Will Smith Thought It’d Be A “Really Bad Idea” To Feature RuPaul On “Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air” Back In The Day: ‘It Was Because Of His Image’

Will Smith, RuPaul

Will Smith Thought It’d Be A “Really Bad Idea” To Feature RuPaul On “Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air” Back In The Day: ‘It Was Because Of His Image’

A new novel recently shared an interesting story about actor Will Smith.

According to reports, a journalist named Thea Glassman claimed in a recent book that the “Bad Boys” star “rejected” the idea of having then up and coming talent RuPaul appear on his iconic 90’s sitcom.

Reportedly, Glassman recounted the memories of executive producer David Steven Simon in her novel Freaks, Gleeks, and Dawson’s Creek: How Seven Teen Shows Transformed Television. Simon reportedly claims he previously worked with Smith and pitched him the idea at the time. In case you’re unfamiliar, Smith, now 54, was a rising star in the 90’s and gained major popularity from his sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”. Simon recalls having a think tank session with Smith about fresh ideas for the show, and how he threw out the idea to feature another rising talent, RuPaul. The now 62-year-old TV personality burst into mainstream music around that time with his track “Supermodel (You Better Work)”.

However Simon says Smith was quick to reject the thought. He reportedly stated in the novel:

“I remember him saying that would be a really bad idea…And I said, ‘No, listen, hear my story—”

Despite his multiple efforts, Simon says the Oscar winner would not back down, so he eventually recanted the idea. The report notes that Glassman highlighted the fact that Smith wasn’t known to reject many ideas at the time, leaving many to wonder why he wouldn’t welcome RuPaul on the show. If you ask Simon the answer is simple – to protect his image. He reportedly continued in the novel:

 “The reason he would say no is because of his image. Period. The End.” 

Neither Smith nor any one from his camp has responded to the story at this time. While Smith and RuPaul still haven’t seemed to connect on a project together, both went on to make strong names for themselves respectively. After the success of “The Fresh Prince”, Smith went on to star in major blockbuster movies, including the “Men In Black” and “Bad Boys” franchises. As we covered back in April, Smith and franchise co-star Martin Lawrence confirmed production for their next installment, “Bad Boys 4”, which is officially underway (after being stalled by Covid).

Additionally, RuPaul went on to build an iconic brand, notably representing for the LGBTQ community. The entertainer made history securing a cable TV show for drag contestants, “RuPaul’s Drag Race”, which is in its 15th season and still airs to date!

[VIA]

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