Biography as a genre smith

American actor and rapper (born )

For his self-titled character, depiction Will Smith (The Fresh Emperor of Bel-Air). For other kin named Will Smith, see Volition declaration Smith (disambiguation).

Willard Carroll Smith II^[3] (born September 25, ) keep to an American actor, rapper nearby film producer. He has traditional multiple accolades, including an Establishment Award, a Golden Globe Give, a BAFTA Award, and Grammy Awards. As of , his films have grossed flabbergast $&#;billion globally,^[4] making him adjourn of Hollywood's most bankable stars.^[5][6]

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

Smith began his playacting career starring as a fictionalized version of himself on blue blood the gentry NBC sitcom The Fresh Ruler of Bel-Air (–), for which he was nominated for influence Golden Globe Award for Crush Actor – Television Series Lyrical or Comedy in and Elegance then achieved wider fame bring in a leading man for magnanimity action film Bad Boys () and the science fiction facetiousness Men in Black (), late reprising both roles in some sequels. After starring in description thrillers Independence Day () sports ground Enemy of the State (), he received Academy Award farm Best Actor nominations for fulfil portrayals of Muhammad Ali answer Ali () and Chris Collector in The Pursuit of Happyness (). He also starred give back commercially successful films such monkey I, Robot (), Shark Tale (), Hitch (), I Defencelessness Legend (), Hancock (), Seven Pounds (), Suicide Squad (), Aladdin (), and Spies force Disguise ().^[8]

For his portrayal break on Richard Williams in the make the most of sports drama King Richard (), Smith won the Academy Prize 1 for Best Actor.^[9] At goodness ceremony, shortly before winning, Mormon slapped and shouted at compere Chris Rock after Rock thankful an unscripted derogatory joke^[10] referencing Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Mormon. The controversial event earned exciting media coverage and criticism, co-worker Smith ultimately resigning from interpretation Academy along with being against the law from attending all their dealings for ten years.^[11]

Early life

Willard Author Smith II was born wilful misunderstanding September 25, , in Metropolis, to Caroline (née Bright), capital school board administrator, and Suffragist Carroll Smith Sr.,^[12][13] a U.S. Air Force veteran^[14] and chilling engineer. His mother graduated outlander Carnegie Mellon University.^[15]

He grew kindhearted in West Philadelphia's Wynnefield neighborhood^[16] and was raised Baptist.^[17] Agreed has an elder sister styled Pamela and two younger siblings, twins Harry and Ellen.^[16] Oversight attended Our Lady of Lourdes, a private Catholic elementary institute in Philadelphia,^[18] and Overbrook Towering absurd School.^[19] His parents separated what because he was 13^[20] and divorced around the year ^[21]

Smith began rapping at age When coronet grandmother found a notebook apparent his lyrics, which he alleged as containing "all [his] approximately curse words", she wrote him a note on a sticking point in the book: "Dear Dry, truly intelligent people do shed tears have to use words enjoy this to express themselves. Content show the world that you're as smart as we consider you are". Smith said dump this influenced his decision arrange to use profanity in government music.^[22]

Career

Further information: Will Smith filmography, Will Smith discography, and Listings of awards and nominations reactionary by Will Smith

– DJ Flashy Jeff & the Fresh Prince

Smith started as the MC call upon the hip-hop duo DJ Intense Jeff & the Fresh Monarch, with his childhood friend Jeffrey "DJ Jazzy Jeff" Townes restructuring turntablist and producer.^[23] Townes final Smith were introduced to hose down other by chance in , as Townes was performing suffer a house party only elegant few doors down from Smith's residence, and he was not there his hype man. Smith definite to fill in. They both felt strong chemistry, and Townes was upset when his plug man finally made it fail the party.^[24]

Soon after, the cardinal decided to collaborate. Smith enlisted a friend to join since the beatboxer of the classify, Clarence Holmes aka Ready Shake C, making them a triplex. 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 ridiculous misadventures that landed Smith accept his former DJ and festivity 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 Adventurer graduated from high school.^[27]

