Before gaining fame as an actor, Will Smith started his career as a rapper. He formed the hip-hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince with his childhood friend Jeffrey "DJ Jazzy Jeff" Townes.
Will Smith's breakthrough role came in the popular sitcom "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," which aired from 1990 to 1996. The show was loosely based on his own life and helped launch his acting career
Will Smith was originally offered the lead role of Neo in the sci-fi blockbuster "The Matrix" (1999), but he turned it down. He later explained that he did not fully understand the concept at the time and believed he couldn't bring anything unique to the role.
Will Smith has been consistently successful at the box office throughout his career. He has starred in several blockbuster hits, including "Independence Day" (1996), "Men in Black" (1997), "Hancock" (2008), and "Aladdin" (2019).
In the early 2000s, Will Smith became one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood. He earned a salary of $20 million for his role in "Men in Black II" (2002), making him one of the highest-paid actors at the time.
Will Smith is known for his philanthropic efforts. He has supported various charitable causes, including education, disaster relief, and cancer research. He is also involved in social activism and has spoken out on issues such as poverty, racial equality, and environmental conservation.
Will Smith has showcased his talent in other areas. He released several successful solo rap albums, such as "Big Willie Style" (1997) and "Willennium" (1999). He also ventured into producing and has his own production company called Overbrook Entertainment.
In 2005, Will Smith set a Guinness World Record for attending three premieres in a 24-hour period for his film "Hitch." He traveled to London, Paris, and Los Angeles for the premieres, creating a unique record in film promotion.
Will Smith had the honor of being a torchbearer for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. He ran a portion of the torch relay route, symbolizing the unity of the international community through sports.