Fred Wilkes

Fred Wilkes is a recurring character on Peacock's modern-day reinterpretation, Bel-Air. He is portrayed by Joe Holt.

Fred is the Police Chief and Lisa's father, and their family has run in the same circles with the Banks for years.

Biography[]

An affair with Angela[]

Fred began seeing Angela after meeting her while attending an LAPD golf tournament in 2018 despite being married to his now deceased wife, Gayle, who later died in 2019. However, Fred and Angela would be engaged within the year.^[1]

Philip's fundraisers[]

Fred attends Phillip's fundraiser during his run for LA District Attorney, where he meets Phillip's nephew Will, who mysteriously arrives in Bel-Air.^[2]

Fred attends Phillip's fundraiser at the skating rink, where he runs into Will in the restroom, who was unaware that Fred is Chief of Police. Will seems bothered, but Fred assures Will that he's not in any kind of trouble. Later that evening, Fred seems displeased during Phillip's Q&A, where he reveals his plans to defund the LAPD.^[3]

Warning Philip[]

Fred and Congressman Turley advise Phil to right his campaign, as they took personal offense to the comments he made about law enforcement and defunding the police. However, Philip refuses to allow the police force to continue to think they're above the law. They warn him that there will be consequences for this new direction he's taking, but Phillip won't be intimidated.^[4]

Gayle's fundraisers[]

Fred and his pregnant wife Angela arrive at the Banks mansion for Gayle's annual Lupus fundraiser. However, the night doesn't end as pleasantly as they hoped after Vivian threatens to kick Angela out when she insists on going on stage to give a speech. Fred agrees to leave, but not before Philip can confront him about going behind his back and running for DA. He is also the reason for Phil losing his endorsement. Fred claims that Phil stabbed him in the back first after changing his campaign stance. Phil's money, connection, and muscle won't save him in the race for DA.^[1]

Running for DA[]

Fred gives Lisa a ride to practice and questions his daughter about her relationship with Will and just how close they are to each other. Admittedly, they've he's a good friend, and it's for that reason Lisa refuses to be her father's spy. Fred insists that's not what he wants, though he would prefer for Lisa to create some distance from Will and the Banks family, at least until the election is over.^[5]

Fred meets with Phil and accuses him of bending the law, regarding Carlton's party, which Lisa was also a guest at, Phil remarks. This election has gotten complicated since Fred jumped in, forcing a split in the democratic votes, pushing their opponent to the win. Phil proposes a solution to avoid that. Their debate should decide which one of them continues to stand in the election. Whoever's leading afterwards, becomes the sole democratic candidate, and the loser bows out, throwing his full support behind the winner.^[6]

SE1-E09-Screenshot-Cant-Knock-the-Hustle-06-Philip-Fred — Fred wins the debate

Fred fights with Lisa over her relationship with Will. He informs her that Will is trouble and demands that she stop seeing him. As proof of his claims, he shows her Will's mugshot and reveals that it was sent to him by Judge Robertson. Will was arrested for a fight in Philly, where there was a gun involved. Phil reached out to Judge Robertson for a favor, to make it all go away. Lisa suspects that it's a lie, but Fred encourages her to ask Will herself, which she does, and he confirms it to be true. That night, at the debate, Phil suddenly withdraws and announces his support for Fred as DA.^[7]

New baby[]

Fred rushes Angela to the hospital after she goes into labor. Lisa arrives with Will, who gave her a lift after the car broke down. Fred isn't concerned with the car at the moment, reminding Lisa that today is supposed to be a happy occasion, but she doesn't feel the same and says that her father has other priorities. He then leaves as it almost comes time for Angela to push. When he returns, Fred offers Lisa the opportunity to meet her little brother. After Lisa agrees, Fred thanks Will for being such a good friend to Lisa.^[8]