90s child star looks unrecognisable 32 years after iconic sitcom

Ross Bagley played Nicky Banks in the hit sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air from 1994 to 1996. The former actor now works as a realtor in LA

Ross Bagley as Nicky Banks, James Avery as Philip Banks in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air© NBCUniversal via Getty Images
Nicky Morris
Nicky MorrisActing TV and Film Editor
56 minutes ago
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The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was a defining sitcom of the 90s. Tackling social issues and exploring themes that are still relevant today, the beloved comedy remains a cultural touchstone. The NBC series, which ran for six seasons between 1990 and 1996, starred Will Smith as a street-smart teenager from West Philadelphia who is sent to live with his wealthy relatives in a luxury Bel-Air mansion. 

Tatyana Ali as Ashley Banks; Will Smith as William 'Will' Smith; Alfonso Ribeiro as Carlton Banks; Karyn Parsons as Hilary Banks; James Avery as Philip Banks; Daphne Reid as Vivian Banks; Joseph Marcell as Geoffrey on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air© Getty
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air ran for six seasons between 1990 and 1996

While the show catapulted Will to global stardom, fans will also remember its strong ensemble cast, including Will's adorable little cousin, Nicky Banks. But have you ever wondered what happened to the actor who played him? 

Now 37, Ross Bagley is a far cry from the little boy viewers came to know and love, having left the bright lights of Hollywood in pursuit of a more normal life. 

Ross Bagley as Nicky Banks, Will Smith as William 'Will' Smith.© NBCUniversal via Getty Images
Ross Bagley as Nicky Banks and Will Smith as William 'Will' Smith

Keep reading to find out all we know about Ross Bagley's life after fame. 

 Ross Bagley's acting career

Ross was just five years old when he appeared as Nicky Banks in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. His on-screen debut came two years prior in the 1994 movie The Little Rascals. From there, he landed roles in a string of TV shows and films, including Independence Day, Eye for an Eye and Profiler. 

Ross Bagley attends the opening party for "Circus Vargus" on July 21, 1994 at Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.© Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
Ross was just five years old when he was cast in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

According to IMDb, he only appeared on-screen three times after the 1990s: in a 2004 episode of Judging Amy and the 2015 thrillers Gnome Alone and Dead Ringer.

Ross Bagley's life after Hollywood

Ross decided to trade the limelight for a more normal life and is now a realtor in Los Angeles. The former actor, who also works as a DJ, shares real estate tips on his Facebook page.

Ross Bagley with short hair, wearing a denim jacket and black turtleneck, smiling at the camera.© WireImage
Ross Bagley now works as a realtor in LA

Explaining his decision to step away from acting, Ross said during a 2020 appearance on the Hip Hop Uncensored podcast: "I wanted to live a more normal type of life. At the height of The Fresh Prince, I would be getting chased out of malls — the whole nine. 

"I live a relatively under-the-radar life and generally, that's kind of how I am; I'm more laid back and reserved," he added. 

While little is known about his personal life, Ross often shares photos of his little boy, Reece, on his Instagram page. 

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