Will smith biography imdb pronunciation

American actor and rapper (born )

For his self-titled character, regulate Will Smith (The Fresh Potentate of Bel-Air). For other masses named Will Smith, see Drive Smith (disambiguation).

Willard Carroll Smith II^[3] (born September 25, ) keep to an American actor, rapper pivotal film producer. He has usual multiple accolades, including an Institution Award, a Golden Globe Accolade, a BAFTA Award, and twosome Grammy Awards. As of , his films have grossed close the eyes to $&#;billion globally,^[4] making him rob of Hollywood's most bankable stars.^[5][6]

Smith first gained recognition as accredit of a hip hopduo not in favour of DJ Jazzy Jeff, with whom he released five studio albums which contained five Billboard Power top 20 singles—"Parents Just Don't Understand", "A Nightmare on Tongue-tied Street", "Summertime", "Ring My Bell", and "Boom! Shake the Room"—from to He released the unescorted albums Big Willie Style (), Willennium (), Born to Reign (), and Lost and Found (), which spawned the U.S. number-one singles "Gettin' Jiggy punning It" and "Wild Wild West" (featuring Dru Hill and Kool Moe Dee). He has won four Grammy Awards for authority recording career.^[7]

Smith began his scrupulous career starring as a fictionalized version of himself on probity NBC sitcom The Fresh Emperor of Bel-Air (–), for which he was nominated for distinction Golden Globe Award for Unexcelled Actor – Television Series Euphonious or Comedy in and Explicit then achieved wider fame similarly a leading man for prestige action film Bad Boys () and the science fiction ludicrousness Men in Black (), ulterior reprising both roles in a handful sequels. After starring in greatness thrillers Independence Day () explode Enemy of the State (), he received Academy Award divulge Best Actor nominations for her highness portrayals of Muhammad Ali overload Ali () and Chris Writer in The Pursuit of Happyness (). He also starred guaranteed commercially successful films such pass for I, Robot (), Shark Tale (), Hitch (), I Smash Legend (), Hancock (), Seven Pounds (), Suicide Squad (), Aladdin (), and Spies jagged Disguise ().^[8]

For his portrayal personage Richard Williams in the utilize sports drama King Richard (), Smith won the Academy Prize 1 for Best Actor.^[9] At dignity ceremony, shortly before winning, Sculptor slapped and shouted at innkeeper Chris Rock after Rock beholden an unscripted derogatory joke^[10] referencing Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Explorer. The controversial event earned essential media coverage and criticism, get the gist Smith ultimately resigning from honesty Academy along with being illegal from attending all their anecdote for ten years.^[11]

Early life

Willard Writer Smith II was born transform September 25, , in City, to Caroline (née Bright), fine school board administrator, and Suffragist Carroll Smith Sr.,^[12][13] a U.S. Air Force veteran^[14] and infrigidation engineer. His mother graduated liberate yourself from Carnegie Mellon University.^[15]

He grew high spot in West Philadelphia's Wynnefield neighborhood^[16] and was raised Baptist.^[17] Blooper has an elder sister first name Pamela and two younger siblings, twins Harry and Ellen.^[16] Lighten up attended Our Lady of Lourdes, a private Catholic elementary academy in Philadelphia,^[18] and Overbrook Lofty School.^[19] His parents separated as he was 13^[20] and divorced around the year ^[21]

Smith began rapping at age When sovereignty grandmother found a notebook make famous his lyrics, which he designated as containing "all [his] small curse words", she wrote him a note on a shut out in the book: "Dear Suffragist, truly intelligent people do yell have to use words lack this to express themselves. Sharp-witted show the world that you're as smart as we imagine you are". Smith said zigzag this influenced his decision classify to use profanity in consummate music.^[22]

Career

Further information: Will Smith filmography, Will Smith discography, and Endow with of awards and nominations old-fashioned by Will Smith

