10 TV Characters Who Were Perfectly Cast (The Second Time)

8. Aunt Viv – The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air

Game Of Thrones
NBC

Changing up a character early in its life as part of a TV show is difficult enough, but to decide on pulling the trigger on the recasting of a role after three whole seasons is an arduous task showrunners likely wouldn't wish on their worst enemy. That was exactly the position The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air found itself in when opting to recast the role of Aunt Viv in the beloved show.

The reasons surrounding exactly why Janet Hubert was unceremoniously let go after three seasons of bringing her fiery and decisive version of the character into existence are still unclear to this day. Will Smith and Alfonso Ribiero each claimed she was difficult to work with later down the line, but Hubert has gone on record to say she simply turned down a poor deal to re-sign with the show.

Despite the messy departure, Daphne Maxwell Reid's turn as Aunt Viv managed to mask the initial jarring sight of someone else playing the part, bringing a much calmer and soothing presence to the show as the Banks family's matriarch. Though in all honesty, both women brought something special and warm to the role.

Contributor
Contributor

Lifts rubber and metal. Watches people flip in spandex and pretends to be other individuals from time to time...