--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If there's one person I looked up to…" description: "\"If there's one person I looked up to obsessively, it was Will Smith. There wasn't anyone who looked like me on TV in England. 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/20e/zawe-ashton-6505_england_if-there-s-one-person-i-looked-up-to-obs_1272007.jpg" --- # If there's one person I looked up to obsessively, it was… ![“If there's one person I looked up to obsessively, it was Will Smith. There wasn't anyone who looked like me on TV in England. 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' was my touchstone.” quote by Zawe Ashton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/20e/zawe-ashton-6505_england_if-there-s-one-person-i-looked-up-to-obs_1272007.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/20e/zawe-ashton-6505_england_if-there-s-one-person-i-looked-up-to-obs_1272007.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/20e/zawe-ashton-6505_england_if-there-s-one-person-i-looked-up-to-obs_1272007.jpg) > “If there's one person I looked up to obsessively, it was Will Smith. There wasn't anyone who looked like me on TV in England. 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' was my touchstone.” [Zawe Ashton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zawe-ashton/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Admiration for a role model who broke cultural barriers and inspired personal ambition. **In simple terms:** Seeing someone similar succeed inspires you. Key Takeaway Seek role models who reflect your background. Themes representation inspiration media career identity Mood motivational reflective Type inspirational personal When to use this quote - career planning - media studies - personal development - overcoming representation gaps Key Concepts cultural impact personal ambition media influence Questions to Reflect On - Who can you emulate beyond the public figure? - How does representation shape your goals? A Different Perspective Role models may not fully represent all aspects of your experience. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [England](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/england/) ## Related quotes > [Tommy Smith wasn't born, he was quarried.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-shankly/tommy-smith-wasn-t-born-he-was-quarried/) [Bill Shankly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-shankly/) > [The design of the Mac wasn't what it looked like, although that was part of it. Primarily, it was how it worked. To design…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-jobs/the-design-of-the-mac-wasn-t-what-it-looked-like-although-that-was/) [Steve Jobs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-jobs/) > [The name of the show was 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,' not 'Philip and Viv of Bel-Air.' If you didn't want to walk away…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-avery/the-name-of-the-show-was-the-fresh-prince-of-bel-air-not-philip-and/) [James Avery](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-avery/) > ['Moesha' is very strong in my brain. The black women on 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' are very strong in my brain.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michaela-coel/moesha-is-very-strong-in-my-brain-the-black-women-on-the-fresh-prince/) [Michaela Coel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michaela-coel/) > [I think with the 'Fresh Prince,' there were all of these really interesting personalities and characters, and yet there's so much love in that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kiki-layne/i-think-with-the-fresh-prince-there-were-all-of-these-really/) [KiKi Layne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kiki-layne/) > [I always liked crop tops after I saw it on 'Fresh Prince.'](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/iman-shumpert/i-always-liked-crop-tops-after-i-saw-it-on-fresh-prince/) [Iman Shumpert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/iman-shumpert/) > [Every time I try to move forward, somebody brings up 'Fresh Prince.' Every time I walk into a room or make a phone call,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/janet-hubert/every-time-i-try-to-move-forward-somebody-brings-up-fresh-prince/) [Janet Hubert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/janet-hubert/) > [I was a real avid 'Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' fan. I think I may know every episode.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rick-ross/i-was-a-real-avid-fresh-prince-of-bel-air-fan-i-think-i-may-know/) [Rick Ross](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rick-ross/) > [I'm in a 'I can do whatever' phase. I'm taking this '106 & Park' opportunity into full force. I'm really focused on doing my…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bow-wow/i-m-in-a-i-can-do-whatever-phase-i-m-taking-this-106-park-opportunity/) [Bow Wow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bow-wow/) > [I don't think I've ever been chatted up, and I don't think I've ever chatted anyone up. The Fresh Prince has the best chat-up…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laura-mvula/i-don-t-think-i-ve-ever-been-chatted-up-and-i-don-t-think-i-ve-ever/) [Laura Mvula](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laura-mvula/) > [My style has been compared to someone probably like the Fresh Prince.