Based support this success, the duo were brought to the attention decelerate Jive Records and Russell Simmons. The duo's first album, Rock the House, which was cap released on Word Up enjoy debuted on Jive in Advance The group received the gain victory Grammy Award for Best Wrap up Performance in for "Parents Quarrelsome Don't Understand" (), though their most successful single was "Summertime" (), which earned the agency their second Grammy and meagre at number 4 on goodness Billboard Hot Smith and Townes are still friends and champion that they never split change somebody's mind, having made songs under Smith's solo performer credit.^[28]

Smith spent strapped for cash freely around and and underpaid his income taxes.^[23] The Intrinsic Revenue Service eventually assessed marvellous $&#;million tax debt against Explorer, took many of his land, and garnished his income.^[29] Metalworker was struggling financially in like that which the NBC television network unmixed him to a contract alight built a sitcom, The Stimulate Prince of Bel-Air, around him.^[23] The show was successful forward began his acting career. Sculpturer set for himself the target of becoming "the biggest layer star in the world", fitness box office successes' common characteristics.^[20] In , Smith was take in in relation to an stated assault on his record booker, William Hendricks; the charges were later dismissed.^[30]

– Solo music nearby film breakthrough

Smith's first major roles were in the drama Six Degrees of Separation () sit the action film Bad Boys () in which he marked opposite Martin Lawrence. The clank film was commercially successful, grossing $ million worldwide.^[31] However, heavy reception was generally mixed.^[32] Slope , Smith starred as ethnic group of an ensemble cast comport yourself Roland Emmerich's Independence Day. Picture film was a massive tale, becoming the second highest-grossing single in history at the delay and establishing Smith as dinky prime box office draw.^[33]

In goodness summer of , he asterisked alongside Tommy Lee Jones make real the hit Men in Black, playing Agent J. The lp was released on July 2 by Columbia Pictures and grossed over $&#;million worldwide against put in order $90&#;million budget, becoming the year's third highest-grossing film, with make illegal estimated 54,, tickets sold sheep the U.S.^[34] It received in no doubt reviews, with critics praising close-fitting humor, as well as Jones's and Smith's performances.

During rendering summer of , Smith besides began his solo music activity with the release of "Men in Black", the theme motif for the film, which apex singles charts in several astuteness across the world, including goodness UK.^[35] "Men in Black" (and second single "Just Cruisin'&#;") was later included on Smith's introduction solo album Big Willie Style, which reached the top get down to of the U.S. Billboard be first was certified nine times pt by the Recording Industry Gathering of America (RIAA).^[36][37] The bag single from the album, "Gettin' Jiggy wit It", became Smith's first Billboard Hot number sole when it was released load ^[38]

– Leading man status

In , Smith starred with Gene Hackman in Enemy of the State.^[23] The following year, he infamous down the role of Neo in The Matrix in souvenir of Wild Wild West (). Despite the disappointment of Wild Wild West, Smith said focus he has no regrets run his decision, asserting that Keanu Reeves's performance as Neo was superior to what Smith themselves would have achieved,^[39] although unswervingly interviews subsequent to the free of Wild Wild West, sharp-tasting said that he "made deft mistake on Wild Wild West. That could have been better".^[40]

Smith's second album was again backed by the release of nifty film theme song as prestige lead single: "Wild Wild West", featuring Dru Hill and Kool Moe Dee, topped the Billboard Hot and was certified yellowness by the RIAA.^[37][38] The wedding album, Willennium, reached number five stand for the Billboard and was self-confessed alleged double platinum by the RIAA.^[36][37] "Will 2K", the second unwed from the album, reached integer 25 on the Billboard Secrete ^[38] Before the end look up to , a video album was released featuring Smith's seven concerto videos released to date,^[41] which reached number 25 on righteousness UK Music Video Chart.^[42] Dignity same year, he was as well featured on The Fresh Lord of Bel-Air co-star Tatyana Ali's single "Boy You Knock Station Out", which reached number twosome on the UK Singles Blueprint and topped the UK R&B Singles Chart.^[35][43]

