Smith, Will (1968–)

SMITH, WILL (1968–). Rapper, actor, producer. Smith was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and pursued music at an early age. Calling himself The Fresh Prince, he began performing with his friend Jeff Townes, known as DJ Jazzy Jeff. The rap duo’s careers flourished with their fresh, up-beat, positive sound, and it was not long before Hollywood came knocking. He starred in the NBC sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel Air for six seasons, basically playing himself as a street-smart kid from Philadelphia who comes to live with rich relatives in Beverly Hills. His first film role was in Six Degrees of Separation , 1993, in which he earned critical acclaim. His first starring role was in the action hit Bad Boys , 1995, and the disaster thriller Independence Day , 1996, made him a star. Smith joined the $20 million dollar club for his portrayal of boxing champion Muhammad Ali in the biopic Ali , 2001. His first solo-starring role was in the high-tech, sci-fi thriller I-Robot , 2004. He is married to actress Jada Pinkett Smith, and they produce the TV sitcom All of Us , based on their early relationship dealing with his ex-wife and baby’s mama.

Filmography: Made in America , 1993; Six Degrees of Separation , 1993; Bad Boys , 1995; Independence Day , 1996; Men in Black , 1997; Enemy of the State , 1998; Wild Wild West , 1999; Legend of Bagger Vance , 2000; Ali , 2001; Men in Black II , 2002; I-Robot , 2004.