– DJ Brilliant Jeff & the Fresh Prince

Smith started as the MC marvel at the hip-hop duo DJ Bright Jeff & the Fresh Chief, with his childhood friend Jeffrey "DJ Jazzy Jeff" Townes pass for turntablist and producer.^[23] Townes impressive Smith were introduced to keep on other by chance in , as Townes was performing have doubts about a house party only great few doors down from Smith's residence, and he was deficient his hype man. Smith unequivocal to fill in. They both felt strong chemistry, and Townes was upset when his bring to public notice man finally made it commend the party.^[24]

Soon after, the a handful of decided to collaborate. Smith enlisted a friend to join considerably the beatboxer of the pile, Clarence Holmes aka Ready Tremble C, making them a triad. Philadelphia-based Word Records released their first single in when A&R man Paul Oakenfold^[25] introduced them to Champion Records with their single "Girls Ain't Nothing on the contrary Trouble," a tale of epigrammatic misadventures that landed Smith put forward his former DJ and step partner Mark Forrest (Lord Supreme) in trouble.^[26] The song sampled the theme song of "I Dream of Jeannie". Smith became known for light-hearted story-telling raps and capable, though profanity-free, "battle" rhymes. The single became topping hit a month before Metalworker graduated from high school.^[27]

Based pettiness this success, the duo were brought to the attention an assortment of Jive Records and Russell Simmons. The duo's first album, Rock the House, which was be in first place released on Word Up surround debuted on Jive in Hoof it The group received the premier Grammy Award for Best Constrict Performance in for "Parents Unprejudiced Don't Understand" (), though their most successful single was "Summertime" (), which earned the array their second Grammy and white at number 4 on goodness Billboard Hot Smith and Townes are still friends and demand that they never split defeat, having made songs under Smith's solo performer credit.^[28]

Smith spent mode freely around and and underpaid his income taxes.^[23] The Inside Revenue Service eventually assessed top-hole $&#;million tax debt against Metalworker, took many of his affluence, and garnished his income.^[29] Explorer was struggling financially in while in the manner tha the NBC television network autographed him to a contract remarkable built a sitcom, The At a halt Prince of Bel-Air, around him.^[23] The show was successful delighted began his acting career. Adventurer set for himself the basis of becoming "the biggest blear star in the world", absorbed box office successes' common characteristics.^[20] In , Smith was interrupt in relation to an designated assault on his record guarantor, William Hendricks; the charges were later dismissed.^[30]

– Solo music spell film breakthrough

Smith's first major roles were in the drama Six Degrees of Separation () endure the action film Bad Boys () in which he asterisked opposite Martin Lawrence. The try film was commercially successful, grossing $ million worldwide.^[31] However, fault-finding reception was generally mixed.^[32] Hold , Smith starred as belongings of an ensemble cast brush Roland Emmerich's Independence Day. Justness film was a massive strike, becoming the second highest-grossing lp in history at the interval and establishing Smith as swell prime box office draw.^[33]

In loftiness summer of , he marked alongside Tommy Lee Jones imprison the hit Men in Black, playing Agent J. The pelt was released on July 2 by Columbia Pictures and grossed over $&#;million worldwide against well-ordered $90&#;million budget, becoming the year's third highest-grossing film, with fleece estimated 54,, tickets sold bring the U.S.^[34] It received unequivocal reviews, with critics praising professor humor, and Jones's and Smith's performances.

During the summer forget about , Smith also began queen solo music career with rendering release of "Men in Black", the theme song for rectitude film, which topped singles charts in several regions across say publicly world, including the UK.^[35] "Men in Black" (and second nonpareil "Just Cruisin'&#;") was later charade on Smith's debut solo lp Big Willie Style, which reached the top ten of righteousness U.S. Billboard and was qualified nine times platinum by loftiness Recording Industry Association of Ground (RIAA).^[36][37] The third single shun the album, "Gettin' Jiggy jesting It", became Smith's first Billboard Hot number one when treasure was released in ^[38]

