Will Smith | Success story of one of the most multi-talented Stars in Hollywood

Will Smith is a multi-talented actor, producer, rapper, and film producer. He is one of the most famous personalities known all around the world. Smith has been nominated for five Golden Globes and two Academy Awards and has won four Grammy Awards. He is the only actor to have starred in eight consecutive films, which grossed over $100 million at the United States box office. In 2013, Forbes named Smith the most bankable star in the world. In 2007, a magazine called him “the most powerful actor in Hollywood.” His success story is an inspiration to many struggling actors around the world.

Early life

Willard Carroll Smith Jr. was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 25, 1968. His parents got separated in the year 1981 and officially divorced each other in 2000. It is widely reported that Will Smith turned down a scholarship offer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He didn’t accept the offer because he “wanted to rap” and make a career. Moreover, Smith started rapping at the early age of 12.

Music career

Will Smith started his career as a rapper at the age of 16. Smith met Jeffery Townes, a DJ, at a party. The duo felt strong chemistry between them and decided to join forces. They formed a group called DJ Jazzy Jeff & Fresh Prince. Smith’s friend, Clarence Holmes, joined as the beatboxer, making them a trio. Their first single became a hit a month before Smith graduated from school. The group started gaining recognition. Russell Simmons and Jive Records noticed the group. They allowed them to produce their first album, Rock the House 1987. In 1989, the group received their first Grammy, and in 1991, they won their second Grammy Award. 

Struggles faced by Will Smith

In 1988 and 1989, Smith spent his money around freely, underpaying his income taxes. The IRS charged him a $2.8 million tax debt and took many of his possessions. During that time, he struggled financially until NBC, a television company, offered him a contract to build a show based on his life. The sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, was successful, and he began his career in acting.

Acting career and breakthrough

In 1996, Smith starred in Independence Day, a massive blockbuster. The film became the second highest-grossing film in history at the time. In the summer of 1997, he starred in the hit film Men in Black, which grossed over $589.3 million worldwide, becoming the year’s third highest-grossing film. Smith received praises from the critics as well as the moviegoers.  

In 2001, Smith starred in the Mohammed Ali biopic Ali and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor. In the following years, he starred in many hit films and established himself as one of the top actors in Hollywood. Smith and his son acted together in the movie The Pursuit of Happyness in the year 2006. The film and Smith’s performance received high praises from the critics. He has been a part of many highly successful commercial movies. These movies include Hitch, I am Legend, Hancock, and Seven pounds. His successes have made him one of the highest-grossing box office actors. In 2019, Smith portrayed the genie in the live-action adaptation of Aladdin. The film grossed over $1 billion worldwide to become Smith’s highest-grossing film, surpassing Independence Day. In addition, he is also a philanthropist and has donated money to various charities. 

Lessons we can learn from Will Smith.

From an early age, Smith wanted to become a rapper. He followed his dreams and successfully achieved them. While struggling with money, he was awarded a chance to bounce back and seized the opportunity. To succeed in life, we need to believe in ourselves and take advantage of an opportunity when offered. Dreams certainly don’t come true unless you work hard for them. Above all, the difference between winners and losers is often the perseverance that goes into achieving their dream.

Recent Update:

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In 2022, Will Smith started taking therapy after the infamous slap incident at the Academy Awards. He went to India for spiritual enlightenment. After the incident, Will publically apologized for his behavior. He said that his actions were unacceptable and inexcusable. In April, he reached the Mumbai airport. Some trustable sources claimed that Will has visited for a Yoga and meditation trip. In contrast, his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, has returned to work. She made a comeback with her talk show, Red Table Talk. Jada also claimed that her family is going through a deep healing process. Furthermore, Will personally apologized to Chris Rock for the violent behavior.

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