I don’t think it was acting. If will had any similar experience with this situation, I’m sure those words were true to his actual life. I don’t think that much anger and voice cracking would be easy to accurately express if you don’t feel that emotion deeply already. If it is acting, it’s one of the best clips I’ve seen of it.
The show actually did a good job always having Will treat Phil like a stepfather. Will never really considered himself part of Phil's immediate family. And in this episode, you realize that Will was keeping Phil at a distance because he was waiting for his father to come back and fill the role that Will was saving for him. The hug and the zoom on the statue basically symbolized Will finally giving up on keeping that role open and letting Uncle Phil step in to be his father.
@@TylerDB91not true wills father was an active part of his life, Will did admit he had a bit of difficult relationship with him due to being a bit harsh and strict on him and kids. Will wanted to prove to James Avery(aka Uncle Phil) that he is a good actor this is his own words about this scene
The character of Uncle Phil was one of the greatest TV Dads ever. Yes, he had his faults and got into his fair share of sloppy situations, but overall he was competent, understanding, supportive, and loving to both his own children and Nephew. James Avery and the writers did such a spectacular job that those like Will whom never had fathers or father figures in their life, nor ones that were functional, had no problem calling him their Dad. "Everybody needs an Uncle Phil in their life" as the saying goes.
@@akashshetty5112they were all great. I loved each of those characters. As was Heathcliff Huxtable(the role may have been ruined for many by Cosby 's actions) But for me the Trinity of TV dad's is Al Bundy, Red Foreman and Dan Connor. I know some will really scoff at Al, but you mess one Bundy, you mess with all the Bundy's. Al taught Bud and Kelly right in that regard
7:41 That hug was not actually scripted. Uncle Phil was supposed to say a line there, but James Avery thought that a hug was a better response, so he just reached out and yanked in Will, who went with it and we have one of the best scenes in the Fresh Prince.
I literally came to the comments to talk about this..yes he said they did this scene 3 or 4 times and James Avery told him he wanted more and after that performance..he whispered "now that's acting"
You can hear Karyn Parsons crying when Wills hat falls off. She wasnt even in the scene but she said watching from the side it hit her hard and she lost it.
This scene makes me cry every time I watch it. I feel the same way about my dad and I don’t think my inner child ever healed from my dad leaving and never coming back.
I see you beautiful human, please know it has nothing to do with you, you are worth gold. His unhealed parts have no bearing on your value. Sending a hug 🫶🏻
As tough as this will sound, it is your responsibility to heal. I encourage you on your journey to forgive yourself and him. Reconciliation isn’t always required but you need to forgive for your mental health.
15 years ago, when my wife (at that time my girlfriend) was pregnant with our first boy, there was never ever one thought in my mind that I would abandon them, give him up for adoption or anything. I'm black, she is puerto rican, we were around 21 and I worked at best buy and she worked at Jersey mike's. No college just high school. We found out when he was 6 months old that he was gonna need open head surgury because he had metopic craniosynostosis aka the front plate in his skull fused too soon. The surgery was gonna cost $200k. I knew i was going to do it eventually but two months before his first birthday I joined the Air Force. It was the only path I saw at the time to pay for his surgery. It was stressful being away because I couldn't be there for his surgery but it happened with no complications and the military paid for it. Fast Forward to today, he is 14, he has a 12 year brother and a 8 year brother, he is starting high school, he is in the marching band, I got some degrees and a good job to make sure they get everything I never had. It was very very rough getting to this point. The deployments and everything, but still never thought about leaving them. I can't imagine a day without them which is why I also can't imagine how a mother or father could just leave their child.
My mom came into the living room one morning to see me sobbing from this episode, I was watching nick at nite and my dad had just stood me up again the previous day. Im 30 now and it still hits just as hard.
Man, I can't even imagine what you were feeling, and I know your moms must have felt so powerless. God bless you dude, I know your kids are gonna be overwhelmed with love.
I understand you. My dad was also a serial “I can’t make it” excuse sayer… and a drunk and a abuser who shot my mother (she’s alive)… I still love the guy deep down but it’s hard for me with all he’s done
At the age of 20 I got pregnant with my 1st child. I dated a guy within 3mths and got pregnant by him. I was so scare to tell him, because I thought he would leave me ,or deny he was the father of our child. So when I finally had the courage to tell him we were expecting. I looked him in the eyes and said “I’m pregnant. I’ll have an abortion if you want me too. I’m not ready for a child, and I’m sure you’re not as well . And he looked me directly back in my eyes and said “ Carry this baby for me, eat well, stay healthy & deliver my seed. You,me & this baby will be one. And you both will never have to worry or want for anything ever again. 25 yrs ago we were married, & blessed with 4 more beautiful children. And he continued to keep his promises till this day. I Love you Mr. Craig. “Some men do wear capes, & are hero’s ❤
Will was having trouble getting the scene right, James told him to act off of him. During the hug James says "Now that's fuckin acting right there". It wasn't "real"
Even all these years later and this scene still gives me chills. It’s one of the best in television history. If you listen closely, you can hear people crying in the background after Uncle Phil hugs Will. That’s the cast and crew because in an interview, they talked about how everyone was so emotional when this scene was filmed. Also, Ben Vereen (Lou), talked about how after he walked off screen, he cried like a baby because he felt as if he was walking out on his own children because he’s a father and he couldn’t ever do that to his kids. Such wonderful dedication by the cast and crew putting together this wonderful show.