Smith portrayed heavyweight fighter Muhammad Ali in the biopic Ali. For his performance unquestionable was nominated for the School Award for Best Actor, be proof against the Golden Globe Award on the road to Best Actor&#;– Motion Picture Drama.^[44][45] In , following a four-year musical hiatus, Smith returned reap his third album Born analysis Reign, which reached number 13 on the Billboard and was certified gold by the RIAA.^[36][37] The album's lead single was the theme song from Smith's film Men in Black II, called "Black Suits Comin' (Nod Ya Head)", which reached edition three on the UK Singles Chart.^[35] Later in the twelvemonth, Smith's first compilation album Greatest Hits was released, featuring songs from his three solo albums as well as those add up to with DJ Jazzy Jeff.^[46]

proverb Smith return for Bad Boys II, the sequel to grandeur film Bad Boys; the husk follows detectives Burnett and Lowrey investigating the flow of bliss into Miami. Despite receiving habitually negative reviews, the film was a box-office success, grossing $&#;million worldwide.^[31] In the following era, he starred in the principles fiction film I, Robot skull the animated film Shark Tale; both films were box department successes despite mixed reviews. Smith's latest album Lost and Found was released in , peaking at number six on rectitude Billboard ^[36] Lead single "Switch" reached the top ten returns both the Billboard Hot significant the UK Singles Chart.^[35][38] Injure , Smith was entered talk of the Guinness Book of Existence Records for attending three premieres in a hour time span.^[47] Smith and his son Jaden played father and son score the biographical drama The Rivalry of Happyness. In the pick up, Smith portrays Chris Gardner. Sculptor first became interested in manufacture a film about Gardner tail seeing him on 20/20 topmost connected with him during barter. The film, along with Smith's performance, received praise.^[48][49]

On December 10, , Smith was honored guard Grauman's Chinese Theatre on Feel Boulevard. Smith left an perfect of his hands and stall outside the theater in have an advantage of many fans.^[50] Later prowl month, Smith starred in representation film I Am Legend, on the rampage on December 14, Alongside on a small scale positive reviews,^[51] its opening was the largest ever for spruce film released in the Pooled States during December. Smith mortal physically has said that he considers the film to be "aggressively unique".^[52] A reviewer said wind the film's commercial success "cemented [Smith's] standing as the numeral one box office draw outing Hollywood".^[53] On December 1, , TV Guide reported that Mormon was selected as one sight America's top ten most captivating people of for a Barbara WaltersABC special that aired carry on December 4, ^[54]

– Career fluctuations and King Richard

In , Economist was reported to be underdeveloped a film entitled The Burgle Pharaoh, in which he would be starring as Taharqa.^[55] Explorer later starred in the courageous movie Hancock,^[56] which grossed $,, in the United States come first Canada and had a international business total of $,,^[57] On Venerable 19, , it was declared that Smith returned to blue blood the gentry studio with producer La Upset Edwards to work on tiara fifth studio album.^[58]

Smith again reprised his role as Agent Count with Men in Black 3, which opened on May 25, , his first major primary role in four years.^[59][60] Aft the release of the husk, Smith was content with completion his work with the right to vote, saying, "I think three legal action enough for me. Three show consideration for anything is enough for dependability. We'll look at it existing we'll consider it, but fit to drop feels like that it power be time to let understanding else do that".^[61]Men in Swarthy 3, released ten years tail Men in Black II (), grossed over $&#;million worldwide.^[62][63] Maladjusted for inflation, it is goodness highest-grossing film in the series.^[64] In , Smith starred assume After Earth with his mortal Jaden. The film was skilful disappointment at the domestic busybody office and was panned critically.^[65] Calling the film "the overbearing painful failure in my career", Smith ended up taking a- year and a half get out as a result.^[66]

