Tatyana Ali Says Acting Opposite of “Bel-Air”‘s Akira Akbar Was Like “Looking at My Younger Self”

Peacock’s “Bel-Air” has been a nostalgic trip down memory lane for many, especially Tatyana Ali. The 44-year-old industry vet — best known for playing Ashley Banks in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” — joined season two of the dramatized reimagining, which kicked off on Feb. 23, not as her classic ’90s character — which has since been adopted and updated by 16-year-old Akira Akbar — but in a new role: Ashley’s beloved English teacher, Mrs. Hughes.