The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Reunion was a joy to watch, as the special included a number of sweet moments with the Will Smith-led cast. But the best was arguably the reunion and reconciliation between Smith and original Aunt Viv actress Janet Hubert. The veteran performer’s career was heavily affected by her departure from the hit NBC sitcom back in the early ‘90s and, in the years since, she’s grabbed roles here and there. Now, following her appearance on the Fresh Prince reunion, she’s earned a new role in a well-known sitcom.
Janet Hubert has been tapped for a role in the upcoming fourth season of TBS’ The Last O.G. with Tracy Morgan. On the show, Morgan plays Tray, an ex-con trying to find his place in the world following a 15-year stint in prison. Deadline reports that Hubert will play Miss May Miller, a good friend of Roberta’s (Anna Maria Horsford). And based on the report, it sounds like May will have plenty to say regarding Tray’s attempts to bring change to his community.
The Last O.G. has brought in a number of comedy veterans during its run. Over the years, Tracy Morgan and former lead Tiffany Haddish have been joined by notable names like Cedric the Entertainer, J.B. Smoove and Method Man. Janet Hubert is definitely a worthy addition to this list of stars.
Aside from her work on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Janet Hubert has also appeared on shows like Gilmore Girls, The Bernie Mac Show and General Hospital. In the realm of film, she’s appeared in No Letting Go and Not Another Black Movie.
Longtime fans are likely thrilled to see Janet Hubert pick up another acting gig after her appearance on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Reunion. And if you’re aware of the details of her departure from the show, it’s that much more gratifying.
In 1993, as the third season of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air drew to a close, Janet Hubert was offered an unsatisfactory contract extension. This paired with the growing tension between her and co-star Will Smith caused her to depart the show after that season. However, at the time, it was inaccurately reported that she was fired from the show, with rumors alleging that she had been difficult to work with. As she explained during the reunion, this label would unfortunately remain with Hubert and she would have a tough time finding consistent work as the years went on.
But despite her experiences, many Fresh Prince fans have never forgotten Janet Hubert and her contributions to TV, and this admiration likely left many emotional when Will Smith honored her during the reunion. Hopefully, this will be the first of many new roles for the actress.
You can catch up on The Last O.G. ahead of Season 4 by streaming the series on Netflix.