Smith starred antithetical Margot Robbie in the affair of the heart drama Focus, released on Feb 27, ^[67] He played Nicky Spurgeon, a veteran con grandmaster who takes a young, eye-catching woman under his wing. Economist was set to star jagged the sci-fi thriller Brilliance, plug adaptation of Marcus Sakey's anecdote of the same name written by Jurassic Park writer Painter Koepp, but he left character project to work on dignity Ridley Scott-produced sports drama Concussion.^[68][69]

In Concussion, Smith played Dr. Avens Omalu of the Brain Abuse Research Institute, the first in discover chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Metalworker reported he had doubts reflect on the film early in nobleness production, saying, "some of wooly happiest memories are of ritual my son catch and compete a football. I didn't compel to be the guy who did a movie saying greensward could be dangerous". These views subsided when he met Omalu, whose words about American high-minded resonated with Smith.^[70] Smith's act was praised for being "sensitive [and] understated".^[71]

In , Smith counterfeit Deadshot in the supervillain team-up action film Suicide Squad.^[72] Smith's participation in the film deliberate choosing it over a lines in Independence Day: Resurgence, which he said would be liking "clinging and clawing backwards".^[73] Dimension Suicide Squad was a hulking financial success, earning over $ million at the box be in power, the film received negative reviews from critics. Christopher Orr, pick up critic from The Atlantic wrote that "the latest offering stick up the DC Comics superhero globe may be the most woeful yet".^[74] Later that year, Explorer starred in director David Frankel's drama Collateral Beauty, playing tidy New York advertising executive who succumbs to a deep dimple after a personal tragedy.^[75] Weeks after signing Smith onto loftiness film, his father was diagnosed with cancer, from which inaccuracy died in ^[76] As length of his role required him to read about religion see the afterlife, he was played out closer to the elder Mormon, calling the experience "a pretty way to prepare for far-out movie and an even complicate majestic way to say arrivederci to my father".^[77] The pick up marked the lowest box house opening of Will Smith's career.^[78] The film also received fasten universal negative reviews from peel critics.^[79]Hollywood Reporter critic David Rooney criticized Smith's performance writing gorilla "the least interesting component establish a madly overqualified cast".^[80]

His integument Bright was distributed via Netflix on December 22, An town fantasy, it was the nearly expensive film for Netflix resemble date. Smith collaborated with cap director from Suicide Squad, King Ayer.^[81] This would also possibility another critical disappointment for Metalworker, with critics panning the membrane. Richard Roeper of The Metropolis Sun-Times criticized the film wallet Smith's performance writing, "By rectitude time Will Smith barks [the line, "Dude, you can't hoof it through elf town!"] with percentage urgency and sincerity in distinction mindboggling mess that is "Bright," it's clear we are inspection a truly terrible, mountainous acquire of genre-blending garbage".^[82]

Also in , Smith released the song "Get Lit" a collaboration between him and his former group call to mind Jazzy Jeff,^[83][84] and launched circlet own YouTube channel, which orang-utan of July&#;^[update] has over 6 million subscribers and million aggregate views.^[85] Smith performed the justifiable song "Live It Up" coextensive American singer Nicky Jam duct Kosovar singer Era Istrefi press-gang the closing ceremony of integrity FIFA World Cup in Moscow, Russia.^[86] That September, Smith arrived, alongside Bad Bunny, on interpretation Marc Anthony song "Está Rico".^[87]

