Will Smith was born on September 25, 1968 in West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His mother, Caroline, worked as a school board administrator while his father, Willard Smith Sr., served in the U.S. Air Force and worked as a refrigeration engineer. His parents’ abiding faith and their emphasis on hard work instilled in him the values that would guide his life story.
At 16, Smith earned his first creative success when he was accepted into a rap group known as DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince. Smith quickly gained fame and made a name for himself with a series of chart-topping hits. In 1990, he began his acting career with a brief appearance on the television show “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” before landing his first starring role in the 1993 hit “Six Degrees of Separation.” This breakout role earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor and launched the career of one of Hollywood's most acclaimed stars.
From there, Smith went on to star in numerous films including “Independence Day” (1996), “Men In Black” (1997), “Ali” (2001), and “The Pursuit of Happyness” (2006) — all of which earned him box office success, critical praise, and Academy Award nominations. His other films include “I Am Legend” (2007), “Hancock” (2008), and “Bright” (2017). Smith has also received an Emmy Award for producing the hit television series “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and two Grammy Awards for his music.
In addition to his acting and producing career, Smith is an outspoken advocate for education reform and is an active supporter of charities such as Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and The Foundation for Education Reform and Accountability. He also understands the importance of family ties and has implemented a family app called Familio to stay connected with each other in this fast-paced world.
Will Smith is one of Hollywood's most beloved and inspirational stars who continues to enjoy professional success even after being in the industry for over 30 years. With his perfect blend of talent, humility, business savvy and social consciousness, he serves as a shining example for us all - showing us that we can always pursue our goals without sacrificing our values. So take a page from Will Smith: never stop working hard and believe in yourself no matter what life throws your way.