Star Cassandra Freeman says OG Aunt Viv in ‘Bel-Air’ was the greatest acting experience of my life

The last three episodes of Final season From Bel-Air arrived on Monday, and the series not only wrapped up its major storylines, but also gave us one of its biggest cameos.

when Peacock series Debuting in 2022, fans of the sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air wanted to know if any of the original cast members would appear. We saw appearances from Tatyana Ali (who played Ashley Banks), Joseph Marcel (the first Geoffrey), Vernee Watson-Johnson, and Daphne Maxwell Reid, who played the second Aunt Viv. They all appeared in new roles different from the ones they played in the 1990s series. It was a fun moment and a homecoming moment for fans of both shows.

And Season 4 of Bel-Air featured none other than Janet Hubert, who fans fondly refer to as “OG Aunt Viv.” Her participation was announced in October, and her appearance in the trailer sparked curiosity about her role. Showrunner and Bel-Air executive producer Carla Banks Waddles spoke to us last month about the final season, calling Hubert a “dream” and the actor’s involvement being on their minds.

“We talked about it from day one in the writers room this season, knowing that this was the end,” Banks-Waddles said. “If we can bring someone back, can we get them back?” Banks and Waddles added that they were hoping things would go according to schedule and creatively. “What I really like about this reimagining is when we bring back the OG cast, it’s not like we’re forcing them into a role, it’s like, ‘Of course, this is that role.’ “When the character of Iris (Viv’s doula) came on, they thought if Hubert could play her, it would be ‘perfection’.

Episode 7 introduced Hubert as Iris, a totalitarian who Hillary befriends in Costa Rica. As soon as she entered the house and was greeted by Cassandra Freeman’s Vivian Banks, she said, “I feel like I’ve known you forever.” To viewers, it may seem like a total cheeky moment, but to Freeman, who replaced Aunt Viv in this dramatic version, Hubert’s appearance was “soulful.”

Don’t miss any of our unbiased technical content and lab reviews. Add CNET As Google’s preferred source.

After Banks initially met Iris, they agreed that she would help deliver their child. Although we don’t see the character again until Aunt Viv gives birth at the end of the episode, Hubert’s presence on set had a huge impact on Freeman.

“Working with Janet Hubert was the greatest acting experience of my life,” Freeman told me during our interview last month. “I think being on this show is very spiritual for her.” Freeman explained that it taught her what it meant to act “in a visceral way,” whether captured on camera in the first shot or any subsequent shots. She said that having Hubert on set — especially during the birth scenes — was a “tremendous experience,” and star Coco Jones agreed.

“The little girl in me kept looking at it, and also off camera,” Freeman said. “I think people will be surprised at how fun and silly it is.” “This woman has been through some strong winds in her life, and she is the embodiment of grace and joy and all things and an excellent actress. I pray that when people see her in this, it propels her to uncharted heights.”

The fourth and final season of Bel-Air is now available to stream on Peacock.