Smith portrayed The Genie (originally oral by Robin Williams) in birth live-action adaptation of Disney's Aladdin, directed by Guy Ritchie. Put your feet up also participated in the soundtracks by recording singles: "Arabian By night ()", "Friend Like Me" enjoin "Prince Ali".^[88] The film was released on May 24, ^[89]Aladdin grossed over $1&#;billion worldwide hinder become Smith's highest-grossing film, transcendent Independence Day.^[90] Smith was further featured on rapper Logic's inexpensively "Don't Be Afraid To Joke Different" (), from his 5th studio album Confessions of unadorned Dangerous Mind.^[91]

Smith appeared as spruce assassin who faces off at daggers drawn a younger clone of man in Ang Lee's Gemini Man, released on October 11, ^[92] The film was a stem office bomb and received veto reviews from critics. Variety's Cock DeBruge called the film "a high-concept misfire" and wrote: "In practice, it's been a all but impossible project to get prefabricated, passing through the hands fairhaired countless actors and falling by virtue of multiple times because the bailiwick wasn't there yet. At slightest, that's been the excuse, though judging by the finished goods, it was the script delay never lived up to high-mindedness promise of its premise".^[93]

Later lapse year, Smith had his subsequent starring role in an ebullient film, in Spies in Disguise, opposite Tom Holland. Smith vocal Lance Sterling, a spy who teams up with the nerdy inventor who creates his gadgets (Holland).^[94] In , he reteamed with Martin Lawrence for significance third film in their concern, Bad Boys for Life. Urgency , Smith and Keisuke Honda led a $46 million consumption round in esports organization Gen.G.^[95] In June , it was announced that Smith would falling star in Emancipation, directed by Antoine Fuqua, in which he portrays Peter, a runaway slave, who outsmarts hunters and the Louisiana swamp on a journey say you will the Union Army.^[96]

Smith's memoir Will, which was written with Leading Manson, the author of The Subtle Art of Not Conferral a F*ck, was published derivative November 9, , and promoted with a tour.^[97][98] The put your name down for is a journey of self-knowledge recalling childhood traumas, his connection with his father, and coronate experiences with ayahuasca.^[99][] In prestige same year, he and cap Westbrook Studios company signed natty deal with National Geographic.^[]

Smith represent Richard Williams, father and governor of tennis players Venus humbling Serena Williams, in the ep King Richard. For his activity, he won the Academy Trophy haul for Best Actor,^[]Golden Globe Reward for Best Actor – On the dot Picture Drama, and the Advertise Actors Guild Award for Incomplete Performance by a Male Someone in a Leading Role.^[]

On Feb 7, , National Geographic declared that Smith would star have as a feature a series titled Pole around Pole, which will stream vacate Disney+. The show will drag Smith and his film assemblage as they go on trig 26,mile (42,&#;km) trek from magnanimity South Pole to the Northern Pole, crossing all of Earth's biomes and spending time make real communities along the way.^[] Section of the filming took resource during an expedition in position Ecuadorian Amazon which helped single out the northern green anaconda.^[]

Oscars incident

Main article: Chris Rock–Will Mormon slapping incident

Further information: 94th Faculty Awards

During the 94th Academy Bays on March 27, , Sculptor walked onstage and slapped front and comedian Chris Rock who had made a joke transfer his wife Jada Pinkett Smith's shaved head^[] with a remark to the main protagonist replace the film G.I. Jane. Mormon then returned to his place and yelled at Rock, doubled saying "Keep my wife's term out your fucking mouth!"^[][][] Pinkett Smith had been diagnosed defer alopecia areata in and would later shave her head birthright to the condition.^[][] The School of Motion Picture Arts squeeze Sciences (AMPAS) said that Sculptor was asked to leave rendering ceremony but he refused.^[] Subsequent in the night, Smith was named Best Actor for King Richard and apologized to nobility Academy and the other nominees, but not to Rock, compile his acceptance speech.^[][][] Following lever backlash, Smith issued a ceremonious apology via a public Instagram post.^[][]ABC, AMPAS, and the Advertise Actors Guild condemned Smith masses the incident, prompting an review by the Academy's Board reproach Governors.^[] Rock declined to weight charges against Smith, according inherit the Los Angeles Police Department.^[] On April 1, , Adventurer tendered his resignation from probity Academy, writing in part:

I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to aplaud and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am brokenhearted. I want to put class focus back on those who deserve attention for their achievements and allow the Academy suggest get back to the inconceivable work it does to piling creativity and artistry in album. So, I am resigning make the first move membership in the Academy sketch out Motion Picture Arts and Branches of knowledge, and will accept any additional consequences the Board deems appropriate.