Will going from acting to putting his whole heart into what he says is what breaks me. Knowing that he just kept going; and got more and more upset until he just lost it. The actor playing Uncle Phil always gets me the most. You can see on his face that he KNOWS Will isn't acting anymore. He jumps right into comforting him and giving him that support he needs in that moment. I'm grateful that they kept the take and didn't have Will do it again. This is one of the most raw moments in a scripting TV show, and it's because the emotions weren't scripted.
There could be a lot of other reasons. They could realize it's a scripted television show, not real, not have past issues they relate to a fake television show, or they got over their issues.
Dad was a Nam vet he made it home not the same ptsd severe they said but they didn't know how 2 deal the same back then so he took a vac hose and put on exhaust and started the car on the meds they had just put him on. They said he fell gently 2 sleep at first I broke y didn't he love us y did he leave us was I bad I made a and b marks in school but I felt I disappointed him not getting straight a s like I had previously. I played sports I was never a cheerleader I could do it but I didn't like it I wanted 2 play baseball with the boys I was only girl so I thought it was me I was just a disappointment but it was him and my uncles who taught me baseball but at the time I found every thing about me just somehow the fault he would leave us. I felt this down 2 the ground and cried so hard the first time it aired it was leaving just in a diff way but exact same question because I was young and didn't understand. I played on the Louisville sluggers later and won the championship that yr and many things I loved doing with charities I wanted him 2 see from heaven I snapped out of my bs after he passed and be proud but mainly it was my way of saying I'm sorry and understood but I wish he had still never left that way
The acting in this episode was absolutely incredible by all the actors, especially James. Easily on par with some of the best in shows like Breaking Bad. You could feel the pain in both Will and Phil's voices, body language and especially their faces. I think this is the first time Phil really got to experience exactly how troubled Will was and truly accepted him as his son. Not that he didn't already accept him as part of the family, but when Lou came back, he really realized that he considered Will to be his son and not just a nephew.
The growth of uncle Phil, as a character was so amazing. He went from not knowing what he would do. having a little bit of judgment towards Will ,without even knowing knowing him . To realizing the amazing character Will was and loving him as that was his own kid.
"You too... Lou." I still remember this episode from when I watched it as a kid but I never really understood until now. It was such a departure from the lighthearted nature of the sitcom it actually was. Seeing it again now for the first time in... It must be 30 years... It hits different. I can't believe they did that. Great acting too. A lot of emotion in these scenes.
This scene hits extra hard, the fact that Wills father did in fact leave when he was young. When he starts crying and ask "how come he don't want me? was not scripted and Uncle Phil's reaction was a real one. Breaks my heart every time I watch it.
Not true. Will's father has always been present in his life, to this day. That rumor circulated after this scene aired because of how beautifully performed it was.
Uncle Phil and Jack from wonder years were the two most impactful TV dads growing up! The fact that they were acting in a show and helping raise their viewers too.. makes them great men
A lot of shows spanning the 70s, 80s, and 90s really delivered some excellent TV, cos they did not shy away from delving into those serious issues that impact everyone at some point. DV, SA, addiction, abandonment, abuse/neglect, death (of a loved one), you name it - one of those shows tackled it and really made history with those episodes.
I am surprised you didn't comment on the part where Will's father says goodbye, and calls Will "son", Will refers to his father not as "dad", but by his birth name, Lou, acknowledging to his father's face that he doesn't see him as a dad, but just another man.
They have a beautiful friendship. It would be so easy to dismiss him as a troubled teen, a smart Alec kid. But Phill understands it all: his way of picking fights early on, his sarcasm it's because he was hurting inside. Tough on the outside to keep others from hurting him. And because he thought dad was coming back. The fact that he says his name says it all, that's not dad to him anymore. We men are taught to be tough so he tries to hold it together but he can't. Phil lets him know it's ok to be a man and let your emotions out too. That's a good dad right there. More of a dad then his actual dad.
This resonated with me. It makes me think of Saturdays i spent by the front door as a child. Waiting for my dad cause he said he would come get me this weekend. Thats a hurt that just doesnt go away.
I love this scene! Makes me appreciate have a real father around to show me how to be a real man. He was a young dad, so I got to watch him grow and learn from his mistakes. Now I am a father of 3 little ladies, who love me so much!
amazing reaction and breakdown, i remember watching this scene when i was just a boy and it hitting me so hardly, but i never understood why. Now that im older and have a child of my own, i could never imagine not putting him first. Its a hard scene for me to watch, but it was beautiful going through it with you again as an adult and shedding a few tears now that i understand. ❤❤
5:58 alot ofpeople think will is acting here but he isnt, he went through something similar when he was 16 and he just channeled that anger he never gave to his Father sadly
Unfortunately...I was in a situation..but the complete opposite of this. My dad was in my life and whooped, my mom, myself and my brothers ass every chance he got along with telling us how useless of human beings we all were. My mom was scared to leave him...3 decades of hell...until he had a stroke and passed away...our family became more united than ever. Best thing to happen was him being absent in our lives..maybe people like the person that portrayed Will's father, knew they would be terrible fathers...them being absent may be a blessing in disguise.
