Daphne Maxwell Reed is back at her old TV home.
Reed, who played Aunt Vivian on “Bell-Air’s Fresh Prince,” is part of Sitcom’s 30th anniversary special, which premieres on HBO Max on Thursday.
The “Fresh Prince Belf Bell-Air Reunion Special” hosted by series star Will Smith features an hour-long scripted memoir by Smith, Reed, Tatiana Ali (Ashley), Karen Parsons (Hillary), Joseph Marcel (Geoffrey), Alfonso Ribeiro and Jazzy Jeff (Jazz).
In particular, they come together on a set similar to the setup of “Fresh Prince” – which ran for 148 episodes on NBC from 1990 to 1996 and revolved around a street-smart teen (Smith) traveling from West Philadelphia to LA. Was. With his wealthy relatives at his Bel-Air mansion.
James Avery, who played the role of the family’s patriarch Philip “Uncle Phil” Banks, died in 2013. (She is remembered in a heartfelt tribute.) Janet Hubert, who began the role of Aunt Vivian – but left after three seasons after struggling with Smith – makes up. An amazing look.
Reed, who has been married to actor Tim Reid since 1982, answered a few questions about the “Fresh Prince” reunion, his many efforts outside of acting – including photography (five books) and clothing line (Daphne style) – And her upcoming movie “Christmas Business” (Dec. 1 on BET +).
Was it like seeing it all again?
My favorite moment was watching all the cast in one place at the same time. The set was familiar, and the family was very nice to see. This moment was really. We were all kept apart and told there would be many surprises – and there were!
Do you have any favorite episodes of the original series?
This is my first episode! It was a classy transition to introduce the new body inhabited by Aunt Viv. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such an iconic show. It has put me on the public radar very happily. All of the cast, really, are part of my family, as I am theirs.
Why do you think “Fresh Prince of Bell-Air” is humming almost 25 years after its demise?
The concept of “fish out of the water” is timeless, and the themes we deal with are also timeless and universal.
You have succeeded as a photographer, clothing designer and writer (including a cookbook). Was there always a plan outside of your acting?
I wish I could claim to have a plan there! I was given artistic gifts at birth, and throughout my life I have tried to honor them by revealing and purposefully sharing these gifts.
Tell me about the “Christmas business”.
This is the sweet story of a family that owns a toy store and faces mortgage problems near the holidays. They are simply nesters who would love to have their older children come home for the holidays. The children have a very busy life of their own, but the “drama” returns home to help their family in distress.
Would you consider doing another category with your outside business in mind?
I’d like another series. I was doing all these things at the same time I was acting. I love work!
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