Actor, rapper. Born Willard Christopher Smith, Jr. on September 25, 1968 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Smith began rapping at age 12 and became known as the Fresh Prince when he teamed with Jeff Townes (a.k.a. D.J. Jazzy Jeff) to create a popular combination of pop and hip-hop in the 1980s. They won the first ever Grammy in the Rap category in 1988.
Smith parlayed his recognition as a musician into real fame when he starred on the hit television sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air in 1990. He then made his dramatic film debut in 1993’s Six Degrees of Separation, followed by the first of many action adventure films, Bad Boys costarring Martin Lawrence. After The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air ended in 1996, Smith concentrated exclusively on films and music.
Smith starred in a slew of blockbusters during the 1990s, including Independence Day (1996) and Men in Black (1997), the latter of which remains one of his most memorable roles to date. Other notable films include Enemy of the State, the comedy Hitch, and the title role in Ali, for which he received an Oscar nomination.
In 2006, he switched gears to star in a heartwarming drama opposite his young son, Jaden, in The Pursuit of Happyness. The performance earned him a Golden Globe nod.
Smith’s music career has been less successful, buoyed by hit singles related to his films, including "Men in Black,” "Just the Two of Us" and "Switch."
Smith was married to Sharee Zampino from 1992 to 1995; they have a son, Trey. He married actress Jada Pinkett in 1997; they have two children, Jaden and Willow.
Smith parlayed his recognition as a musician into real fame when he starred on the hit television sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air in 1990. He then made his dramatic film debut in 1993’s Six Degrees of Separation, followed by the first of many action adventure films, Bad Boys costarring Martin Lawrence. After The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air ended in 1996, Smith concentrated exclusively on films and music.
Smith starred in a slew of blockbusters during the 1990s, including Independence Day (1996) and Men in Black (1997), the latter of which remains one of his most memorable roles to date. Other notable films include Enemy of the State, the comedy Hitch, and the title role in Ali, for which he received an Oscar nomination.
In 2006, he switched gears to star in a heartwarming drama opposite his young son, Jaden, in The Pursuit of Happyness. The performance earned him a Golden Globe nod.
Smith’s music career has been less successful, buoyed by hit singles related to his films, including "Men in Black,” "Just the Two of Us" and "Switch."
Smith was married to Sharee Zampino from 1992 to 1995; they have a son, Trey. He married actress Jada Pinkett in 1997; they have two children, Jaden and Willow.
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