The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air shook entertainment culture in the nineties. Seeing an affluent black family take centre stage changed TV forever. Through humour, more serious plot lines and that punchy theme song, the sitcom captivated audiences globally. Now, a reimagining of the iconic show, titled Bel-Air is set to hit our TV screens. Directed by Morgan Cooper and executive produced by The Fresh Prince himself, Will Smith, this time it’s not a comedy but a gritty drama.
Actress Coco Jones is ready to show the world her version of Hillary Banks, in a way that the character has never been seen before. ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is a classic. Of course I watched it and taking on the role of Hilary Banks is a blessing. My Hilary is a CEO, entrepreneur, hustler, chef - she has big goals,’ she tells me over the phone. Although she's over 5,000 miles away in LA, her energy is infectious.
When we are first introduced to Hilary Banks (originally played by Karyn Parsons) in the pilot episode of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, she’s ditzy and fixated on getting $2,000 from her dad to buy a new hat. But OG Hilary had a quiet strength bubbling under the surface that wasn’t fully fleshed out in the 1990’s version.
Hilary's inner strength comes out in Bel-Air: ‘Even though she goes through many obstacles - just like I have in my personal life, she's like, "I don't care, I know where I'm going and I will get there."' Coco’s Hilary reflects out attitudes to our careers today: we know what we want, and will open doors for ourselves.
One thing hasn't changed though: Hilary's killer sense of style remains. Coco says playfully, 'I’m thinking, I know this outfit is for the show, but is there anyway I can take this home when you call cut?'
While she hasn't had the chance to meet Karyn Parsons who originated the role, Coco hopes to get her opinion of her portrayal of Hilary. However, she has met Will Smith and says he is 'really involved' in the remake. 'Will and the team support this project so much and you'll be able to see that through all the details. Also, to them we're not just actors, we get to use our voices. So, whatever doesn't feel authentic to us, we're allowed to speak on it.'
'We're creating something iconic but also risky and scary... I’m ready for the world to see it.'
Coco's road to Bel-Air was challenging. Last year she spoke openly in a Youtube video about the struggles she faced trying to break into Hollywood. After attending a Disney Channel open call and beating thousands of kids, landing a lead role in TV movie Let it Shine and promised dreams of stardom afterwards - 'It didn't quite go the way I planned,' she concluded.
In the video she also opens up about not feeling marketable in the entertainment industry, which is why taking on the role of Hilary has particular significance for her, ‘I’m so excited to represent dark skin beauty in a stereotypical light skin role.' She continues, 'Just for the story of colourism and to represent for the girls who look like me. When I was auditioning, I thought oh, Hilary did not look like me, but I’ll still go for it.'
Like her version of Hilary Banks, Coco has created her own destiny and has never taken no for an answer. Have the hardships made Coco who she is today? 'Oh, hell yes.' she yells. 'This road is not for the weak but I hope my story will inspire somebody else to keep going.'
For the many people who grew up watching the iconic sitcom, Bel-Air will have a different tone. ‘I love the risks that we take to tell the truth in the show,' Coco explains. 'It's 2022, people don't want surface level stories. They want real, gritty, ugly but also pretty, sad and happy. This show is authentic to what people are going through in the world today.'
Still, does she have any nerves stepping into this legendary world of Bel Air? She admits, ‘I do feel nervous because I want people to see the show the way I see the show and I want people to support this beautiful successful black family.' Coco pauses. 'We're doing something iconic but also risky and scary... I’m ready for the world to see it.'
Lead photo by Jacob Webster
‘Bel-Air is streaming on Peacock, exclusively on Sky/NOW’
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