Tatyana Ali Hints at Potential Fresh Prince Reunion During DWTS Appearance
Tatyana Ali has made history as the second Fresh Prince of Bel-Air cast member to join Dancing With the Stars — but could a sitcom reunion be on the agenda in the ballroom?
“Perhaps I can convince some folks to come watch,” Ali, 47, shared exclusively with Us on Wednesday, September 2, during the post-cast reveal event for Dancing With the Stars. She hinted at possibly bringing in former co-star Will Smith to cheer her on, along with Alfonso Ribeiro, who is cohosting the show.
Ali admitted, “I’m not sure. We’ll have to collaborate and see what we can organize.”
Tatyana Ali on ‘Dancing With the Stars.’ Disney/Andrew Eccles
The talented actress portrayed Ashley Banks on the beloved NBC series from 1990 to 1996. Smith, 57, played the lead role of Will Smith, Ashley’s cousin who relocates from Philadelphia to Bel-Air, California, to escape trouble and live with his family.
Ribeiro took on the role of Carlton Banks, Ashley’s older brother. The cast also featured James Avery as their father, Will’s uncle Philip Banks, alongside Janet Hubert and Daphne Reid, who portrayed their mother Vivian Banks during seasons 1-3 and 4-6, respectively.
Other notable cast members included Karyn Parsons as the eldest sister Hilary Banks, Ross Bagley as the youngest son Nicky Banks, and Joseph Marcell as the butler Geoffrey.
Let’s take a moment, just sit right here, and we’ll share updates on the cast of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air! Created by Andy Borowitz and Susan Borowitz, Fresh Prince ran for six successful seasons on NBC from 1990 to 1996, following Will (Will Smith), a troubled teenager from Philadelphia who was sent to live […]
Although Ali isn’t guaranteeing a Fresh Prince reunion for season 35 of DWTS, she expressed her excitement about reuniting with Ribeiro, 54, recalling their years as on-screen siblings.
“I’m thrilled to share the stage with him, and just experience the cast and rehearsals,” Ali said of her former co-star, who claimed victory in season 19 of DWTS in 2014. “I’ve heard he attends the camera blocking as a host, which is something I’m really looking forward to.”
Ali reflected, “How often does one get that opportunity? The last time I collaborated with him, I was just 17. It’s incredible.”
Will Smith, Alfonso Ribeiro, and Tatyana Ali on ‘Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.’ NBC/courtesy Everett Collection
Additionally, Ali shared that Ribeiro has been instrumental in helping her and her professional partner Jan Ravnik brainstorm their team name, revealing that he suggested “Tatyan.”
Although Ali looks forward to spending more time with Ribeiro as they gear up for the competition, Ravnik, 31, humorously disclosed that he has never watched their television show — but he has an understandable reason.
“To be honest. Yes, I grew up in Europe, so I didn’t even have access to YouTube,” Ravnik explained. “I didn’t experience any of the TV.”
The Slovenian dancer noted that he was quite “behind” in terms of pop culture, sharing that he only got his first phone at the age of 16.
“I was living under a rock,” Ravnik joked about his upbringing. “But I’m currently doing some research, so I’m catching up.”
Dancing With the Stars is set to premiere on ABC and Disney+ with a two-night event starting Tuesday, September 15, at 8 p.m. ET. New episodes will be available for streaming the following day on Hulu.
