In this article, we’ll uncover 10 things you don’t know about Will Smith that reveal the man behind the icon. American actor and rapper Will Smith is a household name around the world. The star has won numerous awards in his time, and as of 2023, his films have grossed over $9.3 billion worldwide. Before reaching such heights, he was the star MC of the hip-hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince. The small business was a collaboration between him and his childhood friend Jeffrey “DJ Jazzy Jeff” Townes, a turntablist and producer.
Before Will Smith made it big as a Hollywood star, he was part of the hip-hop duo “DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince” with DJ Jazzy Jeff. Their debut album, “Rock the House,” earned them their first-ever Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance in 1989.
Will Smith, a name synonymous with talent, charisma, and Hollywood success, has captivated audiences worldwide with his remarkable acting and infectious personality. From the lovable “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” to blockbuster movies and chart-topping music, he has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. While many know him as a versatile actor and rap legend, there are many lesser-known aspects of this multi-talented star.
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Fresh Facts About The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air, Will Smith
- Born: September 25, 1968, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Birth name: Willard Carroll Smith
- Nicknames: Fresh Prince, Mr. July Will
- Height: 6′ 1½″ (1.87 m)
However, his first major role came in 1993’s Six Degrees of Separation. Another game-changer for him was the 1995 action film Bad Boys, in which he starred alongside Martin Lawrence. From then on, it was one role after another that eventually made him the leading man in Hollywood. With all that in mind, here are ten interesting facts about him.
1. Brilliance in Education
Before embarking on the journey of show business, Will Smith showed brilliance in academics. He was accepted to the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) but turned down the opportunity to pursue music. Despite not attending college, he was always a strong advocate of education and emphasized the importance of continuous learning in his children’s lives.
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2. He’s A Guinness World Record Holder
Sometimes celebrities don’t have the luxury of turning their lives off. While it’s mostly a nuisance, Smith has turned it into gold. While promoting the 2005 romantic comedy Hitch, Smith toured England, appearing three times in 12 hours in Manchester, Birmingham, and London.
Thousands of fans greeted him at every event as he wore a casual camel coat, jeans, and a leather cap. This achievement earned him the Guinness World Record for the most public appearances by a movie star in 12 hours. It’s a testament to his dedication to his work and to his fans.
3. A Passion for Skydiving
Will Smith’s adventurous spirit goes beyond the silver screen. He has an intense passion for skydiving and has completed over 100 jumps. This daring hobby reflects his fearless approach to life and willingness to push the boundaries professionally and personally.
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4. A Prolific Box Office Draw
Known for his box office appeal, Will Smith continues to prove himself as a bankable star. His films have grossed over $8.5 billion worldwide, making him one of the most successful actors in Hollywood. Notably, he became the only actor to have eight consecutive films grossing over $100 million in the United States.
5. A Family Man with a Unique Parenting Approach
Behind the glitz and glamor, Will Smith is a dedicated family man. He has been married to actress Jada Pinkett Smith since 1997 and they have two children, Jaden and Willow Smith, who are also accomplished actors and musicians. Will and Jada were vocal about their parenting style, allowing their children considerable freedom to make decisions and encouraging them to express themselves fully.
Smith and his wife, Jada, expressed unconventional practices in their marriage, jokingly calling their commitment “a bad marriage for life.” Both he and Pinkett Smith have admitted to having extramarital affairs and believe in the freedom to continue them. Smith said he wanted a polyamorous relationship with actress Halle Berry and ballerina Misty Copeland, but eventually dropped the idea after therapy.
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6. A Philanthropic Heart
In addition to his artistic achievements, Will Smith is deeply committed to making a positive impact on society. He is involved in many charitable causes, including education, environmental protection, and assisting underserved communities. His philanthropic efforts earned him the Humanitarian Award at the 2019 MTV Movie & TV Awards.
7. A Near-Miss with “The Matrix”
Will Smith was originally offered the role of Neo in the cult film “Matrix”, but turned it down to star in “Wild Wild West”. While “The Matrix” became a massive hit with Keanu Reeves as Neo, Smith expressed regret that he didn’t take the opportunity because he believed he would have brought a unique interpretation to the character.
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8. A Master of Multitasking
In addition to his acting and musical talents, Will Smith is a savvy businessman. He co-founded the production company Overbrook Entertainment, which produced several successful films and television shows. Smith’s ability to juggle multiple roles demonstrates his business acumen and commitment to building a diverse and successful career.
9. A Versatile Actor
While Will Smith is famous for his action blockbuster roles, he has also showcased his acting chops in dramatic films. His performance in “The Pursuit of Happyness” earned him critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, proving that he is much more than an action star.