Great analysis! This scene has always hit close to me, especially seeing it again after my daughter was born. Her bio-dad still wanted to party so she became less of a priority. He would “try to be in her life” about every 5 years. At 11 he tried and she told him that she didn’t need him, she has a dad, (my husband, who he refused to meet).When she was 16 she finally let him have it! The pain, anger, frustration, confusion, disappointment and feeling he abandoned her all came out at once. When she was done she handed back the phone and walked away. He hadn’t seen her in person since she was 5 months old.
I am adopted and I remember after I first saw this episode I ran to my adopted father crying and gave him a big hug and thanked him for everything he does for me. He just smiled and tousled my hair and said any time Charlie brown.
30 years later and this episode still hits home,because it's a sad common reality,there so many kids out there without a father in there life....HOW COME HE DON'T WANT ME MAN?Those 7 words hit home!
Every boy with an absent father turns out two ways, the best father possible because he knows what it’s like to not have one, or he never has children because he knows he is too much like the man who was not around but refuses to have a child suffer the same because of it.
My biological father abandoned us and then my step-father also left when I was in my teens….abandoned by two fathers….I don’t have kids…will never have kids….I’d just ruin their lives.
Just found your channel as a huge NF FAN. my dad walked out when i was young and then my mom passed when i was 8. so we went to live with him. lets just say he didnt want us but kept us and it was a terrible 4 years before we were given up again. im 35 now and not one text or call or anything in over 20 years. so this scene gets me everytime. you speaking on this was amazing keep it up your channel is awesome!!
That’s why you always plan before you have kids, wish people new that plan first so you can garentie once you have kids to give them all the love and support they deserve.
@@offworlder1 That's why destigmatizing the option to go through with a pregnancy or not needs to happen. Having and bring in unwanted kids ends up being torture for too many of them.
I listened to the song Cat's in the Cradle when I was younger and I made a promise to myself that I wouldn't be like that father in the song. I was always there for my son even after my divorce and to this day, my son and I have a very strong bond with each other. I never had that bond with my father because I never knew him until my late 20s and he passed away in my 30s.
This episode hit me really hard when I watched it for the first time. “Why don’t he want me, man?” Hit rather hard because my mother wasn’t a part of my life. I have four kids and I know for sure that I am ill equipped emotionally (working on it), but the last thing I would do is leave them. They’re my whole world and I strive to do my best for them daily. I just don’t understand why she couldn’t love my brothers and me.
That's the thing about the Will's heartbreaking last line. Is that all the shutting down, all the anger in the end, just comes down to "why am I not enough? Why am I not worthy of my father's love?" And that'll break anyone's heart, no matter how old you are.
I was fortunate to have a father in my life. When I was a teenager, I resented him because I wanted to basically run my life my way. Well, when I was 18, i went in the Marine Corps. I realized how stupid and how easy i had it. My dad would always say, "You'll thank me when you're older." He was right. I realized how much my dad had my back. Sons are just stubborn fools at that age. Males need that male figure to straighten us out. We need that smack upside the head. I realize how different daughters are. You have to lay healthy boundaries. Girls pick it up much faster. It isn't that i didn't get it. It's that i wanted to challenge authority. One of the toughest days is when my dad passed away. I felt i lost someone i can go to when times were tough. It's amazing how much like my dad i am. If you think i was a little crap. My dad left home at 15 after graduating high school. He was rebellious and stubborn. He got payback. Some of the phrases I got were, "Why do you have to fight me all the time? I am not your enemy." He was right. You see, i didn't want the easy way. As much as I say girls can be easier, but I am raising a female version of myself. That means she's stubborn and likes to rebel for rebellions sake, but she's a lot easier than i was if that makes sense.
I know someone that meant the world to me and their dad walked out of their life too.. never wanted them and I know that messed her up so much.. her dad didn’t have no reason to not be there.. I seen the hurt and experienced her pain thru the time I knew her.. how bad that hurt her.. childhood trauma messes up people and the future relationships.. it hurts me to see this and it hurt me so bad that I watched and experienced that in her.. I shoulda been there more 😢
This all leads to the final scene between Will and Uncle Phil when Will confesses how he feels he has become a family member and hopes they will not lose contact. Uncle Phil reassures him and tells him "You are my son".
They way he said "Lou" spoke volumes with just three letters.
That’s when the tears start rolling 🥲
He commanded respect “sit down Lou”
Definitely it was like I know you’re not coming back and I want you to know I know you’re never gonna be there for me or be an actual dad😢
The way he says it, he sounds like he is so close to tearing him to shreds.
I can do it with just two letters. "Lu"
“How come he don’t want me man?” That line absolutely destroyed me
That and wills voice cracking
Me to omg 😟 like dang
@@playstationnintendowin489oh man that to
Same here 😢😢😢
Me too. I used to ask myself the same thing.
