History of Jada Pinkett Smith in Timeline
Jada Pinkett Smith is an accomplished American actress, singer, talk show host, and businesswoman, recognized for her multifaceted career. She's widely known as the co-host of the Facebook Watch talk show Red Table Talk, earning her a Daytime Emmy Award. Her influence extends beyond entertainment, as evidenced by Time magazine naming her one of the 100 most influential people globally in 2021.
September 18, 1971: Jada Pinkett Smith Born
On September 18, 1971, Jada Koren Pinkett Smith was born. She is an American actress, singer, talk show host, and businesswoman.
1989: Graduation from Baltimore School for the Arts
In 1989, Jada Pinkett Smith graduated from the Baltimore School for the Arts, where she studied acting and dance.
1990: Acting Career Begins
In 1990, Jada Pinkett Smith began her acting career, starring in an episode of True Colors.
1991: Big Break on A Different World
In 1991, Jada Pinkett Smith landed her big break on the sitcom A Different World, marking a significant step in her acting career.
1991: Guest Roles in Television Shows
In 1991, Jada Pinkett Smith received guest roles in television shows such as Doogie Howser, M.D. and 21 Jump Street, and earned a role on A Different World.
1993: Appearance in Menace II Society
In 1993, Jada Pinkett Smith appeared in her first film, Menace II Society, after a recommendation from Tupac Shakur.
1993: Menace II Society Film Debut
In 1993, Jada Pinkett Smith starred in the film Menace II Society, marking her first film role.
1993: Pinkett Smith secures Shakur a guest appearance on A Different World
In 1993, Pinkett Smith secured Tupac Shakur a guest appearance on A Different World.
1994: Roles in A Low Down Dirty Shame, Jason's Lyric, and The Inkwell
In 1994, Jada Pinkett Smith acted in A Low Down Dirty Shame, Jason's Lyric, and The Inkwell, receiving positive reviews for her performance in A Low Down Dirty Shame.
1994: Pinkett Smith Meets Will Smith
In 1994, Jada Pinkett Smith met Will Smith on the set of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air while auditioning for a role.
1994: Pinkett Smith Creates Fashion Label Maja
In 1994, after opening her music company 100% Women Productions, Jada Pinkett Smith created her own fashion label, Maja. The clothing line featured women's T-shirts and dresses embellished with the slogan "Sister Power".
1995: Directing Music Videos
In 1995, Jada Pinkett Smith began directing music videos, including "I'm Going Down" by Y? N-Vee and "How Many Times" by Gerald Levert.
1995: Appearance in Demon Knight
In 1995, Jada Pinkett Smith played a convict on work release in the horror film Demon Knight.
1995: Pinkett Smith Contributes to Shakur's Bail
In 1995, Pinkett Smith contributed $100,000 towards Tupac Shakur's bail while he awaited an appeal on his sexual abuse conviction.
1995: Pinkett Smith and Will Smith Begin Dating
In 1995, after Will Smith's divorce was finalized, Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith began dating. She moved to California to be with him.
1996: Directed Keep On, Keepin' On
In 1996, Jada Pinkett Smith directed the music video "Keep On, Keepin' On" by MC Lyte Feat. Xscape.
1996: Starring Roles in The Nutty Professor and Set It Off
In 1996, Jada Pinkett Smith starred in The Nutty Professor and Set It Off, both of which were commercially successful and garnered attention for her acting.
1997: Scream 2 Appearance
In 1997, Jada Pinkett Smith appeared in Scream 2, adding to her growing filmography.
1997: Cameo Role in Scream 2
In 1997, Jada Pinkett Smith had a cameo role in Scream 2 as a college student who is brutally murdered.
1997: Pinkett Smith emcees Million Woman March
In 1997, Pinkett Smith was the emcee of the Million Woman March in Philadelphia, demonstrating her commitment to social and community engagement.
December 31, 1997: Jada Pinkett and Will Smith Wedding
On December 31, 1997, Jada Pinkett and Will Smith married at The Cloisters near Baltimore, Maryland, with about 100 guests in attendance. Jada was three months pregnant at the time.
1998: Birth of Jaden Smith
In 1998, Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith's son, Jaden Christopher Syre Smith, was born.
1998: Pinkett Smith Participates in Mother's Wedding
In 1998, Jada Pinkett Smith participated as the maid of honor in her mother Adrienne Banfield-Norris's wedding to Paul Jones.
1998: Roles in Return to Paradise and Woo
In 1998, Jada Pinkett Smith played roles in Return to Paradise and Woo, continuing to expand her filmography.
