Will Smith, born Willard Christopher Smith Jr. on September 25, 1968, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a prominent American actor, producer, and rapper. He first gained widespread recognition in the early 1990s as the star of the television sitcom *The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air* (1990–1996), which showcased his charm and comedic talent. Before acting, Smith found success in music as one half of the hip-hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, winning the first-ever Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance in 1989. Transitioning to film, Smith became one of Hollywood’s biggest box-office draws with a string of blockbuster hits. His notable movies include *Bad Boys* (1995), *Independence Day* (1996), and the *Men in Black* trilogy (1997–2012), where he combined action and comedy to great acclaim. He also earned critical praise and two Academy Award nominations for dramatic roles, notably portraying boxer Muhammad Ali in *Ali* (2001) and a struggling salesman in *The Pursuit of Happyness* (2006). In 2022, Smith won the Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of Richard Williams, father of tennis champions Venus and Serena Williams, in *King Richard* (2021). Smith is recognized for his versatility across genres, from action to drama to comedy, and for his consistent box office success, with many of his films grossing over $100 million domestically. Beyond acting, he has co-founded the production company Westbrook Inc. with his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, and has engaged in philanthropic activities, including educational initiatives. His career has also included controversy, notably the widely publicized 2022 Oscars incident involving comedian Chris Rock. Despite this, Smith remains a significant cultural figure and influential entertainer with recent projects like *Bad Boys: Ride or Die* (2024) continuing his presence in major film franchises[1][2][3][4][6].