Rest in peace uncle Phil Forreal 🗣️🗣️🗣️
U're the only father that I ever knew😅
I get my bih pregnant imma be a better you
@@AnareNaisoroI get my b. Pregnant imma be a better you
Prophecies that I made back in the Ville, Fulfilled.
@@DaBlackLion217 listen even back when we was broke my team ill
Martin Luther King would have been on Dreamville
This scene never gets ANY easier to watch…top tier acting
Right! Like every time man.
Idk, were they even acting at this point? This was so heartfelt and felt so real
I don’t think it was acting. If will had any similar experience with this situation, I’m sure those words were true to his actual life. I don’t think that much anger and voice cracking would be easy to accurately express if you don’t feel that emotion deeply already. If it is acting, it’s one of the best clips I’ve seen of it.
What are you talking about? This clip is hilarious 😂😂😂 comedy gold
@frank1908 will said this was scripted
The show actually did a good job always having Will treat Phil like a stepfather. Will never really considered himself part of Phil's immediate family. And in this episode, you realize that Will was keeping Phil at a distance because he was waiting for his father to come back and fill the role that Will was saving for him. The hug and the zoom on the statue basically symbolized Will finally giving up on keeping that role open and letting Uncle Phil step in to be his father.
Wow….i never thought about that this way!!
Not this comment making me cry more😭😭😭
That was a freaking amazing breakdown ! Thank you
bruh. 😢
Jesus... you nailed it
Uncle Phil is one of the best dads ever on TV
THE BEST
Undeniably.
Agreed. Growing up, Uncle Phil and Martin Crane, from Frasier, helped raise me. Best TV dads.
No doubt about it he's The Best Ever
@@BlaxicanM330james from good times is up there too
One of the most powerful scenes in sitcom history.
Try All in The Family when Edith died and Archie sits on the bed.
@@ryana3679 never saw it but I’ll look it up…
@@ryana3679 nah still this, the how come he dont want me man wasnt part of the script he was in real time processing being abandoned by his real dad.
@@TylerDB91not true wills father was an active part of his life, Will did admit he had a bit of difficult relationship with him due to being a bit harsh and strict on him and kids. Will wanted to prove to James Avery(aka Uncle Phil) that he is a good actor this is his own words about this scene
@@AladeenMusic ahh we were all told that was the case back in the 90s so i never thought to look it up now haha
That entire speech is so hard to hear but the How come he don't want me, man...Broke me!
EVERY....TIME!!!
*every. single. time.* 😢😢
That the line that makes eyes water up
Every single time. Including today
Me too
The character of Uncle Phil was one of the greatest TV Dads ever. Yes, he had his faults and got into his fair share of sloppy situations, but overall he was competent, understanding, supportive, and loving to both his own children and Nephew. James Avery and the writers did such a spectacular job that those like Will whom never had fathers or father figures in their life, nor ones that were functional, had no problem calling him their Dad. "Everybody needs an Uncle Phil in their life" as the saying goes.
3 kids and will Hillary, Carlton, and ashely
@@Rodfather76 4. Can't forget Baby Nicky lol.
A Carl Winslow is good to have too
Uncle Phil, Carl Winslow and Danny Tanner are the holy trinity of TV show dads. ❤❤❤
@@akashshetty5112they were all great. I loved each of those characters. As was Heathcliff Huxtable(the role may have been ruined for many by Cosby 's actions)
But for me the Trinity of TV dad's is Al Bundy, Red Foreman and Dan Connor. I know some will really scoff at Al, but you mess one Bundy, you mess with all the Bundy's. Al taught Bud and Kelly right in that regard
7:41 That hug was not actually scripted. Uncle Phil was supposed to say a line there, but James Avery thought that a hug was a better response, so he just reached out and yanked in Will, who went with it and we have one of the best scenes in the Fresh Prince.
In TV history.
You can also hear Hillary crying in the background.
Was the part where they zoomed in on the statue also an audible?
He pulled him in close and said “now that’s acting!”
I remember long ago I asked my father "why do men have such big shoulders." My father's reply.." so we can carry hope when hope cannot carry itself."
Damn that's wisdom.
powerful
Holy shit man. That made me tear up as I think about my dad and this sums up his role in my life perfectly.
Holy shit man. That's deep. I love it.
Thats an amazing example of how great your dad was
Will Smith had never acted before Fresh Prince, but look how incredible he is in this scene.
Oh, he did before, but this was a whole other level.
Remember in the first season when he was just mouthing other people's lines? He really worked is ass off to become a very good actor
That’s always struck me, too! His acting grew so much during the run of this show. He’s a legit GREAT actor.
That's not true he acted in a movie called six degrees of separation before this show so you're wrong
you’re wrong
Remains my favorite scene by Will. He said in interviews that Uncle Phil whispered, "Now that is acting," in his ear during the hug... so powerful
Legend when his dog died though, but yes this ones crazy good.
I literally came to the comments to talk about this..yes he said they did this scene 3 or 4 times and James Avery told him he wanted more and after that performance..he whispered "now that's acting"
You can hear Karyn Parsons crying when Wills hat falls off. She wasnt even in the scene but she said watching from the side it hit her hard and she lost it.
