Will Smith

ABOUT

Will Smith, born Willard Carroll Smith Jr. on September 25, 1968, is a multifaceted American actor, producer, and rapper known for his charismatic screen presence and versatile talents. Rising to fame as a rapper under the moniker "The Fresh Prince," he later transitioned to acting, becoming a beloved figure in both television and film. Over the decades, Smith has garnered critical and commercial acclaim, solidifying his position as one of Hollywood's most bankable stars.

BEFORE FAME

Smith grew up in West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in a middle-class household. His father, Willard Carroll Smith Sr., owned a refrigeration company, and his mother, Caroline Bright, was a school board employee. Will's early knack for rhyming and performing led him to collaborate with Jeffrey Townes (DJ Jazzy Jeff) during his high school years. Together, they formed the successful duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, capturing the hearts of many with hits like "Parents Just Don't Understand" and "Summertime." Their lighthearted and relatable songs earned them the first Grammy Award ever presented in the Rap category in 1989.

TRIVIA

• Will Smith is one of the few actors to have starred in consecutive films that grossed over $100 million at the domestic box office.
• Smith has been nominated for five Golden Globe Awards and has won four Grammy Awards.
• He turned down the role of Neo in "The Matrix" to star in "Wild Wild West," a decision he later humorously regrets.
• In 2005, he was entered into the Guinness Book of World Records for attending three premieres in a 24-hour time frame.
• Will began his acting career starring as a fictionalized version of himself in the television sitcom "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," which ran for six successful seasons from 1990 to 1996.

FAMILY LIFE

Will Smith married actress Jada Pinkett Smith in 1997, and together, they have two children: Jaden Christopher Syre Smith and Willow Camille Reign Smith. Jaden, born in 1998, has followed in his father's footsteps, venturing into both acting and music, while Willow, born in 2000, is an accomplished singer and actress. Will also has a son named Trey Smith from his previous marriage to Sheree Zampino, whom he married in 1992 and divorced in 1995. The Smith family is known for their strong bond and creative talents, often supporting each other’s endeavors.

ASSOCIATED WITH

Throughout his illustrious career, Will Smith has collaborated with numerous notable figures in the entertainment industry. These collaborations include working with directors like Michael Bay in the "Bad Boys" series and Roland Emmerich in "Independence Day." Smith co-starred with Tommy Lee Jones in the "Men in Black" franchise, which became a cultural phenomenon. Additionally, his work with DJ Jazzy Jeff remains iconic in the music industry. More recently, Smith produced and starred in the critically acclaimed film "King Richard," about the father of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams. This role garnered him substantial praise and multiple award nominations.

As an influential figure in the realms of music, television, and film, Will Smith continues to captivate audiences around the world, inspiring many with his dynamic career and charismatic personality.