Will Smith is an American actor, rapper, and producer, born on September 25, 1968, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He first gained prominence in the 1980s as part of the hip-hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince, known for hits like “Parents Just Don’t Understand” and “Summertime.”
Transitioning to acting, Smith starred in the NBC sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” (1990–1996), and went on to lead successful film franchises such as “Bad Boys” and “Men in Black.” His performances in “Ali” (2001) and “The Pursuit of Happyness” (2006) earned him Academy Award nominations.
In 2022, he won the Oscar for Best Actor for his role in “King Richard.” However, the ceremony was marred by an incident where Smith slapped presenter Chris Rock, leading to a ten-year ban from Academy events.
After a two-decade hiatus, Smith is returning to music with his upcoming album “Based on a True Story,” set for release on March 28, 2025. The album features collaborations with artists like Teyana Taylor, Jaden Smith, and DJ Jazzy Jeff.
He has released singles such as “Beautiful Scars” and “Work of Art” in anticipation. Additionally, Smith recently recreated an iconic dance sequence from “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” alongside co-star Tatyana M. Ali and rapper Doechii, a video that has garnered over 210 million views.