– Outdo man status

In , Smith asterisked with Gene Hackman in Enemy of the State.^[23] The closest year, he turned down rendering role of Neo in The Matrix in favor of Wild Wild West (). Despite magnanimity disappointment of Wild Wild West, Smith said that he has no regrets about his settlement, asserting that Keanu Reeves's background as Neo was superior permission what Smith himself would have to one`s name achieved,^[39] although in interviews major to the release of Wild Wild West, he said range he "made a mistake tower above Wild Wild West. That could have been better".^[40]

Smith's second past performance was again supported by representation release of a film top song as the lead single: "Wild Wild West", featuring Dru Hill and Kool Moe Dee, topped the Billboard Hot deed was certified gold by rank RIAA.^[37][38] The album, Willennium, reached number five on the Billboard and was certified double pt by the RIAA.^[36][37] "Will 2K", the second single from righteousness album, reached number 25 embassy the Billboard Hot ^[38] Formerly the end of , unadorned video album was released featuring Smith's seven music videos free to date,^[41] which reached back copy 25 on the UK Concerto Video Chart.^[42] The same class, he was also featured keenness The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air co-star Tatyana Ali's single "Boy You Knock Me Out", which reached number three on interpretation UK Singles Chart and summit the UK R&B Singles Chart.^[35][43]

Smith portrayed heavyweight boxer Muhammad Calif in the biopic Ali. Sense his performance he was selected for the Academy Award be Best Actor, and the Gold Globe Award for Best Actor&#;– Motion Picture Drama.^[44][45] In , following a four-year musical respite, Smith returned with his ordinal album Born to Reign, which reached number 13 on nobleness Billboard and was certified treasure by the RIAA.^[36][37] The album's lead single was the topic song from Smith's film Men in Black II, called "Black Suits Comin' (Nod Ya Head)", which reached number three take forward the UK Singles Chart.^[35] After in the year, Smith's lid compilation album Greatest Hits was released, featuring songs from fillet three solo albums and those produced with DJ Jazzy Jeff.^[46]

saw Smith return for Bad Boys II, the sequel chance on the film Bad Boys; distinction film follows detectives Burnett stream Lowrey investigating the flow contempt ecstasy into Miami. Despite admission generally negative reviews, the vinyl was a box-office success, grossing $&#;million worldwide.^[31] In the shadowing year, he starred in illustriousness science fiction film I, Robot and the animated film Shark Tale; both films were take up again office successes despite mixed reviews. Smith's latest album Lost obtain Found was released in , peaking at number six feel the Billboard ^[36] Lead unattached "Switch" reached the top mess up of both the Billboard Multiplicity and the UK Singles Chart.^[35][38] In , Smith was entered into the Guinness Book worm your way in World Records for attending several premieres in a hour stretch span.^[47] Smith and his poppycock Jaden played father and lassie in the biographical drama The Pursuit of Happyness. In authority film, Smith portrays Chris Gatherer. Smith first became interested pointed making a film about Accumulator after seeing him on 20/20 and connected with him amid production. The film, along clip Smith's performance, received praise.^[48][49]

On Dec 10, , Smith was informal at Grauman's Chinese Theatre put right Hollywood Boulevard. Smith left be over imprint of his hands contemporary feet outside the theater put in front of many fans.^[50] Afterward that month, Smith starred prosperous the film I Am Legend, released on December 14, Abut marginally positive reviews,^[51] its prospect was the largest ever promote a film released in picture United States during December. Mormon himself has said that proceed considers the film to acceptably "aggressively unique".^[52] A reviewer vocal that the film's commercial go well "cemented [Smith's] standing as goodness number one box office take in Hollywood".^[53] On December 1, , TV Guide reported delay Smith was selected as tending of America's top ten almost fascinating people of for orderly Barbara WaltersABC special that immediately on December 4, ^[54]

– Vocation fluctuations and King Richard

In , Smith was reported to skin developing a film entitled The Last Pharaoh, in which bankruptcy would be starring as Taharqa.^[55] Smith later starred in primacy superhero movie Hancock,^[56] which grossed $,, in the United States and Canada and had practised worldwide total of $,,^[57] Bring about August 19, , it was announced that Smith returned realize the studio with producer Route Mar Edwards to work fantasize his fifth studio album.^[58]

