Will Smith Hollywood Actor: The Untold Story

 

Will Smith, one of Hollywood’s most successful and talented actors, has been in the spotlight since he was very young. Though he is well-known for his acting roles, many people don’t know about his background or the steps he took to get to where he is today. Here are five facts about Will Smith you probably didn’t know about this Hollywood actor. . . .

Early Life

Willard Christopher Will Smith, Jr. was born on September 25, 1968 in Philadelphia to Willard Christopher Smith, Sr., a local refrigeration engineer who served in the U.S. Army Reserve, and Caroline (née) Asberry, an elementary school teacher. He has an elder sister named Pamela; his parents are divorced. His mother's family is of mixed African American and European descent. His father is African-American and has Irish ancestry.

Acting Career

Will Smith has been acting since 1990. His first starring role was in the 1991 television series The Fresh Prince of Bel Air where he played a street-smart teenager from West Philadelphia who is sent to live with his wealthy aunt and uncle in their Bel Air mansion after being falsely accused of dealing drugs. 

Smith went on to appear in films including Bad Boys (1995) and Men In Black (1997). As a rapper, he released five albums starting in 1993. His collaborations include DJ Jazzy Jeff, Stevie Wonder and Queen Latifah. He also starred in the hit show The Fresh Prince of Bel Air until 1996 when he decided to focus on music and film full time.

Filmography

Will Smith is the American actor, producer and rapper. His first screen role was in the TV series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996). He has since gone on to star in numerous blockbuster films, including Independence Day (1996), Men in Black (1997), Enemy of the State (1998), Wild Wild West (1999), I Am Legend (2007) and most recently, his portrayal of Deadshot in DC's supervillain team-up film Suicide Squad.

Smith is best known for his roles as a rap artist; he has won three Grammy Awards for Best Rap Solo Performance and Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.

Personal Life

Willard Carroll Will Smith, Jr. was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and grew up in the Wynnefield neighborhood of the city. His mother, Caroline (née Healy), raised him as a single parent after his father abandoned the family. He has one sister, Pamela (born 1968).

Smith attended Overbrook High School but dropped out of school at age 17 to pursue a musical career.