Will Smith is an actor, rapper, and producer who has been in the entertainment industry for over three decades. He was born Willard Christopher Smith Jr. on September 25, 1968, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Smith is the son of Caroline, a school board employee, and Willard C. Smith Sr., a refrigeration engineer.
Smith grew up in West Philadelphia and attended Overbrook High School. He was a good student and excelled in athletics, particularly track and field. He also had a talent for music and began rapping at a young age. After graduating from high school, Smith enrolled at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to study computer science, but he left after one semester to pursue a career in music.
Smith’s musical career took off in the late 1980s, when he formed a hip-hop duo with his best friend, Jeff Townes, known as DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. The duo released their first album, “Rock the House,” in 1987, and their second album, “He’s the DJ, I’m the Rapper,” in 1988. The album went on to become the first rap album to be certified platinum and won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance in 1989.
In 1990, Smith released his first solo album, “Big Willie Style,” which spawned several hit singles, including “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It” and “Miami.” Smith’s success as a rapper helped him transition into acting, and he made his acting debut in the TV show “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” in 1990. The show was a huge success and ran for six seasons, turning Smith into a household name.
After “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” ended, Smith continued to act in both TV shows and movies. He had his first lead role in the film “Bad Boys” in 1995, which was a box office hit and launched his film career. Some of Smith’s other notable film roles include “Independence Day” (1996), “Men in Black” (1997), “Ali” (2001), “The Pursuit of Happyness” (2006), and “Hancock” (2008).
In addition to his acting career, Smith has also produced several films and TV shows, including “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “All of Us,” and “The West Wing.” He has also served as an executive producer on several of his films, including “I Am Legend” (2007) and “The Karate Kid” (2010).
Smith has won numerous awards throughout his career, including four Grammy Awards and two Academy Award nominations. He has also been recognized by various organizations, including the NAACP and the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, for his contributions to the entertainment industry.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Smith is also known for his philanthropy and charitable work. He has supported numerous charities and foundations, including the Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation, which focuses on education, the arts, and health.
Smith has been married twice. His first marriage was to Sheree Zampino, with whom he has a son, Trey. Smith’s second marriage is to actress Jada Pinkett Smith, with whom he has two children, Jaden and Willow. Smith is also the father of his son, Willard Christopher Smith III, known as Trey, from his first marriage.
Smith has had a successful and diverse career in the entertainment industry, and in recent years, he has focused on producing and acting in blockbuster films. He has starred in several blockbuster franchises, including the “Men in Black” series, the “Bad Boys” series, and the “Suicide Squad” series. In addition to his acting career, Smith has also been involved in several business ventures, including the creation of a film production company and a line of sports apparel.
In 2018, Smith starred in the film “Aladdin” as the genie, a role that was originally voiced by the late Robin Williams in the animated version of the film. The live-action version of “Aladdin” was a box office hit and received positive reviews from critics.
In 2020, Smith starred in the film “Gemini Man,” which was directed by Ang Lee and also starred Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Clive Owen. The film was a financial disappointment, but Smith received praise for his performance.
In addition to his acting and producing career, Smith has also focused on his personal interests, including philanthropy and activism. He has supported several charitable causes, including education and disaster relief, and has been involved in various social and political issues.
Smith is a well-respected and influential figure in the entertainment industry, and his impact on popular culture has been significant. He has consistently demonstrated his versatility as an actor, rapper, and producer, and his contributions to the entertainment industry will continue to be remembered for years to come.