Janice

**Janice** is a recurring character on Peacock's modern-day reinterpretation, *Bel-Air*. She is portrayed by Daphne Maxwell Reid.

Janice is on the Art Council Board of Trustees and the former executive director.

## Biography

Janice and Helen meet with Viv to discuss the Neeman Fellowship. They question what made her stop painting all those years ago. Admittedly, she was tired of all the battles of being a black female artist. She always had to explain who she was and what her painting meant to men who didn't understand, and then she had to fight every inch of the way to be recognized for her talent. Eventually, she gave up. But her nephew Will lit the fire in her recently. He is so free and unapologetically himself, with a fire to take life head on, which led her to realize that she used to be like that and could be like that again. And now, she knows that her work can resonate out in the world without her needing to define it on anyone else's terms. The ladies are pleased to hear this, considering they decided before she even came in that they wanted to offer her the fellowship. Her answer reinforces their decision, but they can't make it official until Viv takes the time to consider the demands of the fellowship, such as travel, speaking engagements, and press.

Janice is very hands-on, every step of the way, as they near the day of Viv's art show. Janice has a few changes to suggests due to what she perceives as overall disorganization. However, Viv ultimately ignores her changes and arranges the gallery to her liking. The day of Viv's gallery has finally arrived. Janice approaches and remarks that Viv's choices are interesting and has some questions about the artists selected. Geoffrey interrupts and compliments Janice, taking her attention away from Vivian to show her his favorite piece in the gallery.

Janice confronts Viv after hearing that the Neeman boards want her to replace Janice as executive director, which Viv admits is true. Janice claims to have done so much for Viv, who has a different perspective of their relationship. Ever since she's accepted the fellowship, Janice has done nothing but squeeze the life out of her. Although, Viv didn't ask for the job, Janice has no intent on giving it up without a fight and threatens to go to the media and say that the board is putting two black women against each other. However, Viv proposes a better approach. She'd rather write a story about Janice being an innovative leader who opened up doors and transformed the art world for black folks, and now, she's decided to retire. Viv tells Janice that it's time to move on, because if Viv doesn't replace her, someone else will, and there's no guarantee that this person will even look like them. If Janice seeks to see her legacy continued, then Viv is her best chance.

## Appearances

### Season 2

* Excellence Is Everywhere
* Don't Look Back

## Trivia

* Janice is a reference to Janice Smith, one of Aunt Viv's three sisters in the original series.
* Daphne Maxwell Reid, who portrays Janice, also portrayed Vivian Banks in the original series.
* Although Reid's character is referred to as "Janice" throughout the second season, all official listing has her credited as "Helen."

## References

1. ↑ Season 1, Episode 9: ***Can't Knock the Hustle***
2. ↑ Season 2, Episode 5: ***Excellence Is Everywhere***
3. ↑ Season 2, Episode 8: ***Don't Look Back***