The future Oscar winner was force-fed some old-school comedy, much to his chagrin.
Miller explained that Smith’s movements meant “I know the joke is coming next.”
Bilko series,You’ll Never Get Richwith Phil Silvers."
Will Smith during his ‘Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ days.Credit:NBC/courtesy Everett
“I said, watch this guy.
Watch this guy drive an episode.
“I said, that’s the kind of energy we need in 22 minutes.
Phil Silvers in his Sgt. Bilko uniform. An early inspo for Will Smith?.Courtesy Everett
Because slow time in a 22-minute show is deadly.”
Courtesy Everett
Incidentally, Silvers' famous shyster character Sgt.
Bilko was later revived as afeature film starring Steve Martinin 1996.
It was not particularly beloved by critics, and did not fare so well at the box office.
Maybe by then Will Smith could have offered some tips.
Phil Silvers in his Sgt. Bilko uniform. An early inspo for Will Smith?.Courtesy Everett