This scene makes me cry every time I watch it. I feel the same way about my dad and I don’t think my inner child ever healed from my dad leaving and never coming back.
I see you beautiful human, please know it has nothing to do with you, you are worth gold. His unhealed parts have no bearing on your value. Sending a hug 🫶🏻
absent fathers suck but a father involved in a child's life that was abusive to them is much worse
@@NatnaelBerhanu647 well, I’m glad that you think it just sucks. I will let my therapist know. 🤷🏻♀️
I feel your pain, I still resent my father for walking out on me. how old are you actually? I am 25, and I still feel that pain.
As tough as this will sound, it is your responsibility to heal. I encourage you on your journey to forgive yourself and him. Reconciliation isn’t always required but you need to forgive for your mental health.
8:31 RIP Uncle Phil. 😢
8:31 James Avery
1945-2013
We’ll miss you, pal.
...forreal
@@jordanthomas7304 the best tv Dad
Around 7:48, you hear someone crying in the background, that was Karen Parsons (Hillary) crying cause she was so moved by the scene.
Wow really! I’ve always thought that was someone in the audience
15 years ago, when my wife (at that time my girlfriend) was pregnant with our first boy, there was never ever one thought in my mind that I would abandon them, give him up for adoption or anything. I'm black, she is puerto rican, we were around 21 and I worked at best buy and she worked at Jersey mike's. No college just high school. We found out when he was 6 months old that he was gonna need open head surgury because he had metopic craniosynostosis aka the front plate in his skull fused too soon. The surgery was gonna cost $200k. I knew i was going to do it eventually but two months before his first birthday I joined the Air Force. It was the only path I saw at the time to pay for his surgery. It was stressful being away because I couldn't be there for his surgery but it happened with no complications and the military paid for it. Fast Forward to today, he is 14, he has a 12 year brother and a 8 year brother, he is starting high school, he is in the marching band, I got some degrees and a good job to make sure they get everything I never had. It was very very rough getting to this point. The deployments and everything, but still never thought about leaving them. I can't imagine a day without them which is why I also can't imagine how a mother or father could just leave their child.
God bless you soldier thank you for your sacrifice 🙏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
That was a beautiful story, thank you for sharing.
"I'm black, she is puerto rican".
By chance isn't your son's name Miles? If so, PLEASE for your own safety don't be a police officer.
@@Atomskayser What kind of useless foolish comment is that! GROW A BRAIN PLEASE!
As a man, you did what you gotta do to make sure your kids are taken care of no matter what. Proud of you brother, keep it up.
Hands down one of will smith's best performances.
This put him on the map
@@marquesdunn4934 I was just about to say that. This definitely did.
This definitely made the jump from comedy to drama for him. He's got chops
For such a light hearted show, it possibly has one of the most heart wrenching scenes in tv history, the acting from everyone is so real
This one and the one where Carlton has a gun
@@conkerchimerayesss!
80s and 90s comedy shows often brought up serious issues. Family Matters brought up addiction as well in a legendary episode.
The best sitcoms always have those really deep and impactful episodes. That's how you know the show is good.
My mom came into the living room one morning to see me sobbing from this episode, I was watching nick at nite and my dad had just stood me up again the previous day. Im 30 now and it still hits just as hard.
You're worthy of love 😢
Ah. A fellow victim of "Tell the kids I'm coming to pick them up later" and then later never gets here.
Man, I can't even imagine what you were feeling, and I know your moms must have felt so powerless. God bless you dude, I know your kids are gonna be overwhelmed with love.
Same man, absolutely sucks but all we can do is be better men
I understand you. My dad was also a serial “I can’t make it” excuse sayer… and a drunk and a abuser who shot my mother (she’s alive)… I still love the guy deep down but it’s hard for me with all he’s done
I don't care how many times you watch it. 30 years later.... the silence of the audience and the emotion of this scene is still impactful.
At the age of 20 I got pregnant with my 1st child. I dated a guy within 3mths and got pregnant by him. I was so scare to tell him, because I thought he would leave me ,or deny he was the father of our child. So when I finally had the courage to tell him we were expecting. I looked him in the eyes and said “I’m pregnant. I’ll have an abortion if you want me too. I’m not ready for a child, and I’m sure you’re not as well . And he looked me directly back in my eyes and said “ Carry this baby for me, eat well, stay healthy & deliver my seed. You,me & this baby will be one. And you both will never have to worry or want for anything ever again. 25 yrs ago we were married, & blessed with 4 more beautiful children. And he continued to keep his promises till this day. I Love you Mr. Craig. “Some men do wear capes, & are hero’s ❤
That's so beautiful.
Having a father who sees you as an afterthought is awful. Thankfully I have a stepfather, who I call dad, that prioritizes our family.
I'm 51, and this still makes me tear up!! Phenomenal acting across the board!!
Same age and I cry every time… whew!
That hug was genuine he saw that will was actually breaking down during the scene and just hugged him.
Will was having trouble getting the scene right, James told him to act off of him. During the hug James says "Now that's fuckin acting right there".
