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Medina's experiences of transferring to this wealthy environment is the loose basis for The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. [ 1][ 2][ 3] Career. Medina started his career with the group Apollo, who released their self-titled debut on Gordy/ Motown in 1979. He was the lead singer.
May 30, 2016 · Smith’s character was based on producer and manager, Benny Medina, who was not “West Philadelphia born and raised” as the opening rap goes, but instead drifted between foster homes and his aunt’s house in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Watts, where he sold drugs.
- Maurice Chammah
The younger Benny Medina, who inspired Will Smith's character in the 90s sitcom, in 2013. Photo via Wikimedia Commons. This story was co-published with the Marshall Project.
- Maurice Chammah
May 12, 2018 · Benny Medina is the real-life Fresh Prince of Bel Air,” Smith said. “I met Benny and he pitches me the idea for this show, and I’m like, ‘I’m not an actor.’”
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- Alexia Fernández
Jul 19, 2024 · According to The Wall Street Journal, Medina is considered the “real-life” Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Sportskeeda adds that the popular 1990s sitcom – which stars Will Smith as the lead actor...
Nov 6, 2023 · For those who are unaware, Medina conceived The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which was inspired by his experiences as a Black teen living with a rich white family in Beverly Hills. Medina and...
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Nov 9, 2021 · In an exclusive excerpt from his memoir, Will, available now, the Oscar nominee reveals how Quincy Jones put him on the spot at a cocktail party—only for Smith to walk away with the lead in The...