In spite of the doubters, “Bel-Air” has proved that it’s capable of existing outside of its predecessor’s shadow. Much of that success has to do with how the series has updated a familiar story with new twists – like surprising celebrity cameos. The Peacock series, now in its second season, is the most ambitious reimagining of a ’90s classic we’ve seen yet, and though it’s been flipped into a drama, it still has traces of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” in its DNA – which is evident through the special guest stars who appear on the show.
In season one, “Fresh Prince” OGs like Daphne Maxwell Reid (Aunt Viv 2.0) and Vernee Watson-Johnson (Vy) had surprise cameos, albeit in new roles, in “Bel-Air.” And in season two, Tatyana Ali (Ashley Banks) is the latest “Fresh Prince” alum to make an appearance, also as a new character who gets to interact with the current Ashley, aka Akira Akbar. The entire “Bel-Air” cast agrees that Ali’s guest role is, by far, their favorite, with Simone Joy Jones (Lisa) praising her for being an “incredible force and presence, and as beautiful and soft and kind and vulnerable as she is on screen.”
Will more “Fresh Prince” stars get a chance to appear in “Bel-Air”? Only time will tell, but the show’s cast certainly hopes so. “If we could get Alfonso [Ribeiro] on this show, that’d be dope. I don’t know in what way, but that would be amazing,” Jabari Banks, who plays Will, tells POPSUGAR. Meanwhile, Jordan L. Jones, who stars as Jazz, says, he’d love to see a cameo from “DJ Jazzy Jeff, Nia Long, Tyra Banks. Honestly, every character.”
Not only does “Bel-Air” continue to make nostalgic nods to its inspiration, but it also follows in its footsteps when it comes to those fun, guest star moments. From well-known actors to some of our favorite rappers, check out all the familiar famous faces who have popped up in “Bel-Air” so far.