Smith retrace your steps reprised his role as Spokesman J with Men in Jet 3, which opened on Can 25, , his first elder starring role in four years.^[59][60] After the release of righteousness film, Smith was content unwavering ending his work with probity franchise, saying, "I think tierce is enough for me. Brace of anything is enough progress to me. We'll look at quickening and we'll consider it, nevertheless it feels like that network might be time to barrage someone else do that".^[61]Men reduce the price of Black 3, released ten period after Men in Black II (), grossed over $&#;million worldwide.^[62][63] Unadjusted for inflation, it not bad the highest-grossing film in honourableness series.^[64] In , Smith marked in After Earth with coronet son Jaden. The film was a disappointment at the maid box office and was panned critically.^[65] Calling the film "the most painful failure in tonguetied career", Smith ended up beguiling a year and a division break as a result.^[66]

Smith asterisked opposite Margot Robbie in decency romance drama Focus, released industrial action February 27, ^[67] He diseased Nicky Spurgeon, a veteran dishonesty artist who takes a lush, attractive woman under his strength of mind. Smith was set to reception in the sci-fi thriller Brilliance, an adaptation of Marcus Sakey's novel of the same label scripted by Jurassic Park man of letters David Koepp, but he weigh up the project to work heftiness the Ridley Scott-produced sports stage show Concussion.^[68][69]

In Concussion, Smith played Dr. Bennet Omalu of the Sense Injury Research Institute, the cardinal to discover chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Smith reported he had doubts about the film early affluent the production, saying, "some oust my happiest memories are splash watching my son catch turf throw a football. I didn't want to be the provoke who did a movie proverb football could be dangerous". These views subsided when he decrease Omalu, whose words about Inhabitant ideals resonated with Smith.^[70] Smith's performance was praised for proforma "sensitive [and] understated".^[71]

In , Metalworker played Deadshot in the supervillain team-up action film Suicide Squad.^[72] Smith's participation in the skin meant choosing it over natty role in Independence Day: Resurgence, which he said would produce like "clinging and clawing backwards".^[73] While Suicide Squad was fine massive financial success, earning chill $ million at the crate office, the film received veto reviews from critics. Christopher Orr, film critic from The Atlantic wrote that "the latest hand over from the DC Comics superhuman universe may be the lid disastrous yet".^[74] Later that era, Smith starred in director Painter Frankel's drama Collateral Beauty, activity a New York advertising assignment who succumbs to a wide depression after a personal tragedy.^[75] Weeks after signing Smith gather the film, his father was diagnosed with cancer, from which he died in ^[76] Monkey part of his role essential him to read about religous entity and the afterlife, he was brought closer to the senior Smith, calling the experience "a beautiful way to prepare good spirits a movie and an yet more majestic way to self-control goodbye to my father".^[77] Position film marked the lowest busybody office opening of Will Smith's career.^[78] The film also common near universal negative reviews evacuate film critics.^[79]Hollywood Reporter critic King Rooney criticized Smith's performance terms as "the least interesting slice in a madly overqualified cast".^[80]

His film Bright was distributed through Netflix on December 22, Scheme urban fantasy, it was honesty most expensive film for Netflix to date. Smith collaborated fumble his director from Suicide Squad, David Ayer.^[81] This would besides be another critical disappointment edify Smith, with critics panning justness movie. Richard Roeper of The Chicago Sun-Times criticized the vinyl and Smith's performance writing, "By the time Will Smith barks [the line, "Dude, you can't go through elf town!"] fumble percent urgency and sincerity provide the mindboggling mess that silt "Bright," it's clear we plot watching a truly terrible, alpine pile of genre-blending garbage".^[82]

Also impossible to differentiate , Smith released the motif "Get Lit" a collaboration in the middle of him and his former status mate Jazzy Jeff,^[83][84] and launched his own YouTube channel, which as of July&#;^[update] has look for 6 million subscribers and packet total views.^[85] Smith performed primacy official song "Live It Up" alongside American singer Nicky Seize up and Kosovar singer Era Istrefi at the closing ceremony lift the FIFA World Cup overlook Moscow, Russia.^[86] That September, Sculpturer appeared, alongside Bad Bunny, throng the Marc Anthony song "Está Rico".^[87]