Smith’s first starring roles were in the drama Six Degrees of Separation (1993) and the action film Bad Boys (1995), opposite Martin Lawrence. The latter film was a commercial success, grossing $141.4 million worldwide. However, critical reception was generally mixed. In 1996, Smith starred as part of the ensemble cast in Roland Emmerich’s Independence Day. The film was a huge blockbuster, becoming the second highest-grossing film in history at the time and establishing Smith as a major box office draw.
In the summer of 1997, he starred opposite Tommy Lee Jones in the hit Men in Black, playing Agent J. The film was released on July 2 by Columbia Pictures and grossed over $589.3 million worldwide against a $90 million budget, becoming the third highest-grossing film this year, with an estimated 54,616,700 tickets sold in the US. It received positive reviews, with critics praising its humor as well as Jones’ and Smith’s performances.
In the summer of 1997, Smith launched his solo music career with the release of “Men in Black,” the theme song for the film. It topped the singles charts in multiple regions, including the United Kingdom. “Men in Black” and the second single, “Just Cruisin’,” were later featured on Smith’s debut solo album, Big Willie Style. The album reached the top ten on the US Billboard 200 and earned a nine-times platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
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10. He Boycotted the 1989 Grammys
Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince’s early success extended to the Grammys, where they won Best Rap Performance for “Parents Just Don’t Understand.” In addition to being the first Grammy for Smith and Jazzy Jeff, it was the first time the Grammys introduced this particular category. Still, the Grammys chose not to feature the category on the 1989 telecast.
The duo thus decided to boycott the Grammy Awards that year, with Smith calling the omission of the rap category a “slap in the face”. With fellow nominees Salt-N-Pepa and LL Cool J joining the protest, the Grammys aired the category the following year. Jazzy Jeff accepted the duo’s second Grammy for “Summertime” in 1992, while Smith collected his third Grammy in 1998 for “Men in Black.”
Some more unknown facts about Will Smith that you should know
- Due to excessive expenses and underpayment of income taxes, Will Smith was almost broke in 1990.
- NBC signed him for The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air in 1990, rescuing him to play the title character, based on Smith’s own characteristics. The show ran for six seasons and launched Smith’s career.
- Will Smith’s first leading role in a Hollywood feature film was as Paul in Six Degrees of Separation (1993), which also starred Sir Ian McKellen.
- Will Smith turned down the role of Neo in The Matrix (1999) to star in Wild Wild West (1999). While The Matrix became a huge success, Wild Wild West flopped at the box office.
- Will Smith and his son Jaden played father and son in two films: The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) and After Earth (2013).
- Smith has a son, Trey, from his first marriage to Sheree Zampino. Trey appeared with Smith in his music video for the song ‘Just the Two of Us.
- Will Smith is the only actor to have eight consecutive films gross over $100 million domestically and eleven consecutive films gross over $150 million worldwide.
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FAQ on Will Smith
Q. What is Will Smith most remembered for?
He has won four Grammy Awards for his recording career. Smith achieved wider fame as a leading man for the action film Bad Boys (1995), and the science fiction comedy Men in Black (1997); he later reprised both roles in several sequels.
Q. What talents does Will Smith have?
A versatile and accomplished actor, producer, and musician with a successful career spanning three decades. Known for my ability to bring energy and heart to every role, I have a proven track record of box office success and critical acclaim.
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Q: Has Will Smith won an Oscar?
While Will Smith has received critical acclaim and nominations for his performances, he has not yet won an Oscar. He has been nominated twice – first for Best Actor in “Ali” (2001) and later for Best Actor in a Leading Role for “The Pursuit of Happyness” (2006).
Q: What is Will Smith’s net worth?
As of the latest available data, Will Smith’s estimated net worth is around $350 million. His diverse career in acting, music, and entrepreneurship has contributed to his impressive financial success.
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Q: What is the origin of Will Smith’s stage name?
Will Smith adopted the stage name “The Fresh Prince” during his early hip-hop career with DJ Jazzy Jeff. His childhood nickname, “Prince,” and the character he portrayed in the sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” inspired the name.
Conclusion
Will Smith’s journey from young rapper to Hollywood icon is nothing special. With impressive achievements, philanthropy, and dedication to his family, Will Smith stands as a true role model for aspiring artists and entrepreneurs. His remarkable talents continue to surprise and delight, ensuring his influential presence in the entertainment world for years to come.
So the next time you see Will Smith on the big screen or hear his music, remember that there is much more to this remarkable man than meets the eye. His depth of character, determination, and passion for life make him an inspiration to millions around the world.
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