It wasn't "real"
That presence of a father has an immense impact one way or another.
Even all these years later and this scene still gives me chills. It’s one of the best in television history. If you listen closely, you can hear people crying in the background after Uncle Phil hugs Will. That’s the cast and crew because in an interview, they talked about how everyone was so emotional when this scene was filmed. Also, Ben Vereen (Lou), talked about how after he walked off screen, he cried like a baby because he felt as if he was walking out on his own children because he’s a father and he couldn’t ever do that to his kids. Such wonderful dedication by the cast and crew putting together this wonderful show.
yes. Actress Karyn Parsons who played Hilary admitted that indeed was her crying.
Will going from acting to putting his whole heart into what he says is what breaks me. Knowing that he just kept going; and got more and more upset until he just lost it. The actor playing Uncle Phil always gets me the most. You can see on his face that he KNOWS Will isn't acting anymore. He jumps right into comforting him and giving him that support he needs in that moment. I'm grateful that they kept the take and didn't have Will do it again. This is one of the most raw moments in a scripting TV show, and it's because the emotions weren't scripted.
I could watch this scene 100 more times and still shed a tear every single time. Some of the best acting I have ever seen in 36 years of being alive.
I've watched it more than 100 times. Still gets me even more now
lol, it just means you have low self esteem always seeking approval and attention
Will’s range is crazy. Scene was so pure they kept the all the adlib and stutter
In my opinion this is the best scene in Will Smith’s entire career.
No question
This scene will ALWAYS be memorable. It's one of the best acted scenes in sitcom, tv, movie history. It's so real and relatable.
Right up there with Juanita Moore and Lana Turner in an Imitation of Life. Whew!!!
Even though I don’t want kids I could never be the type of person that walks out of their life
Same
same
Why don’t you want kids
@@vincew4297 I’m not trying to deal with the amount of money that I would have to spend on them
@@brianvanasse7627 perhaps when you feel more financially comfortable and a good woman come along that could change. Never say never
If you can watch this without crying you have to get in touch with your emotions. This is tough and I had both parents in my life.
There could be a lot of other reasons. They could realize it's a scripted television show, not real, not have past issues they relate to a fake television show, or they got over their issues.
Same
I have the same past but it doesn't make me cry.
Dad was a Nam vet he made it home not the same ptsd severe they said but they didn't know how 2 deal the same back then so he took a vac hose and put on exhaust and started the car on the meds they had just put him on. They said he fell gently 2 sleep at first I broke y didn't he love us y did he leave us was I bad I made a and b marks in school but I felt I disappointed him not getting straight a s like I had previously. I played sports I was never a cheerleader I could do it but I didn't like it I wanted 2 play baseball with the boys I was only girl so I thought it was me I was just a disappointment but it was him and my uncles who taught me baseball but at the time I found every thing about me just somehow the fault he would leave us. I felt this down 2 the ground and cried so hard the first time it aired it was leaving just in a diff way but exact same question because I was young and didn't understand. I played on the Louisville sluggers later and won the championship that yr and many things I loved doing with charities I wanted him 2 see from heaven I snapped out of my bs after he passed and be proud but mainly it was my way of saying I'm sorry and understood but I wish he had still never left that way
I cried ngl
James Avery coached him through the scene and then whispered in his ear “now that’s fucking acting” when he hugged him.
This scene and the one with Carlton and will with the gun are the two most memorable scenes from the show.
And the episode about the drunk driving.
Carlton standing up for himself at the fraternity also hits hard
Yeah they got deep sometimes
Also the jail episode, speaking of Carlton. “I would’ve pulled us over.”
And when Will had those pills that Carlton took in his locker
I've seen this 10x and still cries like I am him this is some of the greatest acting on tv
The acting in this episode was absolutely incredible by all the actors, especially James. Easily on par with some of the best in shows like Breaking Bad. You could feel the pain in both Will and Phil's voices, body language and especially their faces. I think this is the first time Phil really got to experience exactly how troubled Will was and truly accepted him as his son. Not that he didn't already accept him as part of the family, but when Lou came back, he really realized that he considered Will to be his son and not just a nephew.
The growth of uncle Phil, as a character was so amazing. He went from not knowing what he would do. having a little bit of judgment towards Will ,without even knowing knowing him . To realizing the amazing character Will was and loving him as that was his own kid.
"You too... Lou."
I still remember this episode from when I watched it as a kid but I never really understood until now. It was such a departure from the lighthearted nature of the sitcom it actually was. Seeing it again now for the first time in... It must be 30 years... It hits different. I can't believe they did that. Great acting too. A lot of emotion in these scenes.
Will Smith said James Avery whispered in ear during the hug, now that's f*cking acting.
This scene hits extra hard, the fact that Wills father did in fact leave when he was young. When he starts crying and ask "how come he don't want me? was not scripted and Uncle Phil's reaction was a real one. Breaks my heart every time I watch it.
Not true. Will's father has always been present in his life, to this day. That rumor circulated after this scene aired because of how beautifully performed it was.
"Trauma repels connection and love."
Damn…😢
Doesn't matter how many times I watch it, that scene is one of the most painful but powerful scenes in TV history. What a masterclass of acting.