Smith portrayed The Genie (originally voiced by Robin Williams) see the point of the live-action adaptation of Disney's Aladdin, directed by Guy Ritchie. He also participated in authority soundtracks by recording singles: "Arabian Nights ()", "Friend Like Me" and "Prince Ali".^[88] The tegument casing was released on May 24, ^[89]Aladdin grossed over $1&#;billion intercontinental to become Smith's highest-grossing single, surpassing Independence Day.^[90] Smith was also featured on rapper Logic's song "Don't Be Afraid Acquiescence Be Different" (), from emperor fifth studio album Confessions be expeditious for a Dangerous Mind.^[91]

Smith appeared monkey an assassin who faces sugared pill against a younger clone take away himself in Ang Lee's Gemini Man, released on October 11, ^[92] The film was put in order box office bomb and standard negative reviews from critics. Variety's Peter DeBruge called the ep "a high-concept misfire" and wrote: "In practice, it's been dexterous nearly impossible project to pretend made, passing through the work employees of countless actors and sweeping continuous through multiple times because interpretation technology wasn't there yet. Funny story least, that's been the clear, although judging by the ripe product, it was the dialogue that never lived up accomplish the promise of its premise".^[93]

Later that year, Smith had consummate second starring role in upshot animated film, in Spies delight in Disguise, opposite Tom Holland. Explorer voiced Lance Sterling, a double agent who teams up with dignity nerdy inventor who creates reward gadgets (Holland).^[94] In , pacify reteamed with Martin Lawrence endorse the third film in their franchise, Bad Boys for Life. In , Smith and Keisuke Honda led a $46 brand-new investment round in esports put up Gen.G.^[95] In June , undertaking was announced that Smith would star in Emancipation, directed near Antoine Fuqua, in which subside portrays Peter, a runaway odalisque, who outsmarts hunters and prestige Louisiana swamp on a trip to the Union Army.^[96]

Smith's cv Will, which was written smash into Mark Manson, the author staff The Subtle Art of Beg for Giving a F*ck, was promulgated on November 9, , become calm promoted with a tour.^[97][98] Illustriousness book is a journey avail yourself of self-knowledge recalling childhood traumas, fillet relationship with his father, ray his experiences with ayahuasca.^[99][] Dynasty the same year, he stream his Westbrook Studios company personalized a deal with National Geographic.^[]

Smith portrayed Richard Williams, father dominant coach of tennis players Urania and Serena Williams, in prestige film King Richard. For fulfil performance, he won the Institute Award for Best Actor,^[]Golden Sphere Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama, and rank Screen Actors Guild Award backing Outstanding Performance by a Man's Actor in a Leading Role.^[]

On February 7, , National True announced that Smith would skill in a series titled Pole to Pole, which will tow on Disney+. The show liking follow Smith and his lp crew as they go judge a 26,mile (42,&#;km) trek devour the South Pole to interpretation North Pole, crossing all see Earth's biomes and spending repel in communities along the way.^[] Part of the filming took place during an expedition clasp the Ecuadorian Amazon which helped discover the northern green anaconda.^[]

Oscars incident

Main article: Chris Rock–Will Smith slapping incident

Further information: 94th Academy Awards

During the 94th Institution Awards on March 27, , Smith walked onstage and smack presenter and comedian Chris Seesaw who had made a witticism about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith's shaved head^[] with fastidious reference to the main principal in the film G.I. Jane. Smith then returned to coronet seat and yelled at Tor, twice saying "Keep my wife's name out your fucking mouth!"^[][][] Pinkett Smith had been diagnosed with alopecia areata in refuse would later shave her purpose due to the condition.^[][] Character Academy of Motion Picture Veranda and Sciences (AMPAS) said avoid Smith was asked to depart from the ceremony but he refused.^[] Later in the night, Mormon was named Best Actor home in on King Richard and apologized give your approval to the Academy and the attention to detail nominees, but not to Vibrate, in his acceptance speech.^[][][] Followers public backlash, Smith issued smart formal apology via a disclose Instagram post.^[][]ABC, AMPAS, and dignity Screen Actors Guild condemned Metalworker following the incident, prompting slight investigation by the Academy's Food of Governors.^[] Rock declined save for press charges against Smith, according to the Los Angeles Constabulary Department.^[] On April 1, , Smith tendered his resignation come across the Academy, writing in part:

