Will Smith

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Biography

Willard Christopher " Will " Smith, Jr. (born September 25, 1968), also known by his stage name The Fresh Prince , is an American actor , producer, and rapper . He has enjoyed success in television, film and music. In April 2007, Newsweek called him the most powerful actor in Hollywood. Smith has been nominated for four Golden Globe Award s, two Academy Award s, and has won multiple Grammy Award s.

In the late 1980s, Smith achieved modest fame as a rapper under the name DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince|The Fresh Prince . In 1990, his popularity increased dramatically when he starred in the popular television series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air . The show ran for nearly six years (1990–1996) on NBC and has been syndicated consistently on various networks since then. In the mid-1990s, Smith moved from television to film, and ultimately starred in numerous blockbuster (entertainment)|blockbuster films . He is the only actor to have eight consecutive films gross over $100 million in the domestic box office and the only one to have eight consecutive films in which he starred open at #1 spot in the domestic box office tally.

Fourteen of the nineteen fiction films he has acted in have accumulated worldwide gross earnings of over $100 million, and four took in over $500 million in global box office receipts. As of 2011, his films have grossed $5.7 billion in global box office.Staskiewicz, Keith. "Will Smith's Road to Superstardom". Entertainment Weekly . July 8, 2011. page 10 His most financially successful films have been Bad Boys (1995 film)|Bad Boys , Bad Boys II , Independence Day (film)|Independence Day , Men in Black (film)|Men in Black , Men in Black II , I, Robot (film)|I, Robot , The Pursuit of Happyness , I Am Legend (film)|I Am Legend , Hancock (film)|Hancock , Wild Wild West , Enemy of the State (film)|Enemy of the State , Shark Tale , Hitch (film)|Hitch and Seven Pounds . He also earned critical praise for his performances in Six Degrees of Separation (film)|Six Degrees of Separation , Ali (film)|Ali and The Pursuit of Happyness , receiving Best Actor Oscar nominations for the latter two.

Family and early life

Smith was born and raised in West Philadelphia , Pennsylvania , and also spent time in Germantown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|Germantown in Northwest Philadelphia . His mother, Caroline (née Bright), was a school administrator who worked for the Philadelphia school board, and his father, Willard Christopher Smith, Sr., was a refrigeration engineer. He was raised Baptist . His parents separated when he was thirteen, and did not actually divorce until around 2000.

It is untrue, though widely reported, that Smith turned down a scholarship to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT); he never applied to the school, although he was admitted to a "pre-engineering program" there. According to Smith, "My mother, who worked for the School District of Philadelphia|School Board of Philadelphia , had a friend who was the admissions officer at MIT. I had pretty high SAT scores and affirmative action in the United States|they needed black kids , so I probably could have gotten in. But I had no intention of going to college."

Recording and acting career

Early work (1985–1995)

Smith started as the MC#Hip hop|MC of the hip-hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince , with his childhood friend DJ Jazzy Jeff|Jeffrey "DJ Jazzy Jeff" Townes as turntablist and producer,Stated on Inside the Actors Studio , 2002 as well as Ready Rock C (Clarence Holmes) as the human beat box. The trio was known for performing humorous, radio-friendly songs, most notably " Parents Just Don't Understand " and " Summertime (DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince song)|Summertime ". They gained critical acclaim and won the first Grammy awarded in the Rap category (1988). Smith had a line in " Voices That Care ", a 1991 Persian Gulf War song by a celebrity group. Smith spent money freely during his early career and underpaid his income taxes. The Internal Revenue Service eventually assessed a $2.8 million tax debt against Smith, took many of his possessions, and garnishment|garnished his income.
Smith was nearly bankrupt in 1990, when the NBC television network signed him to a contract and built a sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air , around him. The show was successful and began his acting career. Smith set for himself the goal of becoming "the biggest movie star in the world," studying List of highest-grossing films|box office successes ' common characteristics. His first major roles were in the drama Six Degrees of Separation (film)|Six Degrees of Separation (1993) and the action film Bad Boys (1995 film)|Bad Boys (1995).

Breakthrough (1996–2000)

In 1996, Smith starred as part of an ensemble cast in Roland Emmerich 's Independence Day (film)|Independence Day . The film was a massive blockbuster, becoming the second highest grossing film in history at the time and establishing Smith as a prime box office draw. In 1998, Smith starred with Gene Hackman in Enemy of the State (film)|Enemy of the State . He turned down the role of Neo (The Matrix)|Neo in The Matrix in favor of Wild Wild West (1999). Despite the disappointment of Wild Wild West , Smith has said that he harbors no regrets about his decision, asserting that Keanu Reeves 's performance as Neo was superior to what Smith himself would have achieved. Though in interviews subsequent to the release of Wild Wild West he stated that he "made a mistake on Wild Wild West . That could have been better." Total Film magazine, Feb 2009 Issue 151, pp 120-125, Will Smith: The Total Film Interview , by Lesley O'Toole, Future Publishing Ltd., London England

International success (2001–present)

In 2005, Smith was entered into the Guinness Book of World Records for attending a record breaking three premieres in a 24-hour time span.