1999: The Matrix Release
In 1999, the first film of The Matrix trilogy was released.
2000: Birth of Willow Smith
In 2000, Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith's daughter, Willow Camille Reign Smith, was born.
2000: Starring role in Bamboozled
In 2000, Jada Pinkett Smith starred in Spike Lee's film Bamboozled as a personal assistant.
2001: Roles in Kingdom Come and Ali
In 2001, Jada Pinkett Smith portrayed a wife in Kingdom Come and played Sonji Roi, the first wife of Muhammad Ali, in the biographical drama Ali.
2002: Musical Career with Wicked Wisdom
In 2002, Jada Pinkett Smith began her musical career as the lead vocalist of the nu metal band, Wicked Wisdom.
2002: Formation of Wicked Wisdom
In 2002, Jada Pinkett Smith formed the metal band Wicked Wisdom, starting her musical career.
2003: Contributions to The Matrix Sequels
In 2003, Jada Pinkett Smith made prominent contributions to The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions, solidifying her status in major film franchises.
2003: Pinkett Smith Creates All of Us TV series
In 2003, Pinkett Smith and Will Smith helped to create the television series All of Us, which aired on UPN/The CW.
2003: Pinkett Smith comments on her relationship with Shakur
In the 2003 documentary Tupac: Resurrection, Pinkett Smith described Shakur as "one of my best friends" and that their relationship was "beyond friendship for us".
May 2004: Wicked Wisdom Tours with Britney Spears
In May 2004, Wicked Wisdom secured a spot on Britney Spears' Onyx Hotel Tour, performing as the opening act for eight dates during the European leg, marking a high-profile exposure for the band.
2004: Collateral Release
In 2004, Jada Pinkett Smith starred in Collateral as a U.S. Justice Department prosecutor.
2004: Smiths Donate to Scientology Program
In 2004, after meeting Tom Cruise, Pinkett Smith and Will Smith donated $20,000 to the Hollywood Education and Literacy Program (HELP), linked to Scientology.
May 2005: Wicked Wisdom to Perform at Ozzfest
In May 2005, Wicked Wisdom was announced to perform on the second stage of Ozzfest. This followed Sharon Osbourne seeing them perform and being impressed by their music.
2005: Publication of Girls Hold Up This World
In 2005, Jada Pinkett Smith published her children's book, Girls Hold Up This World, which became a New York Times Best Seller.
2005: Voice of Gloria in Madagascar
In 2005, Jada Pinkett Smith voiced Gloria the hippopotamus in the animated film Madagascar.
2005: Pinkett Smith invests in Carol's Daughter
In 2005, Pinkett Smith invested in Carol's Daughter, a line of beauty products. She became a spokesperson for the beauty line.
2005: Pinkett Smith Publishes Children's Book
In 2005, Pinkett Smith published her first children's book, Girls Hold Up This World, which was inspired by her daughter Willow and aimed to empower young girls.
February 21, 2006: Wicked Wisdom Debut Album Release
On February 21, 2006, Wicked Wisdom, Jada Pinkett Smith's band, released its self-titled debut album through her production company. Will Smith was the executive producer.
March 11, 2006: Wicked Wisdom album peaks on Billboard's Top Heatseekers chart
On March 11, 2006, Wicked Wisdom's debut album peaked at number 44 on Billboard's Top Heatseekers chart, marking a significant achievement for the band.
2006: Pinkett Smith Donates to Baltimore School for the Arts
In 2006, Pinkett Smith donated $1 million to her high school alma mater, the Baltimore School for the Arts, and dedicated the new theater to Tupac Shakur.
2006: Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation Receives Award
In 2006, The Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation was awarded the David Angell Humanitarian Award by The American Screenwriters Association (ASA).
September 29, 2007: "Butterflies Over Hollywood" Event
On September 29, 2007, the Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation held the first annual "Butterflies Over Hollywood" event to raise funds for lupus educational programs, due to Pinkett Smith's aunt's diagnosis with lupus.
2007: Reign Over Me Release
In 2007, Jada Pinkett Smith played the wife of an affluent dentist in the drama Reign Over Me.
May 2008: The Human Contract Debuts at Cannes
In May 2008, Jada Pinkett Smith's directorial debut, The Human Contract, debuted at the Cannes Film Festival.
2008: Will Smith Comments on Parenting Styles
In 2008, Will Smith commented on their parenting styles, emphasizing the importance of structure and guidance in rearing their children.
June 16, 2009: Hawthorne Premieres on TNT
On June 16, 2009, Jada Pinkett Smith starred as a Chief Nursing Officer in the TNT medical drama Hawthorne, which premiered on this date.
