Daphne Maxwell Reid

Daphne Maxwell Reid (born 1948) is an American actress, model, and businesswoman who is best known for her portrayal of Vivian Banks, the matriarch of the Banks family, on the NBC sitcom 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.' Taking over the role in season 4 (after the original actress Janet Hubert departed), Maxwell Reid brought her own interpretation to the character, emphasizing warmth and humor while maintaining the dignity and sass that made the character beloved. Born in New York, she built a diverse career in modeling and acting before landing her iconic television role. Beyond 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,' she has appeared in numerous television shows and films and has worked as a producer. Maxwell Reid has also been active in business and philanthropy, including involvement in various charitable organizations and entrepreneurial ventures. Her tenure on 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' demonstrated her ability to step into an established role and make it her own, earning respect from both the show's cast and its devoted audience. She remains a recognizable figure from the 1990s television landscape.