I was promised a part in the 'Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' remake — instead I left LA jobless and in debt

Thu, 03/02/2023 - 05:05

Rufus Berns with DJ Jazzy Jeff — Rufus Burns (left) met DJ Jazzy Jeff at a Kansas City festival in 2019 after the viral "Bel-Air" short film dropped. Jeff played Jazz in "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" sitcom, and Burns played Jazz in the short.
Courtesy of Rufus Burns

Rufus Burns played the role of Jazz in the viral short film 'Bel-Air,' based on the sitcom, 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.'
When the television version of the short film was picked up by NBC, Burns believed he'd reprise the role.
Burns moved to LA on his own dime and contributed creatively to the show, but was never cast.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Rufus Burns, a producer who works in Kansas City. Insider has verified Burns' creative involvement in the "Bel-Air" reboot with email correspondence, text messages, and other supporting documentation. His words have been edited for length and clarity.