Smith, Will (1968-…), is a popular American actor known for his breezy, wisecracking style. Before he became a motion-picture star, Smith was a successful rap artist and television personality. In 2022, Smith won the Academy Award for best actor for his role in King Richard (2021) as the father and coach of tennis stars Serena and Venus Williams. Smith also has won many other awards for his work, including several Grammy Awards and a Golden Globe Award.
Willard Christopher Smith, Jr., was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Sept. 25, 1968. He began his show business career as a rap artist known as the Fresh Prince, performing with partner DJ Jazzy Jeff. From 1990 to 1996, Smith starred in the television comedy series “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.” In the series, Smith played a rap artist from Philadelphia who moved in with rich relatives in Bel Air, California. The program was built on the clash of cultures between the Philadelphia inner city and wealthy California society.
Smith made his first movie appearance in Where the Day Takes You (1992). He became one of the most popular stars in Hollywood after appearing in the science-fiction films Independence Day (1996) and Men in Black (1997). Smith’s other movies include Six Degrees of Separation (1993); Bad Boys (1995); Enemy of the State (1998); Wild Wild West (1999); The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000); Ali (2001); Men in Black II (2002); I, Robot (2004); Hitch (2005); The Pursuit of Happyness (2006); I Am Legend (2007); and Hancock and Seven Pounds (both 2008). His later films include Men in Black III (2012); After Earth (2013); Concussion and Focus (both 2015); Collateral Beauty and Suicide Squad (both 2016); and Aladdin and Gemini Man (both 2019).
While starring in films, Smith continued his music career with the release of several albums recorded under his own name. Smith married the American actress Jada Pinkett Smith in 1997. Their children, Jaden and Willow, also became actors. Will Smith wrote the memoir Will (2021) with American author Mark Manson.