2009: Founding of Westbrook
In 2009, Jada Pinkett Smith co-founded the company Westbrook with her husband Will Smith.
2009: Starring Role on Hawthorne
In 2009, Jada Pinkett Smith returned to television with a starring role on Hawthorne.
2010: Tony Award Nomination
In 2010, Jada Pinkett Smith earned a nomination for the Tony Award for Best Musical as a producer for the Broadway musical Fela!.
August 16, 2011: Hawthorne Ends
On August 16, 2011, Hawthorne ended after three seasons.
2012: Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted Release
In 2012, Jada Pinkett Smith reprised the voice role of Gloria in Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted.
2012: Pinkett Smith Writes Letter to Baltimore's Mayor on behalf of PETA
In 2012, Pinkett Smith wrote a letter to Baltimore's mayor on behalf of PETA, asking that the Ringling Brothers Circus not harm elephants visiting Baltimore.
April 2013: Pinkett Smith Clarifies Open Marriage Comments
In April 2013, Pinkett Smith clarified comments she made about her marriage with Will Smith, denying they have an open marriage and explaining the importance of trust and love in their relationship.
2013: Madly Madagascar Release
In 2013, Jada Pinkett Smith voiced the character Gloria in the direct-to-DVD film Madly Madagascar.
2013: Pinkett Smith appears in Gucci's "Chime for Change" campaign
In 2013, Pinkett Smith appeared in a video clip for Gucci's "Chime for Change" campaign which aimed to raise funds and awareness of women's issues globally.
May 2014: Investigation into the Smith Family
In May 2014, the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services investigated the Smith family after a photograph of Moisés Arias and Willow Smith in bed triggered controversy.
2014: Starring Role in Gotham
In 2014, Jada Pinkett Smith starred in the first season of the FOX crime drama Gotham as Fish Mooney.
2015: Smith couple invest in energy storage company
In 2015, Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith were among the founding investors of an energy storage company.
2015: Magic Mike XXL
In 2015, Jada Pinkett Smith starred in Magic Mike XXL.
2016: Affair with August Alsina
In 2016, Jada Pinkett Smith had an "entanglement" with August Alsina during a separation from her husband, Will Smith.
July 2017: Essence Festival Appearance
In July 2017, Jada Pinkett Smith appeared at the Essence Festival, speaking on the Empowerment Stage alongside Queen Latifah.
2017: Girls Trip Release
In 2017, Jada Pinkett Smith starred in Girls Trip.
May 2018: Red Table Talk Debut
Beginning in May 2018, Jada Pinkett Smith, along with her mother and daughter, began hosting the Facebook Watch talk show Red Table Talk.
2018: Pinkett Smith Diagnosed with Alopecia
In 2018, Pinkett Smith revealed that she had been diagnosed with the autoimmune disease alopecia areata.
2019: Westbrook Entertainment Acquired
In 2019, Westbrook Entertainment, a production company co-owned by Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith, was acquired by Three Six Zero, diversifying the talent management company.
June 2020: August Alsina Claims Affair with Pinkett Smith
In June 2020, singer August Alsina claimed he had an affair with Pinkett Smith in 2016, sparking controversy and public discussion about her marriage.
December 2021: Pinkett Smith Shaves Head Due to Alopecia
In December 2021, Pinkett Smith shared a video showing herself with a shaved head, embracing her alopecia and deciding to "be friends" with it.
2021: The Matrix Resurrections Release
In 2021, Jada Pinkett Smith starred in The Matrix Resurrections.
2021: Red Table Talk Wins Daytime Emmy
In 2021, Red Table Talk won a Daytime Emmy Award in the outstanding informative talk show category.
2021: Time's 100 Most Influential People
In 2021, Time named Jada Pinkett Smith one of the 100 most influential people in the world, recognizing her accomplishments and impact.
2021: Will Smith Comments on Jada's views on marriage
In 2021, Will Smith stated that Pinkett Smith "never believed in conventional marriage" and that both of them have had sexual relationships outside of their marriage.
October 2023: Publication of Worthy
In October 2023, Jada Pinkett Smith's memoir Worthy was published, covering her journey and experiences.
October 2023: Pinkett Smith reveals separation from Will Smith
In October 2023, Pinkett Smith stated that she and Smith had been separated since 2016, though they have no intention to divorce.
2023: Pinkett Smith Addresses Gay Rumors
In her 2023 memoir Worthy, Pinkett Smith addressed rumors that she is gay, attributing them to her presence at LGBTQ+ clubs in the 1990s and discussing her experiences with intimacy with women.
