Early Life and Education

Willard Carroll Smith Jr. was born on September 25, 1968, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His mother, Caroline, worked for the school board, and his father, Willard C. Smith Sr., was a refrigeration company owner. Smith grew up in West Philadelphia, attending Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School and later Overbrook High School. Known for his charismatic personality, he earned the nickname "Prince," which later evolved into his stage name, "The Fresh Prince." (biography.com)

Music Career

DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince

In the mid-1980s, Smith formed the hip-hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince with his friend Jeffrey "DJ Jazzy Jeff" Townes. The duo gained popularity with their lighthearted and radio-friendly songs. Their 1988 single "Parents Just Don't Understand" won the first-ever Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance. (britannica.com)

Solo Career

Transitioning to a solo career, Smith released his debut album, "Big Willie Style," in 1997. The album featured hit singles like "Gettin' Jiggy wit It" and "Miami," and achieved multi-platinum status. He continued his musical success with subsequent albums, including "Willennium" (1999) and "Born to Reign" (2002). (en.wikipedia.org)

After a hiatus from music, Smith returned with the album "Based on a True Story" in March 2025. The album includes collaborations with artists such as Big Sean, Russ, Joyner Lucas, and his son, Jaden Smith. (en.wikipedia.org)

Acting Career

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

Smith's acting career began with the NBC sitcom "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," which aired from 1990 to 1996. The show, loosely based on his own life, featured Smith as a fictionalized version of himself and became a cultural phenomenon. (britannica.com)

Film Career

Smith transitioned to film with roles in "Bad Boys" (1995) and "Independence Day" (1996). He achieved further success with the "Men in Black" series, starting in 1997. His portrayal of Muhammad Ali in "Ali" (2001) earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. He received another nomination for his role in "The Pursuit of Happyness" (2006). In 2022, Smith won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance as Richard Williams in "King Richard" (2021). (en.wikipedia.org)

Entrepreneurial Ventures

In 2019, Smith and his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, founded Westbrook Inc., a multimedia and entertainment company. Westbrook Inc. focuses on producing diverse content across various platforms. (en.wikipedia.org)

Personal Life

Smith married Sheree Zampino in 1992, and they had a son, Trey Smith, before divorcing in 1995. In 1997, he married actress Jada Pinkett Smith. The couple has two children, Jaden and Willow Smith, both of whom have pursued careers in entertainment. (en.wikipedia.org)

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Smith has received numerous accolades, including four Grammy Awards and an Academy Award for Best Actor. In 2022, he won the Academy Award for his role in "King Richard." (en.wikipedia.org)

Recent Developments

In July 2024, Smith made a return to music with the release of the single "You Can Make It," performed at the BET Awards. The song emphasizes themes of resilience and hope. (time.com)

In March 2025, Smith released his fifth studio album, "Based on a True Story," marking his first album in two decades. The album reflects on personal experiences and features collaborations with various artists. (apnews.com)

In April 2025, a street in West Philadelphia was renamed "Will Smith Way" in his honor, recognizing his contributions to entertainment and his connection to the community. (apnews.com)