Actor grateful for her time in 'Bel-Air'

Cassandra Freeman applauds her TV mom's fresh start as the reboot ends.

- BY YVONNE VILLARREAL

ANNE MARIE FOX Peacock

CASSANDRA Freeman in the sitcom "Bel-Air" as Aunt Viv on Peacock.

After four seasons, “Bel-Air,” Peacock’s dramatic reboot of the hit ’90s sitcom “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” concluded recently.

And its young characters — Will (Jabari Banks), Carlton (Olly Sholotan), Hilary (Coco Jones) and Ashley (Akira Akbar) — weren't the only ones embarking on new chapters and moments of transition in their coming-of-age journeys. The heads of the Banks household, Uncle Phil (Adrian Holmes) and Aunt Viv (Cassandra Freeman), have returned to the beginning stages of parenthood with the arrival of baby Nicky, and find themselves taking stock of what they want at this stage in their lives. Over email, Freeman discussed what it was like sharing scenes with the actor who originated the Aunt Viv character, taking cues from her alter ego and the kind of project she'd like to tackle next.

You had the unique opportunity of sharing screen time with Janet Hubert, who originated the role of Aunt Viv in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” What was that experience like?

To work with Janet was a dream come true; she is an artist through and through, and overall a kind and truly generous spirit. When you're like that, to act with it becomes such a simple process. Looking into her eyes was an acting lesson of surrendering to the moment second by second. We really didn't talk about how we both have played these matriarchs, funny enough. Off camera, we were mostly singing, playing, dancing. We also sent a video text message to Will Smith to say he was missing out on all the fun, and how grateful we are that he brought us back together! I asked every season if Janet could return, and Will Smith definitely played a part in encouraging her to come back on the show, and she did so with an open heart in mind!! I can’t say enough, how magnificent it was to everyone!