Born: 25 October 1968
Birthplace: Philadelphia


It all began in Philadelphia where Smith met Jeff Townes at the age of 12. They hit it off instantly and began creating demo tapes with the goal of emulating their heroes Run DMC. At the age of 20, he produced Grammy winning album He's the DJ I'm the Rapper, with hit songs such as "Girls Ain't Nothing But Trouble" and "Parents Just Don't Understand", songs that became cult hits among teenagers at the time, not so much for the its musical excellence, but for its comedic overtones.

Smith got his start in show business as half of the Grammy Award-winning rap duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. An auspicious acting debut in television's Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990–96) led to an equally successful movie career, including leading roles in the blockbusters Independence Day (1996) and Men in Black (1997). He released his first solo album Big Willie Style in 1997. He is married to actress Jada Pinkett.

Facts about Will Smith:

Charming Will was dubbed "Prince" by his charmed schoolteachers, and he added "Fresh" to his nickname. Rapping since he was 12, he teamed up with buddy and DJ Jeff Townes, scoring with a hit called "Parents Just Don't Understand." They went on to win Grammys for "He's the DJ, I'm the Rapper."

Will considers Eddie Murphy a comedic role model, saying there are about 20 lines from Murphy's movies that "my friends and I say that are just part of our lives." Will decided to act after practicing in the mirror and realizing he could deliver lines just like Murphy.

How many actors play roles based on their lives? Will is one of those rare ones, with "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air" on TV for six seasons. At the end, it was "like leaving a family, more than just leaving a job." He received two Golden Globe nominations for his role.

Will is rumored to be such a gentleman on the set that film crew members have told him they wish he'd teach a class to other actors on how to behave!

Personal quotes:

"I want to do everything. I want to be the first black president. Give me about ten years, I'm going to run for president. If I can squeeze in an NBA championship before that, I'll do it."

"My skin is hard when it comes to my music. But with my movies, I'm still a virgin in a lot of ways. I'm not used to being shot down for no reason." 
Will Smith - Controversey. April/May 2000.

"I had to focus and create a character, not just do my 'Will Smith' thing and get paid." [on his role in Bagger Vance opposite Matt Damon] 
Will Smith - Premiere. 12.2000.

"The first eight years of schooling was with all white people. So that helped me to understand how white people think. I think that transition is what helped me bridge the gap, because that's what my success has really been about: bridging the gap between the black community and the white community." 
Will Smith - US Magazine. August 1997.

"There's no reason to rush into anything. We are very much in love and life is just so beautiful. We really haven't talkwed about it. But I'd never have children out of wedlock." [on his relationship to then-girlfriend Jada Pinkett, now his wife] 
Will Smith - US Magazine. August 1997.

Will Smith