The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air turns 35 this week and here's where the cast are now – including 'British' butler Geoffrey

With its high-energy lead character, sharp humour and irreverent attitude, it’s hard to imagine that cult comedy the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is – sorry to break it to you – celebrating it’s 35th anniversary.

First broadcast - that’s right – over three-decades ago on September 10 1990, the show ran for just six seasons but made a cultural impact far beyond the years it aired, marking a major milestone in TV comedy history.

And interest has not flagged, with a new spinoff show in the works.

As laid out in the iconic opening credits with its immortal theme tune rap, high school student Will escaped from trouble in his hometown of West Philadelphia where he was “born and raised” and follows his side-splitting shenanigans after he flees to the mansion of his rich Uncle Phil and prosperous cousins in Bel-Air.

The iconic Banks Mansion was available on Airbnb

The show completely catapulted the career of protagonist Will Smith into Hollywood stardom, the A-list actor continues to work as an actor and producer in major releases, despite his marriage and personal life having been subject to intense scrutiny.

The most dramatic scandal included a public bust-up with Chris Rock live on stage during the 2022 Academy Awards when the comedian made an unscripted joke about the shaved head of Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith. Smith jumped on stage and appeared to slap Rock across the face.

Will Smith's career went into overdrive since the show ended in 1996 (Getty)

Smith’s well-spoken if dorky side-kick Alfonso Ribeiro, who played Will’s cousin Carlton, successfully transitioned to becoming a TV presenter, hosting the hit America’s Funniest Home Videos and Dancing With The Stars.

Sisters Ashley and Hilary were played by Tatyana Ali and Karyn Parsons respectively also achieved great success after the show finished in 1996. Ali starred in the popular Hallmark holiday films and Parsons became a published novelist and produces animated history films.

Dapper British-accented butler Geoffrey – who was born in Saint Lucia and grew up in Peckham, London from the age of nine- was recently featured in the UK series Mammoth after acting in theatre and television in the UK. Daphne Maxwell Reid, who played wife to Uncle Phil, Vivian, is a photographer, fashion designer, and author.

The Uncle Phil actor was a mentor who became a father figure, recalled his fellow cast members (Getty)

And what about the beloved Uncle Phil actor James Avery? Sadly, he died aged 68 in 2013 after his open-heart surgery ran into complications.

He is, however, regularly honoured by the surviving cast and crew members during reunions and interviews who remember him as a mentor and father figure.

And the good news: with a new generation of viewers inspired by the show, spin-off Hilary has been announced starring actress Coco Jones as the quirky Banks sister, with Smith understood to be on board as executive producer.