Multi-talented American actor and musician, Will Smith still charms the audiences all over the world with his wits, smile and an incredible charisma. The former “Fresh Prince” is now one of the richest celebrities and men on the planet.
He is an actor, a rapper, a musician and a television, film and record producer. Smith started out his future famed career as a teenage rappers star; shortly after, it turned out he is an excellent entertainer, a true and natural born showman. His first acting steps were made in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” television series, based mostly on his own story. Smith now has an estimated net worth of about $250 million. Ironically, the primary cause of starting the acting career were his financial troubles at the time. Well, it has certainly paid off!
Will Smith’s story begins in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was born September 25th 1968 in a middle class family. His mother Caroline was a school board employee and his father William an owner of a refrigeration company. Smith had no entertainment industry family background, but he was always interested in music and rapping, in the first place. As his social status has ordered, young Will went to a strictly disciplined catholic school and than Overbrook high school. Young Will wasn’t a problematic boy; he was charming and friendly, enjoying his multi-cultured neighborhood.
Young Will was known under nickname “Prince”, thanks to his wits and ability to always get himself out of trouble. The “Fresh Prince” got engaged with rap music while still in primary school. Will and his DJ friend Jeff have started out a rapping duo, known for funny and entertaining tunes. Their debut album, “Rock the House” came in 1987 and hit the Billboard Top 200. The first album was followed by other successful singles and records; they’ve got the first ever Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance, back in 1988.
As Smith was already popular as a charismatic young rap star, he soon caught the attention of television production industry. His debut role was that in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”, an easy going, family sitcom for all generations. The television series become quite popular and earned young Will sympathies of both audience and critics.
After several movie roles, Smith made his first great movie stardom entrance in “Bad Boys” (1995). After the success of the movie, Smith started to get more and more serious roles, such as that in epic science fiction blockbuster “Independence Day” (1996). Smith has proved to be a lot more than a lovable comedy star; he has shown the great variety of acting skills and the ability to play different characters. Some of the various titles Smith had appeared in from mid 90s to early 2000s are “Men in Black”, “Enemy of State”, “Wild Wild West”, “The Legend of Bagger Vance” and “Ali”. All of the titles were highly prized and awarded.
Alongside his acting career, Smith has continued to rap, but he also tried his production skills. He has helped the production of two serious titles, “Hancock” and “Seven Pounds” in 2008 and played in the movies. Up to ongoing 2016, Smith has achieved an incredible Hollywood success and career. Ironically, his acting breakthrough train has arrived just in time. Smith was indulging himself with luxury lifestyle that followed his rapping success; he has been neglecting the taxes and owned a serious amount of money. Luckily, he proved to be worth of the Hollywood fame and fortune stardom.
Will Smith also owns a company that produces his movies, Overbrook Entertainment. The company name stands behind the “Hitch”, “The Pursuit of Happiness”, “I Am Legend”, “Hancock”, “The Secret Life of Bees”. The films Smith starred in are all blockbusters. According to reports, most of the movies have earned considerable fortune between $150 and $300 millions. It seems Will successfully builds up a movie industry with his family. His present wife is Jada Pinkett-Smith, actress whom he met while still on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”. The couple has two children, Jaden and Willow. Smith and his wife support them to pursuit an acting career, as well. Smith has previously been married to Sheree Zampino; they separated after just three years, but they have a son, Willard Smith III.
Smiths really enjoy their fancy Hollywood image. They own enormously big and luxury properties, in California, Villanova and Hawaii. Reports tell the family owns multiple properties, but the exact number is not known. Smith’s ridiculously expensive tour bus is known to be one of top seven motor homes in the world. His multimillion double decker, named “The Heat”, cost about $2.5 million. The bus is fully equipped with all possible facilities you could only imagine.
Besides his luxuries and celebrity caprices, Will Smith has founded the foundation with the aim of supporting the inner-city community development, alongside with helping youth education cause and under-privileged families. The founders are Smith and his wife Jada. Smith is also dedicated to supporting and providing finances for South African children and people.
Smith is still an active actor, producer and musician, rated one of the most bankable Hollywood personalities and worldwide popular celebrities, according to Forbes’ lists. From his “Fresh Prince” rapping beginnings, to admirable big screen roles, Will Smith is a multi-talented star that certainly deserves much appreciation.
Quick Summary
Full Name: William Carroll Smith Jr
Date of Birth: September 25th 1968
Birth Place: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Age: 48
Profession: Actor, singer, producer
Height: 6ft 2in (1.88 m)
Weight: 82kg
Net Worth: $250 million
Check out also net worth of: Pierce Brosnan and Robert Redford.