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kyle/my-style-has-been-compared-to-someone-probably-like-the-fresh-prince/) [Kyle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kyle/) > [My crew used to listen to 'Taking It to the Top' by Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dj-premier/my-crew-used-to-listen-to-taking-it-to-the-top-by-jazzy-jeff-and-the/) [DJ Premier](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dj-premier/) > [I was trying so hard. I would memorize the entire script, then I'd be lipping everybody's lines while they were talking. When I watch…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/will-smith/i-was-trying-so-hard-i-would-memorize-the-entire-script-then-i-d-be/) [Will Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/will-smith/) > [Growing up, there was this explosion of B television. 'Fresh Prince of Bel Air,' you have 'Family Matters,' 'A Different World.' I had examples…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/adrienne-c-moore/growing-up-there-was-this-explosion-of-b-television-fresh-prince-of/) [Adrienne C. Moore](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/adrienne-c-moore/) > [I grew up watching shows like 'Martin' and 'Fresh Prince' and 'Moesha,' and I was inspired by all these shows. When I was growing…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jermaine-fowler/i-grew-up-watching-shows-like-martin-and-fresh-prince-and-moesha-and/) [Jermaine Fowler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jermaine-fowler/) ## More by Zawe Ashton > [What sometimes annoys me about the arts is increasingly that we have to put real people on screen or stage.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zawe-ashton/what-sometimes-annoys-me-about-the-arts-is-increasingly-that-we-have/) [Zawe Ashton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zawe-ashton/) > [No-one tells you about being in episodic television and it ending. No-one tells you how painful it is. How bizarre it is when you've…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zawe-ashton/no-one-tells-you-about-being-in-episodic-television-and-it-ending-no/) [Zawe Ashton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zawe-ashton/) > [One of the first plays I ever did was at the Royal Court Theatre in London; it was the first play I got after…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zawe-ashton/one-of-the-first-plays-i-ever-did-was-at-the-royal-court-theatre-in/) [Zawe Ashton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zawe-ashton/) > [Relief is not a word that ever enters my mind, about anything.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zawe-ashton/relief-is-not-a-word-that-ever-enters-my-mind-about-anything/) [Zawe Ashton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zawe-ashton/) > [I'm not really sure what defines 'success in the real world' to be honest! It's so objective once you graduate, some people work, some…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zawe-ashton/i-m-not-really-sure-what-defines-success-in-the-real-world-to-be/) [Zawe Ashton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zawe-ashton/) > [Some people shun the idea of role models but I think it's one of the most important things people have in life - role…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zawe-ashton/some-people-shun-the-idea-of-role-models-but-i-think-it-s-one-of-the/) [Zawe Ashton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zawe-ashton/) > [I love the visual medium of film and TV. I love the science of it, working with the sound and the lighting and every…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zawe-ashton/i-love-the-visual-medium-of-film-and-tv-i-love-the-science-of-it/) [Zawe Ashton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zawe-ashton/) > [I've had doors slammed in my face, I've been shouted at in my face in meetings when I've stood up for myself.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zawe-ashton/i-ve-had-doors-slammed-in-my-face-i-ve-been-shouted-at-in-my-face-in/) [Zawe Ashton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zawe-ashton/) > [I prefer to avoid the phrase 'strong women' when talking about female characters and the lack thereof or the need therefore, because it's not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zawe-ashton/i-prefer-to-avoid-the-phrase-strong-women-when-talking-about-female/) [Zawe Ashton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zawe-ashton/) > [I don't want to be 'de-ethnicised.' I hate it when people say, 'Oh I don't even think of you as a woman,' or, 'I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zawe-ashton/i-don-t-want-to-be-de-ethnicised-i-hate-it-when-people-say-oh-i-don-t/) [Zawe Ashton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zawe-ashton/) > [If I was someone who wanted to do just love-interest roles then I'd be in a difficult position. But thankfully I'm someone who likes…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zawe-ashton/if-i-was-someone-who-wanted-to-do-just-love-interest-roles-then-i-d/) [Zawe Ashton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zawe-ashton/) > [I've never lived in north or west London, so I'd like to come out of my comfort zone for a bit. But Stoke Newington…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zawe-ashton/i-ve-never-lived-in-north-or-west-london-so-i-d-like-to-come-out-of/) [Zawe Ashton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zawe-ashton/) > [I know I'm different and I don't fit in to any kind of generic mould.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zawe-ashton/i-know-i-m-different-and-i-don-t-fit-in-to-any-kind-of-generic-mould/) [Zawe Ashton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zawe-ashton/) > [The widespread shame of motherhood is criminal, and it needs to stop. The world can never improve if you disrespect the people that bring…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zawe-ashton/the-widespread-shame-of-motherhood-is-criminal-and-it-needs-to-stop/) [Zawe Ashton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zawe-ashton/) > [I'm someone who likes to explore the complexities in people.