‘Stole My Heart’: Janet Hubert Watches Her First Will Smith Movie Since Their Reconciliation, Says She Wants to See More

Janet Hubert was beyond impressed by Will Smith‘s acting abilities after deciding that it was finally time to check out one of his movies now that they’ve put their marred history behind them.

Smith’s performance as Venus and Serena Williams’ father Richard Williams in the highly acclaimed film “King Richard” has been praised by fans and critics, and now the actor has received a stamp of approval from his former “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” co-star-turned-foe-turned-friend.

(L-R) Will Smith’s “King Richard” performance impressed “Fresh Prince” co-star Janet Hubert. Photo Credit: janethubertformyfanspage/Instagram

Hubert shared her glowing review of the film on social media, noting that the movie “stole her heart” and that she hadn’t enjoyed a film this much since watching 2016’s “Hidden Figures.” “King Richard stole my heart, in the same manner that Venus and Serena did on the court! Bravo Will and company,” she captioned her post. “Not since Hidden Figures had I enjoyed a movie so much. I will have to check our all your other movies. A+ a Feel good movie [blushing emoji]”

In an accompanying video, Hubert continues to gush over the story portrayed in the film and its “remarkable” cast, including Smith, whose performance she called “stellar” in the first film of his that she’s ever seen. “I’m going to admit this, and I was not wanting to admit this but I’m going to admit this. I saw my first Will Smith movie and y’all know why, all that. All that’s over, ” she said referring to the drama that they privately and publicly put behind them during 2020’s “Fresh Prince” reunion special.

Hubert’s role as Vivian “Aunt Viv” Banks was recast after the show’s third season, and it wasn’t until following years that Smith’s silver screen career would take off with the releases of 1995’s “Bad Boys” and 1996’s “Independence Day.”

Janet Hubert has nothing but words of praise after watching “King Richard.” (Photo: @OGJanetHubert/Twitter)

Catching up with her former onscreen nephew to put the past behind them has strengthened their friendship and her interest in supporing his endeavors.

“It made me laugh, it made me cry, I was on the edge of my seat,” she continued in the video. “I was one of those little Black girls who loved playing tennis, and then as a young woman watching these women go through what they went through to get to where they are. If the story is truly true, what a magnificent family and what grace under fire you held and Will, you did a great job, you were stellar as an actor. You made me hurt with you and, no spoiler alerts, but what an amazing family! What a remarkable cast! We need this and all I can say is bravo. Bra-vo.”

Hubert’s schedule has been lined up with projects as well since the reunion show, with the actress appearing in HBO series “Love Life,” FX’s hit show “Pose,” TBS’ “The Last O.G.” and has been filming Netflix’s upcoming film adaptation of “The Perfect Find.” starring opposite Gabrielle Union and La La Anthony.