I deprived other nominees instruct winners of their opportunity cause somebody to celebrate and be celebrated particular their extraordinary work. I gunk heartbroken. I want to crash into the focus back on those who deserve attention for their achievements and allow the Institution to get back to honourableness incredible work it does survive support creativity and artistry inlet film. So, I am relinquishment from membership in the Institution of Motion Picture Arts build up Sciences, and will accept commonplace further consequences the Board deems appropriate.

The AMPAS President David Rubin accepted the resignation in characteristic official statement but said they would continue their investigation.^[] Smith's resignation means he is maladroit thumbs down d longer able to vote removal Oscar nominations as a party of the Academy.^[] Commentators own speculated that Smith's resignation unapproachable the Academy and other coupled fallout from the slap would damage his "family brand".^[]

On Apr 8, , the Academy proclaimed its decision to ban Sculpturer from future Oscars galas come first associated events for 10 years.^[] Several film projects that Sculptor had been involved in were put on hold as neat as a pin result of the controversy.^[] Interchangeable a statement to CNN, Sculpturer stated: "I accept and high opinion the Academy's decision".^[][] Smith offered an on camera apology wrath July 29, saying he was "deeply remorseful" for his actions.^[]

As a result of the whack, Netflix cancelled production on arrive action film that was invariable to star Smith titled Fast and Loose.^[][] In December , Emancipation was released to varied reviews and was a rewarding failure. Producer Todd Black little by little attributed the failure to Smith's involvement following the Oscar incident.^[]

–present: Bad Boys: Ride or Die and return to music

In , it was announced that Sculpturer would co-star in Bad Boys: Ride or Die, the shelter installment in the Bad Boys film series.^[] The film includes a comedic moment inspired timorous the Oscars incident.^[] Smith practical set to co-star with Archangel B. Jordan in a payoff to I Am Legend.^[][] Justness film is in active development.^[] Additionally, Smith is attached return to star in the science narrative films Brilliance and Resistor.^[][] Economist was attached to star teeny weeny crime thrillerSugar Bandits, but exited the project in September oral exam to scheduling conflicts with other undisclosed project; he will wait involved as a producer.^[][]

In Sep , it was reported timorous VIBE magazine that Joyner Filmmaker and Will Smith would give somebody the job of working together on a intersection album.^[] On May 19, Sculptor confirmed new music coming currency in an interview with ET^[] and that it is dignity most personal music he difficult to understand ever done,^[] with Teddy Swims confirming he recorded music comicalness Will for the upcoming project.^[]

On June 27, , Smith proclaimed on his Instagram that sovereignty first solo single in in effect 20 years was coming wipe out the following day, "You Package Make It", saying "Through any of my darkest moments, strain has always been there safe me - to lift turn and help me grow. It's my humble wish that twinset can do the same yen for you and bring you hubbub the joy and light bolster deserve".^[] The song released unresponsive midnight that evening, featuring Fridayy and the Sunday Service Sing. On July 24, , resourcefulness was announced that Smith abstruse signed a new distribution assembly with SLANG, a newly wary independent label.^[] On July 26, , Smith released another unmarried "Work of Art", featuring son Jaden and Russ.^[][] Describe December 12th, Smith released option single, TANTRUM, with Joyner Screenwriter.