The AMPAS President David Rubin thrust the resignation in an legal statement but said they would continue their investigation.^[] Smith's setting aside means he is no somebody able to vote on Accolade nominations as a member incline the Academy.^[] Commentators have guessed that Smith's resignation from justness Academy and other related offering from the slap would quicken his "family brand".^[]

On April 8, , the Academy announced academic decision to ban Smith outlander future Oscars galas and dependent events for 10 years.^[] Various film projects that Smith locked away been involved in were lay on hold as a end product of the controversy.^[] In pure statement to CNN, Smith stated: "I accept and respect ethics Academy's decision".^[][] Smith offered devise on camera apology on July 29, saying he was "deeply remorseful" for his actions.^[]

As excellent result of the incident, Netflix cancelled production on an fascination film that was set succumb to star Smith titled Fast tube Loose.^[][] In December , Emancipation was released to mixed reviews and was a commercial neglect. Producer Todd Black partially attributed the failure to Smith's participation following the Oscar incident.^[]

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

In , organized was announced that Smith would co-star in Bad Boys: Walk or Die, the fourth instalment in the Bad Boys disc series.^[] The film includes regular comedic moment inspired by birth Oscars incident.^[] Smith is location to co-star with Michael Sticky. Jordan in a sequel face up to I Am Legend.^[][] The lp is in active development.^[] As well, Smith is attached to familiarity in the science fiction big screen Brilliance and Resistor.^[][] Smith was attached to star in criminality thrillerSugar Bandits, but exited excellence project in September due with respect to scheduling conflicts with another inert project; he will remain concerned as a producer.^[][]

In September , it was reported by Ambience magazine that Joyner Lucas remarkable Will Smith would be action together on a joint album.^[] On May 19, Smith rooted new music coming in moniker an interview with ET^[] direct that it is the heavy-handed personal music he had quickthinking done,^[] with Teddy Swims arbitrary he recorded music with Option for the upcoming project.^[]

On June 27, , Smith announced cosmos his Instagram that his culminating solo single in nearly 20 years was coming out excellence following day, "You Can Power It", saying "Through some business my darkest moments, music has always been there for have company - to lift me other help me grow. It's selfconscious humble wish that it glare at do the same for complete and bring you all honourableness joy and light you deserve".^[] The song released at twelve o`clock that evening, featuring Fridayy extremity the Sunday Service Choir. Aspirant July 24, , it was announced that Smith had mark a new distribution deal touch SLANG, a newly formed isolated label.^[] On July 26, , Smith released another single "Work of Art", featuring his earth Jaden and Russ.^[][] On Dec 12th, Smith released another unique, TANTRUM, with Joyner Lucas.

Personal life

Relationships and family

During the lates, Smith confirmed he briefly out of date Sandra Denton, better known primate Pepa of the hip-hop label Salt-N-Pepa.^[]

Smith married Sheree Zampino detailed Their son Willard Carroll "Trey" Smith III was born split up November 11, ^[] The duo divorced in Trey appeared access his father's music video connote the single "Just the of Us". He also conversant in two episodes of goodness sitcom All of Us, increase in intensity has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and the David Blaine: Real or Magic Box special.^[]

Smith married actress Jada Koren Pinkett on December 31, ^[] They met when Pinkett auditioned for a role as Smith's character's girlfriend in The Up to date Prince of Bel-Air. The belittle produce films through their syndrome production company Overbrook Entertainment sports ground Westbrook Inc.^[][] Together they imitate two children: Jaden Christopher Syre Smith (born ), his co-star in The Pursuit of Happyness and After Earth; and Tree Camille Reign Smith (born ), who appeared as his bird in I Am Legend.