He has planned to star in a feature film remake of the television series It Takes a Thief (1968 TV series)|It Takes a Thief .

On December 10, 2007, Smith was recognized at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard . Smith left an imprint of his hands and feet outside the world renowned theater in front of many fans. Later that month, Smith starred in the film I Am Legend (film)|I Am Legend , released December 14, 2007. Despite marginally positive reviews, its opening was the largest ever for a film released in the United States during December. Smith himself has said that he considers the film to be "aggressively unique". video interview with stv.tv , December 2007 A reviewer said that the film's commercial success "cemented standing as the number one box office draw in Hollywood." On December 1, 2008, TV Guide reported that Smith has been selected as one of America’s top ten most fascinating people of 2008 for a Barbara Walters American Broadcasting Company|ABC special that aired on December 4, 2008." TV Guide . December 1, 2008. Retrieved on December 3, 2008.

Smith is currently developing a film entitled The Last Pharaoh , in which he will star as Taharqa .

President of the United States|President Barack Obama has stated that if a film were to ever be made about his life, he would have Smith play his part, because "he has the ears". Obama stated that the two have discussed a possibility of a film based on the 2008 election, but this may not happen until the end of the Obama presidency.

He is currently filming Men in Black III for a 2012 release playing Agent J, one of his more popular earlier roles, making this his first major starring role in four years.

On August 19, 2011, it was announced that Smith had returned to the studio with producer La Mar Edwards to make a new album. Edwards has worked with artists such as T.I. , Chris Brown (American entertainer)|Chris Brown , and Game (rapper)|Game .

Personal life

Smith was raised by his parents in West Philadelphia . Smith credits his father's dedication when discussing his own involvement in the lives of his three children: "I look at my father and how he was able to keep four kids fed and clothed and still managed to find time to spend with us." Smith married Sheree Zampino in 1992. They had a son, Willard Christopher Smith III, also known as "Trey", but divorced in 1995. Trey appeared in his father's music video for the 1998 single " Just the Two of Us (Will Smith song)|Just the Two of Us ". Smith married actress Jada Pinkett Smith|Jada Pinkett in 1997. Together they have had two children: Jaden Smith|Jaden Christopher Syre (born 1998), his co-star in The Pursuit of Happyness , and Willow Smith|Willow Camille Reign (born 2000), who appeared as his daughter in I Am Legend (film)|I Am Legend . Along with his brother, Harry Smith, he owns Treyball Development Inc., a Beverly Hills, California|Beverly Hills -based company named after his first son. Smith and his family reside on Star Island (Florida)|Star Island in Miami Beach, Florida and in Los Angeles, Stockholm, Sweden and Philadelphia .

Smith was consistently listed in Fortune Magazine 's "Richest 40" list of the forty wealthiest Americans under the age of 40 and according to magazine article Celebrity Net Worth Smith's estimated net personal wealth is stated at $188 million . He donated $4,600 to the presidential campaign of Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat Barack Obama . December 11, 2009, Smith and his wife hosted the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo, Norway, when Obama had won the prize.

Smith has said he has studied multiple religions, including Scientology , and he has said many complimentary things about Scientology and other faiths. Despite his praise of Scientology, Smith said "I just think a lot of the ideas in Scientology are brilliant and revolutionary and non-religious" and "Ninety-eight percent of the principles in Scientology are identical to the principles of the Bible.... I don't think that because the word someone uses for spirit is ' thetan ' that the definition becomes any different." He has denied having joined the Church of Scientology , saying "I am a Christian. I am a student of all religions, and I respect all people and all paths." Smith gave $1.3 million to charities in 2007, of which $450,000 went to two Christian ministries, and $122,500 went to three Scientology organizations; the remaining beneficiaries included "a Los Angeles mosque, other Christian-based schools and churches, and the Yitzhak Rabin Memorial Center in Israel". Smith and his wife have also founded a private elementary school in Calabasas, California , the New Village Leadership Academy , which uses Study Technology , a teaching methodology developed by L. Ron Hubbard , the founder of Scientology .

Discography

With DJ Jazzy Jeff

Rock the House (album)|Rock the House (1987)

'' He's the DJ, I'm the Rapper (1988)

And in This Corner... (1989)

Homebase (album)|Homebase (1991)

Code Red (DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince album)|Code Red (1993)

Solo

Big Willie Style (1997)

Willennium (1999)

Born to Reign (2002)

Lost and Found (Will Smith album)|Lost and Found (2005)

