Which actor played Will's mother, Viola Smith?

Vernee Watson-Johnson played Will's mother, Viola “Vy” Smith, on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Vy is Will Smith's caring but firm mother, whose decision sends him from Philadelphia to live with the Banks family in Bel-Air.

Watson-Johnson appeared in the recurring role across the sitcom's 1990–1996 run. Her character is central to the premise: after Will gets into trouble in West Philadelphia, Vy arranges for him to stay with her wealthy sister Vivian and brother-in-law Philip Banks.

One common confusion concerns the opening sequence. The actress seen as Will's mother in the original title sequence was not Watson-Johnson; that brief visual role was performed by another actress. Watson-Johnson is the credited performer for Viola in the show's story and episodes.

Watson-Johnson had a substantial television career beyond Fresh Prince, including Vernajean Williams on Welcome Back, Kotter and Gloria Tyler on Bob Hearts Abishola. She is also known for recurring and guest roles in daytime and prime-time television.