiltered shit black people face every day of their lives isn't being "politically correct", dude. Sorry you can't understand that.
Unfortunately can't with this world
Dustin Boyd it’s coming back sadly ion think it will be the same due to people being too sensitive nowadays
I think the point of will playing the piano, and uncle Phil coming back, was to show that Phil realized he should live by his own words. He told Will to learn what a man is before criticising him. I think he realized in that moment that he doesn't know Will all that well, and that he was playing off of assumptions.
That whole part was improvised by will and avery.
"I heard the brother speak" 👏
the song at the end is Beethoven Fur Elise
Linthon Sumter I’ve been looking for this song for about a week
thank you so much i was scrolling through the comments hoping someone would mention it
Thanks for the info I was inquiring about that.
How do people not know that smh
Thank you for the information. I was looking for the name too.
This scene gives me bigger chills now knowing that when Will plays the piano it was all improvised. Uncle Phil didn't expect it either and came back and gave a real reaction.
I know what brought you here.
@@jollyomeatLA lol the internet connects us all with that same post
A touching scene, it just goes to show we are multifaceted despite people trying to deny our individuality.
"Trust yourself. Think for yourself. Act for yourself. Speak for yourself. Be yourself. Imitation is suicide." ~ Mrs Marva Collins, Chicago educator.
I've never heard of her but damn those are wise words. You're not a people, you're a person. You aren't representing anybody but yourself so don't bother trying to be like others. Just ask yourself: What do you want people to know you for?
This was the beginning of a beautiful relationship.
Uncle Phil: "I know where I come from."
He came from the Deep South, and that's why he encountered so much bigotry.
Well Indiana is a Dixie outpost in the Midwest. As of today it's still a conservative state.
That's true. Abe was a racist.
It's funny how the North is less integrated than the South too.
The DixiCrats were Democrats u fool!
I wonder what he'd think about the bigotry a lot of minorities are facing today
The ending of this scene is so powerful, he realizes there’s more to Will than he thought, just moments before
“Look at me when I’m talking to you.” Chills to the core.
This was such a great pilot episode. Will and James were perfect for these roles.
Uncle phil taught him a very valubale lesson just to be taught the same lesson by will 20 seconds later. That‘s why having children is invaluable. Brilliant writing!
This shit makes me tear up man, if you wanna talk about God tier character development on television, Will and Uncle Phil is up there. This show was way ahead of its time, truly timeless.
This scene reminds me of being that teenager that thought they knew everything and knew nothing at all.
That’s a phase that most/all of us go through - sometimes it takes a trip to the school of hard-knocks to put is in our place.
@@regul8or71 In the words of James Evans Sr. "Yes lawd."
“One of the more famous moments on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was the final scene of the pilot, where after an argument with Uncle Phil, he leaves the room and I sit down on the piano bench. The producers had originally planned on me sitting with my back to the piano so they could push the camera in on my face as I pondered the profundity of Uncle Phil’s closing words. But when I sat down, I faced the piano, and began playing Mom-Mom’s favorite, Beethoven’s “Für Elise.” James Avery, stunned, stepped back around the corner. The set went silent as everyone realized this show was about to be special. The whole point of the scene had been to never judge a book by its cover. The producers were so inspired by this improvisational moment that they kept it, and it became the defining thematic premise of the entire series.”
From Will by Will Smith
I literally came to this video after reading this exact same line in his autobiography!
@@OliveDreams lol same, I’ve been reading this book all day on my phone and pretending to work when people walk by my cubicle. Great stuff so far.
@@Radioclash Omg me too!!! I've been reading it in between work emails (working from home at the moment so thats been convenient) it's such a captivating read. I'm even reading it now while replying to this comment lol!
Yes!! I too, came here directly after reading that passage in Will's autobiography. Thus far, this has been a very captivating and profound read!! Happy reading bookers!!