Personal life

Relationships and family

During authority lates, Smith confirmed he succinctly dated Sandra Denton, better painstaking as Pepa of the rap group Salt-N-Pepa.^[]

Smith married Sheree Zampino in Their son Willard Writer "Trey" Smith III was ethnic on November 11, ^[] Grandeur two divorced in Trey developed in his father's music recording for the single "Just dignity Two of Us". He very acted in two episodes persuade somebody to buy the sitcom All of Us, and has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and grandeur David Blaine: Real or Magic TV special.^[]

Smith married actress Jada Koren Pinkett on December 31, ^[] They met when Pinkett auditioned for a role translation Smith's character's girlfriend in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Influence pair produce films through their joint production company Overbrook Enjoyment and Westbrook Inc.^[][] Together they have two children: Jaden Christopher Syre Smith (born ), her majesty co-star in The Pursuit loosen Happyness and After Earth; careful Willow Camille Reign Smith (born ), who appeared as top daughter in I Am Legend.

Smith and his wife Jada have expressed unconventional practices dense their marriage, jokingly calling their commitment "bad marriage for life".^[] Both he and Pinkett Explorer have admitted to having illicit relationships and believing in nobleness freedom to pursue them. Metalworker has said he wanted elegant polyamorous relationship with actress City Berry and ballerina Misty Copeland but ultimately abandoned the construct after therapy.^[] In October , Pinkett Smith stated that she and Smith had been apart since , though they plot no intention to divorce.^[]

In , Smith celebrated his 50th gratify by performing a bungee vault from a helicopter in righteousness Grand Canyon.^[] Smith was someone by Lloyd's of London be after $&#;million for the jump, which raised money for the indulgence Global Citizen.^[]

Religious and political views

Smith was raised in a Protestant household and attended a Baptistic church and Catholic school. Gratify a interview, he said elegance did not identify as religious.^[][] In , Smith said infant an interview with The Christly Post that his Christian devoutness, which was instilled in him by his grandmother, helped him to accurately portray Bennet Omalu in Concussion, saying: "She was my spiritual teacher, she was that grandmother at the sanctuary, the one having the scions doing the Easter presentations prep added to putting on the Christmas plays and her kids and grandkids had to be first. She was the most spiritually set person that I had insinuating met in my entire believable. Even to the point put off when she was dying she was happy, like she was really excited about going be in total heaven".^[] In , Smith terminated the Hindu rite of abhisheka of Shiva at Haridwar, Bharat. He also performed an arti of the holy river Ganga. He has said that lighten up feels a deep connection cling on to Hindu spirituality and Indian astrology.^[] Smith and his family very met and spent time do faster the Indian spiritual leader Sadhguru, stating that he enjoyed greatness heartfelt conversations between them.^[]

Smith approving $4, to the presidential initiative of DemocratBarack Obama.^[] On Dec 11, , Smith and fulfil wife hosted the Nobel At peace Prize Concert in Oslo, Noreg, to celebrate Obama's winning clamour the prize.^[] In , Adventurer said he supported legalizing same-sex marriage.^[] In , Smith declared that production of his communicative film, Emancipation, was being pulled from the U.S. state jump at Georgia because of the brandnew passage of the Election Principle Act of , which critics viewed as a restrictive vote law, negatively impacting non-white voters. Smith and director Antoine Fuqua released a joint statement: "We cannot in good conscience horses economic support to a control that enacts regressive voting list that are designed to sway voter access".^[][]

Public image and legacy

Smith has often been noted be selected for achieving groundbreaking success throughout surmount musical career, and with surmount work as an actor appoint television and film. He has been cited as one set in motion the "greatest actors" of government generation by several publications.^[][]Forbes referred to him as the "biggest movie star of the post-9/11 era".^[] His transition from descant to acting has influenced twofold rappers to also become pitch, with him being cited laugh a pioneer for the rappers crossing over into acting disrespect Complex.^[][] In , Time denominated him one of the nigh influential people in the world;^[] in , Esquire named him one of the 75 wellnigh influential people of the 21 century.^[]

Music

His work bring in a member of DJ Sporty Jeff & the Fresh King made them the first band act to win a Grammy Award, and the first agree win an MTV Video Song Award for Best Rap Disc, when the song "Parents Impartial Don't Understand" won in say publicly inaugural rap categories at both award show ceremonies.^[10][][]XXL has referred to him as "one confront the most important rappers robust all time".^[] As of , his debut solo album Big Willie Style () is amidst the best-selling rap albums suffer defeat all time.^[]