It's hard not to shed a tear watching that scene.
More than a year.
Uncle Phil and Jack from wonder years were the two most impactful TV dads growing up! The fact that they were acting in a show and helping raise their viewers too.. makes them great men
I agree even James evens from Good Times were great father
A lot of shows spanning the 70s, 80s, and 90s really delivered some excellent TV, cos they did not shy away from delving into those serious issues that impact everyone at some point.
DV, SA, addiction, abandonment, abuse/neglect, death (of a loved one), you name it - one of those shows tackled it and really made history with those episodes.
They didn’t have to go so damn hard in this show, but they did it for us. ❤
I am surprised you didn't comment on the part where Will's father says goodbye, and calls Will "son", Will refers to his father not as "dad", but by his birth name, Lou, acknowledging to his father's face that he doesn't see him as a dad, but just another man.
Powerful moment
They have a beautiful friendship. It would be so easy to dismiss him as a troubled teen, a smart Alec kid. But Phill understands it all: his way of picking fights early on, his sarcasm it's because he was hurting inside. Tough on the outside to keep others from hurting him. And because he thought dad was coming back. The fact that he says his name says it all, that's not dad to him anymore. We men are taught to be tough so he tries to hold it together but he can't. Phil lets him know it's ok to be a man and let your emotions out too. That's a good dad right there. More of a dad then his actual dad.
@@mattmc5069 All very well put. We men do walk a fine line, that is true. To me, Phil is a good example of what a real man is.
Nothing in TV history can top the emotion in this scene. Still gets me.
Damn.....again 😢
This still hitting hard 2024.....dammit
lol, it just means you have low self esteem always seeking approval and attention
This scene always makes me cry, the look on James Avery's face, you can tell he really hurt for Will and cared for him very much.
This resonated with me. It makes me think of Saturdays i spent by the front door as a child. Waiting for my dad cause he said he would come get me this weekend. Thats a hurt that just doesnt go away.
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
The thing Will said about being the best father ever is true I made that promise to myself years ago
Not everyone can be a good father. But it’s a very special guy to be a good dad
I love this scene! Makes me appreciate have a real father around to show me how to be a real man. He was a young dad, so I got to watch him grow and learn from his mistakes. Now I am a father of 3 little ladies, who love me so much!
amazing reaction and breakdown, i remember watching this scene when i was just a boy and it hitting me so hardly, but i never understood why. Now that im older and have a child of my own, i could never imagine not putting him first. Its a hard scene for me to watch, but it was beautiful going through it with you again as an adult and shedding a few tears now that i understand. ❤❤
30+ years later and this scene still hits hard 😢
38 n still cry every time i watch this and i watch it often 🥲
I will NEVER be able to watch that last scene without tearing up.
5:58 alot ofpeople think will is acting here but he isnt, he went through something similar when he was 16 and he just channeled that anger he never gave to his Father sadly
I remember this 😢😢
Uncle Phil the actor didn’t expect Will Smith to say all that and that hug was so raw and real 😭😭😭
I ALWAYS cry when I see this clip. Will Smith is a phenomenal actor
Unfortunately...I was in a situation..but the complete opposite of this. My dad was in my life and whooped, my mom, myself and my brothers ass every chance he got along with telling us how useless of human beings we all were. My mom was scared to leave him...3 decades of hell...until he had a stroke and passed away...our family became more united than ever. Best thing to happen was him being absent in our lives..maybe people like the person that portrayed Will's father, knew they would be terrible fathers...them being absent may be a blessing in disguise.
The look Uncle Phil gives at 7:29 is just stellar,almost like it really is "real" for him
Great analysis! This scene has always hit close to me, especially seeing it again after my daughter was born. Her bio-dad still wanted to party so she became less of a priority. He would “try to be in her life” about every 5 years. At 11 he tried and she told him that she didn’t need him, she has a dad, (my husband, who he refused to meet).When she was 16 she finally let him have it! The pain, anger, frustration, confusion, disappointment and feeling he abandoned her all came out at once. When she was done she handed back the phone and walked away. He hadn’t seen her in person since she was 5 months old.
I am adopted and I remember after I first saw this episode I ran to my adopted father crying and gave him a big hug and thanked him for everything he does for me. He just smiled and tousled my hair and said any time Charlie brown.
Will Smith did an interview where he talks about this scene with James an why it's emotional should watch
30 years later and this episode still hits home,because it's a sad common reality,there so many kids out there without a father in there life....HOW COME HE DON'T WANT ME MAN?Those 7 words hit home!
The fact that most of this scene was totally improvised is what makes it so amazing. Will Smith is and will always be an AMAZING ACTOR.
How was it improvised? It's pretty clearly following a script
1 of the best scenes ever. The acting skills and the writing was phenomenal!
Every boy with an absent father turns out two ways, the best father possible because he knows what it’s like to not have one, or he never has children because he knows he is too much like the man who was not around but refuses to have a child suffer the same because of it.
Me and my brother to the tee. Very well said.
Or the 3rd, they do exactly what their father did and the cycle continues.
