<P> Lou Smith ( played by Ben Vereen ) was a one - time character , appearing only in the episode `` Papa 's Got a Brand New Excuse . '' He is Will 's father , and a trucker . Lou abandoned his family ( Will and Viola `` Vy '' Smith ) when Will was 3 years - old , and explains his motives for leaving by saying he was n't ready for fatherhood , that he `` started feeling trapped '' and that he was scared . </P>
<P> Lou Smith ( played by Ben Vereen ) was a one - time character , appearing only in the episode `` Papa 's Got a Brand New Excuse . '' He is Will 's father , and a trucker . Lou abandoned his family ( Will and Viola `` Vy '' Smith ) when Will was 3 years - old , and explains his motives for leaving by saying he was n't ready for fatherhood , that he `` started feeling trapped '' and that he was scared . </P>
who plays will 's father on fresh prince
who plays will 's father on fresh prince
Ben Vereen
Ben Vereen