From Saweetie to Karrueche Tran, All the Famous Faces on "Bel-Air"

In spite of the doubters, "Bel-Air" has proved that it's capable of existing outside of its predecessor's shadow. Much of that success has to do with how the series has updated a familiar story with new twists — like surprising celebrity cameos. The Peacock series, now in its second season, is the most ambitious reimagining of a '90s classic we've seen yet, and though it's been flipped into a drama, it still has traces of "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" in its DNA — which is evident through the special guest stars who appear on the show.

In season one, "Fresh Prince" OGs like Daphne Maxwell Reid (Aunt Viv 2.0) and Vernee Watson-Johnson (Vy) had surprise cameos, albeit in new roles, in "Bel-Air." And in season two, Tatyana Ali (Ashley Banks) is the latest "Fresh Prince" alum to make an appearance, also as a new character who gets to interact with the current Ashley, aka Akira Akbar. The entire "Bel-Air" cast agree that Ali's guest role is, by far, their favorite, with Simone Joy Jones (Lisa) praising her for being an "incredible force and presence, and as beautiful and soft and kind and vulnerable as she is on screen."

Will more "Fresh Prince" stars get a chance to appear in "Bel-Air"? Only time will tell, but the show's cast certainly hopes so. "If we could get Alfonso [Ribeiro] on this show, that'd be dope. I don't know in what way, but that would be amazing," Jabari Banks, who plays Will, tells POPSUGAR. Meanwhile, Jordan L. Jones, who stars as Jazz, says he'd love to see a cameo from "DJ Jazzy Jeff, Nia Long, Tyra Banks. Honestly, every character."

Not only does "Bel-Air" continue to make nostalgic nods to its inspiration, but it also follows in its footsteps when it comes to those fun guest-star moments. From well-known actors to some of our favorite rappers, check out all the familiar famous faces who have popped up in "Bel-Air" so far.

01
Saweetie
Getty | Amy Sussman

Saweetie

The "My Type" rapper makes a brief appearance in season two's premiere as herself, the headlining performer at Ashley's 13th birthday party. The cameo seems like a subtle callback to "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" as another celebrity also performed at Ashley's birthday party back then: Tevin Campbell as teen idol Little T.

02
Karrueche Tran
NBC

Karrueche Tran

The "Claws" actor stars as recurring character Ivy, a top-notch influencer who helps Hilary take over her creator house and elevate her budding business endeavor. She first appears in episode nine of "Bel-Air" season one, but makes multiple appearances in season two.

03
Michael Ealy
NBC

Michael Ealy

The actor plays Reid Broderick, a gallery owner — known for discovering artists — who's helping Aunt Viv (Cassandra Freeman) get back into painting. Ealy's recurring character is introduced in episode five of season one and pops up a few times afterward. However, so far he's only mentioned by name in season two.

04
Daphne Maxwell Reid
NBC

Daphne Maxwell Reid

Daphne Maxwell Reid — famously known as one of the original Aunt Viv from "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" — stars in episode nine of season one as Helen, a member of the Art Council Board of Trustees recruiting Vivian for a prestigious fellowship.

05
Vernee Watson-Johnson
NBC

Vernee Watson-Johnson

Vernee Watson-Johnson — who played Vy, aka Will's mother, on "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" — also stars as another Art Council Board of Trustees member, Janice, in episode nine of season one.

06
Marlon Wayans
NBC

Marlon Wayans

Marlon Wayans appears in the season one finale as Will's dad, Lou. Will's mom and uncle had led him to believe that Lou had abandoned the family, but in this episode, Will finds out that's not the truth. Lou was incarcerated and didn't want Will to see him that way. It's unclear if he'll appear again in future episodes.

07
Duane Martin
NBC

Duane Martin

The "All of Us" alum starred in season one as recurring character Steven Lewis, a seasoned political strategist who served as Uncle Phil's campaign manager during his run for LA district attorney.

08
D Smoke
Getty | Jerritt Clark

D Smoke

The rapper makes a cameo as himself in episode five of season one when Will (Jabari Banks) and Tray (SteVonté Hart) attend his concert.

09
Buddy
Getty | Scott Dudelson

Buddy

The Compton rapper plays himself in episode four of season one when he drops in Jazz's record store looking for some "new sounds."