<Li> Nickname by Will: "Grandpa" </Li> <P> Joseph "Joe" Banks, played by Gilbert Lewis, was Philip's father, having appeared in only one episode, "Not With My Pig, You Don't". His death sometime later (offscreen) left Phillip and Hattie feeling lost . </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 wasn't ready for fatherhood, that he "started feeling trapped" and that he was scared . </P> <P> Lou drops in unannounced at the Peacock café where Will and Carlton work . Will invites Lou to the Banks' residence but when he arrives, the family gives him the cold shoulder, especially Philip, who goes as far as to even skip dinner, shocking Geoffery (with the exception of Carlton and Hilary, who are excited to see their long lost Uncle and Ashley who's meeting him for the first time since her infancy). Will and his father go to a carnival where Lou explains to him his motives for leaving and asks for Will's forgiveness, telling Will he's a changed man and is ready to make up for his "selfish and cowardly" mistake to him . Will agrees, and calls him "Dad" for the first time after playing basketball . When they return to the house, Lou announces that Will is joining him for the summer on a nationwide trip in Lou's truck . Philip objects to this . Lou tries to convince Philip, but Philip subtly disses Lou by telling him to stay out of their "family discussion ." After Lou leaves the mansion to go to the pool house, Will and Philip get into a heated argument; Will calls out Philip for dissing Lou, causing Philip to finally blow up; he can knows that Lou has not had a change of heart, noticing his behavior shows no sign of guilt or acknowledgment of his past actions . Will believes not everybody is perfect and asks why he won't give him a chance; Philip responds that he's not seeing Will for his sake, but for his own selfish intentions . Vivian tries to ease the conflict, but Will officially announces he's going on the trip anyway . Philip once again objects, but Will hollers he doesn't care, as he isn't his biological father . Shocked and hurt by Will's words, Philip begins wondering if he's a good father . The next day, Philip is still contemplating, believing that with Lou back in Will's life, Will no longer appreciates what Philip has done for him over the years . Expressing his concerns to Vivian, he eventually goes on to accuse Will of being selfish for wanting to be with Lou again, despite playing a larger role in his life . Vivian turns it around on Philip as he was the selfish one by not letting Will reconnect with Lou . As Will packs up, the two of them make amends; Will appreciates everything Philip had done for him over the years, but he still needs this trip . Although Philip meant what he said, he admits to stepping out of line, and wishes him the best . As Philip leaves, Will reminds him that he's only going to be gone for the summer . </P>

Who plays will's father on fresh prince