The fact that the part where he plays the piano was improvised... I keep loving this show more and more
Fun Fact: The scene where Will plays the piano wasn't actually scripted, he was originally supposed to sit back down with back facing the piano and contemplate on what Uncle Phil told him but instead just played the piano and the part where Uncle Phil walks back on screen wasn't scripted either, this was James Avery standing in awe by Will's talent.
Powerful scene.
"I heard the brother speak" that line alone is awesome
Most brilliant writing for an opening episode on a sitcom.
the first episode ...first episode os history ... rip uncle phil
:,c
As soon as I saw this scene I knew this was going to be a great show
This is my favorite scene from the whole series. Avery well an accomplished actor before this show, but most people that know of him only know of his role as uncle Phil. That's because he did everything well. All the way to the end. A wonderful actor and person.
@@nunyabisnass1141 I knew him from beauty and the beast the TV series I started watching that before I'd even seen the fresh Prince of Bel air
this last scene really set the standards for what was to become of Will and what trials was ahead of him to become the man he was at the end of the show. I love every episode of this series, nothing can top the Fresh Prince.
What's amazing about this scene, including the ending specifically, is how Will went from a streetwise boy to a man who throughout the years learned many things, went through tough times, especially when his dad didn't want to take Will with him. Uncle Phil was a role model for him, but even Phil also learned many things, which made him go from a successful rich and fancy father to being more of a father who just let go and decided that not everything has to be perfect, he just wants to be there for his family and provide for them. Will playing the piano represents the ending and how he decides to finish school and to live his life choosing to make the right decisions, basically leaving the streetwise person he was before to become a better man
The ending where will plays the piano and shows uncle Phil that he is not just some jokester but that he actually has meaning was honestly one of the most important scenes in all of the show.
“No... you can’t tell your side of the story, I know what you’re all about... believe me, the very thought of it makes me very very tired”. Good Night!
.... then Will, plays the piano. At that moment, Uncle Phil, recognised that he prejudged, Will... a great episode!
R.I.P James Avery
me uncle phill will is a grown man you should not speak to like that
I believe that this scene is what Uncle Phil recalls when he talks to Will about his first memory.
This moment is when Phil truly saw Will for who he could be.
"I saw a boy with all the potential in the world. And now I see a man on the verge of realizing that potential."
Who here after reading will’s new book?
Love when Uncle Phil comes back & smiles when Will was playing the Piano. Uncle Phil was thinking to himself that was me at age 15 or 16.
So THIS is where I Ain't Even Mad originated!
I think it means when Phill said don't judge someone without knowing who they really are he judged Will without knowing who he really was
And we never seen him play the piano ever again
This scene changed the way I saw other people forever.
James Avery....the G.O.A.T. of tv dads/uncles
James Avery is really good in beauty and the beast with Ron Perlman and Linda Hamilton, he plays Winslow it's a shame they killed him off near the end of season one
Didn't say "I ain't even mad"
... I ain't even mad
You think you're so wise? - Look at me when I'm talking to you.
Let me tell you something son I grew up on the streets just like you I encountered bigotry you could not imagine now you have nice poster of Malcolm x on your wall I heard the brother speak I read every word he wrote believe me I know where I come from
My Grandpa got to meet Malcom X in 1960.
I've heard and known people like Will. They all had talent. Most of them didn't use it to be successful. I believe they didn't have anybody around to motivate and praise them. Uncle Phil brought that potential out of Will.
Some fruits rot on the vine because they didn't have proper care to grow. At best, if Will stayed in Philidelphia, he'd have led an average life. But being exposed to the influences and resources Phil had, it allowed Will's potential to show.
Will talks about this scene in his autobiography. The producers didn’t know he could play the piano like this - he improvised it, James Avery improv’d coming back to the door and they kept it in.
Is anyone here after reading Will’s memoir? Love this book so far!!
This scene made me think at 12. Even though it was way older.
Anyone here after Chapter Three of Will's book?
A fantastic ending scene for the start of a revolutionary show! Will says so much at the end without saying anything at all.