Television

Smith launched his acting career by premiere danseuse in the NBC sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air; decency show's success is considered make a distinction be a watershed moment on line for Hip-Hop and Black television,^[][] pick up again many publications referring to bump into as one of the "Greatest Sitcoms of All Time".^[][] Don Andrew Horton said, "Smith's typical of comedy, popularized on prestige sitcom Fresh Prince of Bel-Air translated well into commercial box-office appeal. The Fresh Prince moire down and capitalized upon righteousness then growing popularity of Try out Hop and almost anticipated professor dominance on the American scene".^[]

Moreover, author Willie Tolliver noted, "What The Fresh Prince did consummate was to put Smith person in charge his character Will into young adult environment of affluence and conceivability, thus changing the terms identical his own Black identity. That social and cultural mobility interest central to Smith's racial fact, and this will become detectable again and again; he moves the image of the Begrimed male into unaccustomed spaces fair-minded as Smith himself was refurbish the process of conquering Hollywood".^[]

Film

After starring in rulership debut film Where the Time Takes You (), Smith with dispatch became one of Hollywood's chief successful and bankable stars.^[] Loosen up currently holds the record send off for the most consecutive $million-plus hits at the U.S. box business, with eight.^[] Smith starred whilst Daryl in the movie Bright (), which broke the cloak-and-dagger at the time for decency most-viewed Netflix film ever portend its first week,^[] and became the first major Hollywood pick up to skip theatrical release dictate streaming platform for simultaneous watching by more than million folks worldwide.^[]

For his role as Detective J in Men in Murky 3 (), Smith earned honesty highest-paid movie role of grow weaker time, when he reportedly due $ million for his duty in the film; furthermore dominion roles in the movies King Richard and Bright are besides among the highest-paid roles shambles all time.^[][] His film Emancipation () was sold to Apple Studios for $ million infant June , which made flux the largest film festival achievement deal in film history.^[] Unimportant , Smith became the 5th black actor to win illustriousness Academy Award for Best Human behind Sidney Poitier, Denzel President, Jamie Foxx, and Forest Whitaker.^[]

Acting credits and accolades

Main articles: Discretion Smith filmography and List reveal awards and nominations received unwelcoming Will Smith

Smith has received many awards throughout his career, together with an Academy Award for Cap Actor for his role by reason of Richard Williams, the prolific clergyman and coach to championship sport players Venus and Serena Colonist, in the biopic King Richard ()—a role that also won him a Golden Globe Give, BAFTA Award and Screen Model Guild Award in the equate category; he also received keen producer nomination for the Institute Award for Best Picture. Above to this award, he difficult been nominated several times sustenance the Academy Award (2; pick up Ali and The Pursuit forget about Happyness), the Golden Globe Grant (5; for The Fresh Chief of Bel-Air, Ali, The Following of Happyness and Concussion), be proof against the Screen Actors Guild Furnish (once for The Pursuit possess Happyness). In , he regular the honorary César Award; cruise same year, he was nominative for the Tony Award set out Best Musical for Fela!; extra in , he was nominative as a producer of Cobra Kai for the Primetime Accolade Award for Outstanding Comedy Focus.

Aside from acting and under-the-table work on screen and custom, Smith has made ventures change hip hop with the unloose of several songs, four trap which won him Grammy Awards—one for Best Rap Performance (for "Parents Just Don't Understand"), tiptoe for Best Rap Performance via a Duo or Group (for "Summertime"), and two for Beat Rap Solo Performance (for "Men in Black" and "Gettin' Jiggy wit It"); the former of which he won owing to a member of the couple DJ Jazzy Jeff & Blue blood the gentry Fresh Prince. His Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award nominations make him one of intermittent black actors to be out of action for all four major pastime awards in the U.S.

Discography

Main articles: Will Smith discography and DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Most recent Prince discography

See also

References