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Birth
Will Smith was born September 25, 1968 in West Philadelphia, PA. He was the second child of Caroline and Willard Smith. -
Childhood
As a child, Will wanted to become a rapper. He also enjoyed acting. He was inspired by hip-hop music. He wanted to be seen and heard. -
Start of Rapping Career
Will took up DJ-ing lessons. Then he met Jeff Townes, a local DJ-er. They formed a rap group together. At the end of the summer, they met Goodman about recording their first rap. Their song "Girls Ain't Nothing but Trouble" was released and made it big. Jive Records offered them $30, 000 for the rights to the song. They accepted and their song was soon being played across the country. -
Start of Acting Career
In late 1989, Will moved to California in hopes of starting his acting career. He then met with Benny Medina, a producer for Warner Bros Records. He wanted to make a TV show based on his life...with Will as the main character. The show was called The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. It received great ratings. -
Start of Film Career
While on break from his hit show, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Will took a small role in his first movie. It was called Where the Day Takes You. It wasn't a hit movie, but it improved his acting skills and gave him experience necessary to continue for film acting. -
Awards
In 1992, Will won a Grammy. He also received an Image Award from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Even more so, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air won an Image Award for Best Comedy Series. -
Gaining Popularity
In the mid to late 1990's, Will learned his fiance, Sheree Zampino, was pregnant. In order to stay busy until the expected delivery of his first son, he took a lead role in Six Degrees of Separation. It was his first big part. He earned $500,000. -
Leaving
In 1996, Will told his producer for The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air that he was leaving the show and that it would be his last season. He now had a son and he was ready for change. -
Change
In 1996, Will and Sheree were divorced. His son, Trey, would live with his mother. Also, he starred in the 5 million dollar blockbuster, Independence Day. It made him one of Hollywood's biggest stars. -
A New Person
Will made it big in many ways. His new rap, Gettin' Jiggy Wit It, was at the top of the Billboard charts for two weeks. He also earned $600,000 for his latest movie, Men in Black. In addition, his relationship with his new girlfriend, Jada Pinkett was growing serious. He proposed, and they were married. -
Ali
Smith starred in a hit new movie, Ali. It received $10 million on the first day. He was at the top of his game. He was nominated for and Oscar and a Golden Globe. -
Sequels
Smith did sequels to Men in Black and Bad Boys. He was then cast as the lead in I, Robot. He earned more than $347 million worldwide. -
Acting Career Expands
Smith received yet another lead role in Shark Tale. He was perfect for it. The movie was a huge hit amongst children and adults. -
The End
Smith continued to star in many other movies including Hitch The Pursuit of Happyness, He rose to the top of his game in bot acting and rapping. Anything is possible with him.