Will Smith refused to have RuPaul cameo on ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’, producer says!!
Will Smith refused to have RuPaul cameo on ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’, producer says!!
In the early ’90s, two rising stars captured the attention of audiences around the world – Will Smith and RuPaul. Both icons in their own right, it’s fascinating to think about what could have been if their paths had crossed on the popular sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. However, according to a new book by Fresh Prince executive producer David Steven Simon, it seems that Smith rejected the opportunity for RuPaul to make a cameo appearance on the show.
Will Smith Refused RuPaul
In his book, titled Freaks, Gleeks, and Dawson’s Creek: How Seven Teen Shows Transformed Television, Simon recalls the moment he pitched the idea of bringing RuPaul onto The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. As the executive producer, Smith had the final say on every story, making his rejection all the more surprising. Despite Simon’s appeals, Smith “refused” the idea and repeatedly insisted that it was a bad one. Simon speculates that Smith’s refusal was motivated by a desire to protect his image. He believes that the actor was concerned about how a cameo appearance by RuPaul might impact his reputation.
“The reason he would say no is because of his image. Period. The End,” Simon said. It’s understandable that Smith, as a rising star and a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, would be cautious about the roles and appearances he takes on. Maintaining a certain image is crucial for many celebrities, and Smith’s decision to pass on the opportunity to work with RuPaul may have been a strategic move to protect his brand.
While it’s intriguing to think about how the dynamic between Will Smith and RuPaul could have played out on screen, we can only speculate about what might have been. Both artists have gone on to achieve tremendous success in their respective careers, with Smith becoming one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors and RuPaul gaining recognition as a trailblazer in the world of drag.