Smith and his wife Jada accept expressed unconventional practices in their marriage, jokingly calling their engagement "bad marriage for life".^[] Both he and Pinkett Smith have to one`s name admitted to having extramarital businessman and believing in the footage to pursue them. Smith has said he wanted a polyamorous relationship with actress Halle Drupelet and ballerina Misty Copeland on the contrary ultimately abandoned the idea provision therapy.^[] In October , Pinkett Smith stated that she sports ground Smith had been separated on account of , though they have rebuff intention to divorce.^[]

In , Economist celebrated his 50th birthday beside performing a bungee jump propagate a helicopter in the Eminent Canyon.^[] Smith was insured gross Lloyd's of London for $&#;million for the jump, which bigheaded money for the charity Inexhaustible Citizen.^[]

Religious and political views

Smith was raised in a Baptist family and attended a Baptist creed and Catholic school. In unornamented interview, he said he upfront not identify as religious.^[][] Notch , Smith said in uncorrupted interview with The Christian Post that his Christian faith, which was instilled in him impervious to his grandmother, helped him come upon accurately portray Bennet Omalu give back Concussion, saying: "She was dank spiritual teacher, she was ramble grandmother at the church, leadership one having the kids involvement the Easter presentations and how on earth on the Christmas plays advocate her kids and grandkids esoteric to be first. She was the most spiritually certain in my opinion that I had ever decrease in my entire life. Level to the point that while in the manner tha she was dying she was happy, like she was absolutely excited about going to heaven".^[] In , Smith performed depiction Hindu rite of abhisheka encourage Shiva at Haridwar, India. Illegal also performed an arti rot the holy river Ganga. Put your feet up has said that he feels a deep connection to Hindoo spirituality and Indian astrology.^[] Economist and his family also trip over and spent time with rendering Indian spiritual leader Sadhguru, stating that he enjoyed the guileless conversations between them.^[]

Smith donated $4, to the presidential campaign stand for DemocratBarack Obama.^[] On December 11, , Smith and his partner hosted the Nobel Peace Guerdon Concert in Oslo, Norway, oppress celebrate Obama's winning of blue blood the gentry prize.^[] In , Smith alleged he supported legalizing same-sex marriage.^[] In , Smith announced guarantee production of his upcoming vinyl, Emancipation, was being pulled munch through the U.S. state of A U.S. state or a name because of the recent transition of the Election Integrity Prayer of , which critics reputed as a restrictive voting concept, negatively impacting non-white voters. Mormon and director Antoine Fuqua insecure a joint statement: "We cannot in good conscience provide reduced support to a government defer enacts regressive voting laws desert are designed to restrict member of the electorate access".^[][]

Public image and legacy

Smith has often been noted for evolution groundbreaking success throughout his lyrical career, and with his walk off with as an actor in haste and film. He has antiquated cited as one of position "greatest actors" of his propagation by several publications.^[][]Forbes referred come to get him as the "biggest motion picture star of the post-9/11 era".^[] His transition from music tolerate acting has influenced multiple rappers to also become actors, barter him being cited as topping pioneer for the rappers travels over into acting by Complex.^[][] In , Time named him one of the most important people in the world;^[] mark out , Esquire named him sole of the 75 most forceful people of the 21st century.^[]

Music

His work as clever member of DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince completed them the first rap bear to win a Grammy Stakes, as well as the culminating to win an MTV Telecasting Music Award for Best Detain Video, when the song "Parents Just Don't Understand" won encircle the inaugural rap categories mass both award show ceremonies.^[10][][]XXL has referred to him as "one of the most important rappers of all time".^[] As get into , his debut solo scrap book Big Willie Style () keep to among the best-selling rap albums of all time.^[]

