Lou Smith is the biological father of Will Smith and ex-husband of Vy Smith. Though he is alluded to frequently within the series, he makes only one appearance in the show, in the episode "Papa's Got a Brand New Excuse". Lou abandoned his family (Will and Viola "Vy" Smith) when Will was three-years old, and explains his motives for leaving by saying such excuses as "he wasn't ready to be a father," that "he was scared to accept the responsibility" and that he "felt trapped." Sometime during the 14-year period that he was absent from Will's life, he became a trucker. Lou drops in unannounced at the Peacock café where Will and Carlton work. After an awkward conversation between the two of them, Will invites Lou to the Banks' residence, but when he arrives, the family, especially Philip, give