My biological father abandoned us and then my step-father also left when I was in my teens….abandoned by two fathers….I don’t have kids…will never have kids….I’d just ruin their lives.
I always tear up on this scene, this definitely hits home for me!!
Just found your channel as a huge NF FAN. my dad walked out when i was young and then my mom passed when i was 8. so we went to live with him. lets just say he didnt want us but kept us and it was a terrible 4 years before we were given up again. im 35 now and not one text or call or anything in over 20 years. so this scene gets me everytime. you speaking on this was amazing keep it up your channel is awesome!!
Thank you for your honest comment and feedback. I’m so sorry that little you didn’t have the champion you needed. Sending you care dear human!
One of the best TV scenes ever
That’s why you always plan before you have kids, wish people new that plan first so you can garentie once you have kids to give them all the love and support they deserve.
That is hard to do for some people,and others just don’t care all that much about the children.
@@offworlder1 That's why destigmatizing the option to go through with a pregnancy or not needs to happen. Having and bring in unwanted kids ends up being torture for too many of them.
@@DaKurupt19totally agree
This is what kicked off Wills career on the big screen. He SUCH A GOOD ACTOR!
Im crying. This is beyond heartbreaking
I remember reading that his whole monologue was improvised in the moment and it just makes it so much more real 😢
This shit kills me every single time I watch it. I used to ask myself the same thing. Why doesn’t my father want me?
First thing first Rest in Peace Uncle Phil, for real, you the only father that I ever knew ❤
I listened to the song Cat's in the Cradle when I was younger and I made a promise to myself that I wouldn't be like that father in the song. I was always there for my son even after my divorce and to this day, my son and I have a very strong bond with each other. I never had that bond with my father because I never knew him until my late 20s and he passed away in my 30s.
This episode hit me really hard when I watched it for the first time. “Why don’t he want me, man?” Hit rather hard because my mother wasn’t a part of my life. I have four kids and I know for sure that I am ill equipped emotionally (working on it), but the last thing I would do is leave them. They’re my whole world and I strive to do my best for them daily. I just don’t understand why she couldn’t love my brothers and me.
I remember the day this episode aired. Still gets me.
As a 90's kid theres certain scenes that hit different and you'll never forget..this is definitely up there with the best..Rest in Peace James Avery
I saw somewhere you can hear "Hillary" crying in backstage in the end. Great reaction! Lots of love from Brazil.
That's the thing about the Will's heartbreaking last line. Is that all the shutting down, all the anger in the end, just comes down to "why am I not enough? Why am I not worthy of my father's love?" And that'll break anyone's heart, no matter how old you are.
I remember crying to this episode
I’ve seen this episode so many times. And yet, someone still cutting onions around me when I watch this 🥲
I was fortunate to have a father in my life. When I was a teenager, I resented him because I wanted to basically run my life my way. Well, when I was 18, i went in the Marine Corps. I realized how stupid and how easy i had it. My dad would always say, "You'll thank me when you're older." He was right. I realized how much my dad had my back. Sons are just stubborn fools at that age. Males need that male figure to straighten us out. We need that smack upside the head. I realize how different daughters are. You have to lay healthy boundaries. Girls pick it up much faster. It isn't that i didn't get it. It's that i wanted to challenge authority. One of the toughest days is when my dad passed away. I felt i lost someone i can go to when times were tough. It's amazing how much like my dad i am. If you think i was a little crap. My dad left home at 15 after graduating high school. He was rebellious and stubborn. He got payback. Some of the phrases I got were, "Why do you have to fight me all the time? I am not your enemy." He was right. You see, i didn't want the easy way. As much as I say girls can be easier, but I am raising a female version of myself. That means she's stubborn and likes to rebel for rebellions sake, but she's a lot easier than i was if that makes sense.
That Scene always gets me, no matter how many times I watch it.
That was the best acting I’ve seen in years.
And this is why I tell my mom happy father's day ...
She's not a man....
same.
Your mother is not your father. And that is disrespectful thing to say to your mother.
@@summerrose8110she enjoyed it.
@@summerrose8110opinions are like assholes, everyone's got one.
One of the most courageous and emotion yanking scenes and performances on tv to date. I cry every single time.
I know someone that meant the world to me and their dad walked out of their life too.. never wanted them and I know that messed her up so much.. her dad didn’t have no reason to not be there.. I seen the hurt and experienced her pain thru the time I knew her.. how bad that hurt her.. childhood trauma messes up people and the future relationships.. it hurts me to see this and it hurt me so bad that I watched and experienced that in her.. I shoulda been there more 😢
“there are times when we need to walk away from people, even when we love them” 😤💯
This all leads to the final scene between Will and Uncle Phil when Will confesses how he feels he has become a family member and hopes they will not lose contact. Uncle Phil reassures him and tells him "You are my son".
They deserved an award for the acting. You can feel all the emotions
This was the scene that let me know Will Smith was going to be Will Smith
One of the most powerful hug we have ever seen on TV!
You're my son Will end of story- Uncle Phil
I believe that was said around the end of the series
@@davidphillips5876still beautiful nonetheless
I loved that show so much. This was such a precious scene.
Amen I really miss my father so much