Filmography

Year	Film	Role	Notes
1990	Saturday Morning Videos	Host	TV
	ABC Afterschool Special – "The Perfect Date"	Hawker	TV
	The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air	William "Will" Smith	TV (1990–1996)
1992	Blossom	Fresh Prince	TV, Cameo, episode 18 "I'm with the Band"
1992	Where the Day Takes You	Manny
1993	Made in America	Tea Cake Walters
1993	Six Degrees of Separation	Paul
1995	Bad Boys	Detective Mike Lowrey
1996	Independence Day	Captain Steven "Steve" Hiller, USMC	MTV Movie Award for Best Kiss
1997	Men in Black	James Darrell Edwards / Agent J	MTV Movie Award for Best Fight MTV Movie Award for Best Song From a Movie
1997	Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child	Pinocchio	TV Series;Episode 14 of Season 2 which aired on April 13, 1997.Episode also starred Chris Rock and Della Reese
1998	Enemy of the State	Robert Clayton Dean	Nominated— NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
1999	Torrance Rises	Himself	Cameo
1999	Wild Wild West	Captain James "Jim" West
2000	Welcome to Hollywood	Himself
2000	The Legend of Bagger Vance	Bagger Vance	Nominated— NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
2001	Ali	Muhammad Ali	MTV Movie Award for Best Performance Nominated— Academy Award for Best Actor Nominated— Broadcast Film Critics Association Award for Best Actor Nominated— Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama Nominated— NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
2002	Men in Black II	James Darrell Edwards / Agent J	BET Award for Best Actor Nominated— Black Reel Awards of 2002
2002	Girlfriend by B2K	Himself	Music video
2003	Bad Boys II	Detective Mike Lowrey	Nominated— NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
2003	All of Us	Johnny	TV, 3 episodes (2003–2004); Creator/ Executive Producer
2004	A Closer Walk	Narrator	Documentary
	Jersey Girl	Himself	Uncredited Cameo
	American Chopper	Himself	TV, Cameo
	I, Robot	Detective Del Spooner	Producer Nominated— NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
	The Seat Filler		Executive Producer; Independent Film
	Shark Tale	Oscar	Voice
2005	''There's a God on the Mic		Documentary
2005	Hitch	Alex "Hitch" Hitchens	Nominated— BET Awards>BET Award for Best Actor Nominated— Black Movie Award for Best Actor Nominated— Black Reel Awards of 2006
2006	The Pursuit of Happyness	Chris Gardner	Nominated— Academy Award for Best Actor Nominated— Black Reel Awards of 2007>Black Reel Award for Best Actor Nominated— Broadcast Film Critics Association Award for Best Actor Nominated— Chicago Film Critics Association Award for Best Actor Nominated— Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama Nominated— NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture Nominated— Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
2007	I Am Legend	Dr. Robert Neville	MTV Movie Award for Best Performance Saturn Award for Best Actor Nominated— BET Awards>BET Award for Best Actor Nominated— NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
2008	Hancock	John Hancock	Producer Nominated – Saturn Award for Best Actor
	Lakeview Terrace		Producer
	The Secret Life of Bees		Producer
	Seven Pounds	Ben Thomas	Producer
2010	The Karate Kid		Producer
2012	This Means War		Producer Post-production
	Annie		Co - Producer with Emma Thompson
		James Darrell Edwards / Agent J	Post-production
2013	After Earth		Pre-production
2013	The Last Pharaoh	Taharqa	Pre-production

|-
| rowspan="2" |2015
| Bad Boys II#Sequel| Bad Boys III
| Detective Mike Lowrey
| Pre-production
|}

Box office grosses

Year	Title	Budget	cite web>work=The Numbers	Worldwide gross
1992	Where the Day Takes You	N/ A	$390,152	$390,152
1993	Made in America		$44,942,695	$104,942,695
1993	Six Degrees of Separation		$6,284,090	$6,284,090
1995	Bad Boys	$23m	$65,647,413	$141,247,413
1996	Independence Day	$75m	$306,169,255	$817,400,878
1997	Men in Black	$90m	$250,690,539	$587,790,539
1998	Enemy of the State	$90m	$111,549,836	$250,649,836
1999	Wild Wild West	$170m	$113,805,681	$222,105,681
2000	The Legend of Bagger Vance	$80m	$30,695,227	$39,235,486
2001	Ali	$107m	$58,183,966	$84,383,966
2002	Men in Black II	$140m	$190,418,803	$441,818,803
2003	Bad Boys II	$60m	$138,540,870	$272,940,870
2004	I, Robot	$120m	$144,801,023	$348,601,023
2004	Shark Tale	$75m	$161,192,000	$367,192,000
2005	Hitch	$70m	$177,784,257	$366,784,257
2006	The Pursuit of Happyness	$55m	$162,586,036	$306,086,036
2007	I Am Legend	$150m	$256,393,010	$585,055,701
2008	Hancock	$150m	$227,946,274	$624,346,274
2008	Seven Pounds	$55m	$69,369,933	$166,617,328

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1. DJ Jazzy Jeff 2. T.I. 3. Eve 4. Jay-Z 5. MC Hammer 6. Queen Latifah 7. Biz Markie 8. DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Pr 9. Slim Shady 10. DJ Quik 11. Slick Rick

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