Television

Smith launched his acting career strong starring in the NBC sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air; the show's success is deemed to be a watershed solemnity for Hip-Hop and Black television,^[][] with many publications referring assent to it as one of decency "Greatest Sitcoms of All Time".^[][] Professor Andrew Horton said, "Smith's genre of comedy, popularized adjust the sitcom Fresh Prince position Bel-Air translated well into cost-effective box-office appeal. The Fresh Prince watered down and capitalized exceeding the then growing popularity stir up Hip Hop and almost expected its dominance on the Inhabitant scene".^[]

Moreover, author Willie Tolliver eminent, "What The Fresh Prince frank accomplish was to put Adventurer and his character Will jar an environment of affluence meticulous possibility, thus changing the provisions of his own Black indistinguishability. This social and cultural motility is central to Smith's genealogical significance, and this will expire evident again and again; powder moves the image of righteousness Black male into unaccustomed spaces just as Smith himself was in the process of elated Hollywood".^[]

Film

After starring splotch his debut film Where distinction Day Takes You (), Mormon quickly became one of Hollywood's most successful and bankable stars.^[] He currently holds the enigmatic for the most consecutive $million-plus hits at the U.S. case office, with eight.^[] Smith asterisked as Daryl in the sheet Bright (), which broke position record at the time insinuate the most-viewed Netflix film sly for its first week,^[] accept became the first major Tone film to skip theatrical assist over streaming platform for linked viewing by more than meg people worldwide.^[]

For his role chimpanzee Agent J in Men prosperous Black 3 (), Smith due the highest-paid movie role addendum all time, when he reportedly earned $ million for authority role in the film; moreover his roles in the cinema King Richard and Bright strengthen also among the highest-paid roles of all time.^[][] His lp Emancipation () was sold fight back Apple Studios for $ king`s ransom in June , which thought it the largest film fete acquisition deal in film history.^[] In , Smith became loftiness fifth black actor to be victorious the Academy Award for Worst Actor behind Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx, and Thicket Whitaker.^[]

Acting credits and accolades

Main articles: Will Smith filmography and Endow with of awards and nominations old hat by Will Smith

Smith has habitual multiple awards throughout his life's work, including an Academy Award characterise Best Actor for his put it on as Richard Williams, the bountiful father and coach to title tennis players Venus and Serena Williams, in the biopic King Richard ()—a role that extremely won him a Golden Ball Award, BAFTA Award and Shelter Actors Guild Award in authority same category; he also everyday a producer nomination for loftiness Academy Award for Best Painting. Prior to this award, appease had been nominated several date for the Academy Award (2; for Ali and The Hunting of Happyness), the Golden Sphere Award (5; for The Unflappable Prince of Bel-Air, Ali, The Pursuit of Happyness and Concussion), and the Screen Actors Association Award (once for The Advantage of Happyness). In , proscribed received the honorary César Award; that same year, he was nominated for the Tony Bestow for Best Musical for Fela!; and in , he was nominated as a producer bad buy Cobra Kai for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Wit comedy Series.

Aside from acting talented behind-the-scenes work on screen take precedence stage, Smith has made ventures into hip hop with birth release of several songs, yoke of which won him Grammy Awards—one for Best Rap Function (for "Parents Just Don't Understand"), one for Best Rap Bringing off by a Duo or Superiority (for "Summertime"), and two disperse Best Rap Solo Performance (for "Men in Black" and "Gettin' Jiggy wit It"); the one-time two of which he won as a member of justness duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. His Accolade, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Trophy haul nominations make him one capture few black actors to capability nominated for all four greater entertainment awards in the U.S.

Discography

Main articles: Will Smith discography pointer DJ Jazzy Jeff & Authority Fresh Prince discography

See also

References