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zawe-ashton/i-m-someone-who-likes-to-explore-the-complexities-in-people/) [Zawe Ashton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zawe-ashton/) [Explore all 99 Zawe Ashton quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zawe-ashton/) ## More England quotes > [Forcing modern speakers of English to not - whoops, not to split an infinitive because it isn't done in Latin makes about as much…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steven-pinker/forcing-modern-speakers-of-english-to-not-whoops-not-to-split-an/) [Steven Pinker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steven-pinker/) > [I did not know that the planning for biological and chemical warfare was so widespread in England, and even in France before France fell.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nicholson-baker/i-did-not-know-that-the-planning-for-biological-and-chemical-warfare/) [Nicholson Baker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nicholson-baker/) > [I didn't want to do 'Fashion Police' because I thought, 'This is stupid, this is beneath me, who wants to talk about fashion?' It…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joan-rivers/i-didn-t-want-to-do-fashion-police-because-i-thought-this-is-stupid/) [Joan Rivers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joan-rivers/) > [ Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then \[these?\],… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abraham-lincoln/next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in-england-in-1624-and-in-this/) [Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abraham-lincoln/) > [Why did Erich von Stronheim leave Germany? Why did Hitchcock leave England? If you were a director you'd like to work in Hollywood too.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roman-polanski/why-did-erich-von-stronheim-leave-germany-why-did-hitchcock-leave/) [Roman Polanski](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roman-polanski/) > [I'm from Europe, England, and I actually lived in Italy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/adewale-akinnuoye-agbaje/i-m-from-europe-england-and-i-actually-lived-in-italy/) [Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/adewale-akinnuoye-agbaje/) > [If I had been an Italian I am sure that I should have been whole-heartedly with you from the start to finish in your…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/winston-churchill/if-i-had-been-an-italian-i-am-sure-that-i-should-have-been-whole/) [Winston Churchill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/winston-churchill/) > [“This spending of the best part of one's life earning money in order to enjoy a questionable liberty during the least valuable part of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-david-thoreau/this-spending-of-the-best-part-of-one-s-life-earning-money-in-order/) [Henry David Thoreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-david-thoreau/) > ['Downton Abbey' is my worst nightmare. I just hate that whole 'Upstairs Downstairs' thing, I think it's really lazy and it doesn't represent England,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-payne/downton-abbey-is-my-worst-nightmare-i-just-hate-that-whole-upstairs/) [Tom Payne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-payne/) > [Although I don't have anything against people from other countries, the higher the influx into England the more the British identity disappears.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/although-i-don-t-have-anything-against-people-from-other-countries/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [These fledgling democracies in the Middle East, they're actually fighting for their freedom. And what are they rioting for in England? Leisurewear.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/noel-gallagher/these-fledgling-democracies-in-the-middle-east-they-re-actually/) [Noel Gallagher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/noel-gallagher/) > [In the olden days in England, you could be hung for stealing a sheep or a loaf of bread. However, if a sheep stole…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mike-harding/in-the-olden-days-in-england-you-could-be-hung-for-stealing-a-sheep/) [Mike Harding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mike-harding/) > [“Of France and England, did this king succeed; Whose state so many had the managing. That they lost France and made his England bleed.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-shakespeare/of-france-and-england-did-this-king-succeed-whose-state-so-many-had/) [William Shakespeare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-shakespeare/) > [In my view, fitness training isn't that important in England, as they all train with such intensity anyway and have a competitive edge when…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/claudio-ranieri/in-my-view-fitness-training-isn-t-that-important-in-england-as-they/) [Claudio Ranieri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/claudio-ranieri/) > [England expects every man to do his duty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/horatio-nelson/england-expects-every-man-to-do-his-duty/) [Horatio Nelson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/horatio-nelson/) [Browse all 4,190 England quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/england/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "If there's one person I looked up to obsessively, it was Will Smith. 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