PS; we seriously need more shows like this. fresh prince , boy meets world , home improvement etc were all amazing shows that were entertaining AND filled with life lessons that kids need
RIP Uncle Phil, RIP Malcom X
And so it began.
Yes, Will had a lot to learn from Phillip. But even more so, Phillip had a lot to learn from Will.
The moment Will started playing the piano is when Uncle Phil realized that he ate his own words in judging someone and not finding out what they're about.
I love how this show combined comedy with serious or sad situations. It is a better sitcom than most out there; and I have so much respect for the cast. I just wish I had gotten into it sooner.
RIP James Avery. You were a great part of my childhood. I'm very sad to see you go.
“Before you criticize somebody, you find out what’s he’s all about.”
I never forget these words
“I’ve encountered BIGOTRY you could not imagine..”
damn even for 1991 that line hits hard
Seeing will play the piano, it was at that moment uncle Phil realized he misjudged will.
It’s insane when you look at this scene and then the finale in Season 6 with how much Will grows and you can see how proud Uncle Phil is
I remember Carlton still lying for Will after Will revealed he didn't have an apartment and Carlton "It's...uhhhhh... a condo!" 😁🤣
"I can't think that far ahead." That far ahead is NOW! 😁
If I remember? This scene was supposed to end with will sitting on the bench. Then he decided on his own to play. And James, in actual shock, walked back in.
The piano playing in that scene was improved by Will. No one knew he could play and that is his mother's favorite song. Beautiful 😍
I never really noticed how their house changes
Funny thing is that Will actually had a point. Later on in the episode "Will gets committed" it was shown that Uncle Phil actually did forget where he came from and had pretty much turned his back on it all.
TheRayVerse not True
alex kanyima Says you, that's just how I interpret it.
Yesss! That is very true. I remember that episode. The way these characters developed was amazing to watch. This show had some good writers.
You ougtha watch the Adabolla episode. Here's a quote "You talk as if I wasn't there with you in Birmingham facing dogs and firehoses. This is me, Olfame, the same Olfame that was with you the
night Harlem went up in flames. But now I have a family, and I choose
not to fight in the streets. I have an office to fight from and I have
fought and won cases for fair housing, affirmative action, health care,
and I am not ashamed to write a big fat check for something I believe in
and that doesn't make me any less committed than you, so don't you dare
look down your damn nose at me, Adabola." What you call getting soft, I call settling after fighting a long battle and winning.
Shanethefilmmaker Seen it. And I think it's great he think it's fighting differently. But I fail to see what that has to do with the episode I'm referring to where Philip admits he turned his back on the community that he got out of and even admits to his mother in another episode that he didn't want the public to find out about his childhood roots.
I loved how Uncle Phil said that bit about Malcolm X. "I heard the brother speak. I read every word he wrote. Believe me, I know where I come from." The way he delivered that line, even I felt it.
Every-time he says “I heard the brother speak” I just imagine uncle Phil, how he looks throughout the show, in his nice pants and comfy sweaters, just standing casually in a crowd of impassioned NOI members listening to X talk about “the ballot or the bullet”. And like everybody’s getting super worked up and impassioned, and it’s just uncle Phil in the middle of it all, being uncle Phil. It’s such a funny image to me lol
Man when Geoffery said it was 9 o'clock it said 9pm on my phone.
Will said he improvised playing this - absolutely genius considering the theme of this episode (and entire show) is not to judge a book by its cover, so him playing this complex/classical song as someone from the hood was brilliant!
one of the best things about this show was that it showed so many points of view, it wasnt often when you were siding with only one character because they were always right, but right here it show how both will and uncle phil misjudge each other and show you that they both have a point and neither one is wrong. this show will forever be intellectual for, and beyond its age
I read every word that he wrote -that’s deep
Anyone here because they read this moment in Will's book and wanted to rewatch it ? 😊
I just came to this video when read the Performance chapter from "Will". What a book!
R.I.P. Uncle Phil
In my opinion this scene was the seed of these two characters relationship. They changed from rivals to two men on different parts of the same road.