Will Smith was 22 years old when the first episode of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air premiered in September 1990.
Actor vs. Character Age
It is a common practice in television and film for actors to portray characters younger than their actual age. While Will Smith was in his early twenties, the character of Will was a teenager who had just moved from West Philadelphia. This age difference between actor and character is quite typical in scripted shows. For instance, in the recent reboot Bel-Air, Adrian Holmes, who plays Philip Banks, was 47 years old when the first episode aired in February 2022, while the character he portrays is typically depicted as being in his mid-forties. Olly Sholotan, who plays Carlton Banks in Bel-Air (2022), was 23 years old at the time of its premiere.
Here's a quick overview of key details:
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Show Premiere Date | September 1990 |
| Will Smith's Age | 22 years old |
| Character's Approximate Age | Teenage |
Will Smith's portrayal of the charismatic and humorous character quickly made The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air a cultural phenomenon, launching his successful career in Hollywood.
