Willard Carroll Smith Jr., better known as Will Smith, was born on September 25, 1968, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is an American actor, producer, and musician. Smith’s mother, Caroline, was a school board administrator, and his father, Willard Carroll Smith Sr., was a refrigerator engineer.
Smith began his career as a rapper in the late 1980s under the stage name The Fresh Prince. He gained popularity as a hip-hop artist alongside his childhood friend, DJ Jazzy Jeff, with hits like “Parents Just Don’t Understand” and “Summertime.” The duo won the first-ever Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance in 1989.
In 1990, Smith transitioned to acting and starred in the sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” loosely based on his own life. The show was a huge success and became a platform to showcase Smith’s humor and charm. It aired for six seasons until 1996.
Following the show’s end, Smith focused on his acting career in films. He gained critical acclaim for his performance in the 1993 film “Six Degrees of Separation.” However, it was his role as a charismatic boxer in the biographical film “Ali” (2001) that earned him an Academy Award nomination.
Smith continued to star in box-office hits, such as “Men in Black” (1997) and its sequels, “Independence Day” (1996), “Hitch” (2005), and “I Am Legend” (2007). He became one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood and received various awards for his work. As of 2021, Smith has appeared in over 30 films grossing over $9 billion worldwide.
In addition to acting, Smith is also a producer and founded his own production company, Overbrook Entertainment, with James Lassiter. The company has produced films like “The Pursuit of Happyness” (2006), “The Karate Kid” (2010), and “Bad Boys For Life” (2020).
Apart from his successful career in the entertainment industry, Smith is known for his philanthropic efforts. He became involved in various charitable organizations, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Millennium Project. He has also been an outspoken advocate for promoting education and supporting causes related to children.
Throughout his life, Smith has been married twice. In 1992, he married Sheree Zampino, and they welcomed a son, Willard Smith III. They divorced in 1995. In 1997, Smith married actress Jada Pinkett, and they have two children together: Jaden and Willow.
Overall, Will Smith has established himself as one of the most versatile and successful entertainers in Hollywood, with a career spanning music, television, and film. He is known for his infectious charisma and dynamic performances, making him a popular and beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
