Will Smith is an American actor, producer, and rapper born on September 25, 1968, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He first gained fame in the late 1980s as a rapper under the name "The Fresh Prince" and later became widely known for his role in the television series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which aired from 1990 to 1996. The show, which was loosely based on his own life, was a significant success and helped launch his acting career.
Smith transitioned from television to film in the mid-1990s, becoming one of Hollywood's most bankable stars. His breakout film role was in Bad Boys (1995), followed by major successes in Independence Day (1996) and Men in Black (1997). These films solidified his status as a leading actor, known for his charisma, humor, and action-hero roles. Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, Smith starred in a series of commercially successful films, including Enemy of the State (1998), Ali (2001), for which he received his first Academy Award nomination, I, Robot (2004), and The Pursuit of Happyness (2006), which earned him a second Oscar nomination.
In addition to his acting career, Smith has had success as a musician. He has won multiple Grammy Awards, and his songs, such as "Gettin' Jiggy wit It" and "Miami," became chart-topping hits during the late 1990s. He also ventured into film production, co-founding Overbrook Entertainment, a production company responsible for producing many of his films.
Smith's career faced a notable moment at the 2022 Academy Awards when he won his first Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of Richard Williams in King Richard. The event was overshadowed by an incident in which Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock during the live broadcast, leading to widespread media coverage and subsequent discussions about his actions.
Will Smith remains a prominent figure in entertainment, known for his versatility as both a comedic and dramatic actor, his music career, and his work as a producer.
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