Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Will Smith
Discover the career path of Will Smith, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Will Smith is a highly successful American actor, rapper, and film producer. He's earned significant recognition, including an Academy Award, Golden Globe, BAFTA, and four Grammys. By 2025, his films have generated over $9.5 billion worldwide, solidifying his status as one of Hollywood's most commercially successful stars.
1992: Debut film in Where the Day Takes You
After starring in his debut film Where the Day Takes You in 1992, Will Smith quickly became one of Hollywood's most successful stars.
1997: Big Willie Style is a best-selling rap album
As of 1997, Will Smith's debut solo album Big Willie Style is among the best-selling rap albums of all time.
1998: Trey Smith Appears in Music Video
In 1998, Trey Smith appeared in his father's music video for the single "Just the Two of Us".
2008: Donation to Barack Obama's presidential campaign
In 2008, Will Smith donated $4,600 to the presidential campaign of Democrat Barack Obama.
February 27, 2015: Release of Focus
On February 27, 2015, the romance drama "Focus," starring Will Smith and Margot Robbie, was released. Smith played Nicky Spurgeon, a veteran con artist.
2015: Faith helped portray Bennet Omalu
In 2015, Will Smith mentioned in an interview with The Christian Post that his Christian faith, instilled by his grandmother, helped him portray Bennet Omalu accurately in the movie Concussion.
2016: Smith Stars in Suicide Squad and Collateral Beauty; Father's Death
In 2016, Will Smith played Deadshot in "Suicide Squad", choosing it over a role in "Independence Day: Resurgence". Later that year, he starred in "Collateral Beauty". In 2016, Smith's father passed away from cancer.
December 22, 2017: Netflix releases Bright
On December 22, 2017, "Bright", starring Will Smith, was distributed via Netflix. It was the most expensive film for Netflix to date and another critical disappointment for Smith.
2017: Song Release and YouTube Channel Launch
In 2017, Will Smith released the song "Get Lit" with Jazzy Jeff and launched his YouTube channel.
2017: Bright broke Netflix record
In 2017, Will Smith starred as Daryl Ward in the film Bright, which broke the record at the time for the most-viewed Netflix film ever for its first week.
2018: 50th Birthday Bungee Jump
In 2018, Will Smith celebrated his 50th birthday by performing a bungee jump from a helicopter in the Grand Canyon, raising money for Global Citizen.
May 24, 2019: Release of Aladdin Live-Action Adaptation
On May 24, 2019, the live-action adaptation of Disney's "Aladdin," starring Will Smith as the Genie, was released. The film grossed over $1 billion worldwide.
July 2019: YouTube Channel Growth
As of July 2019, Will Smith's YouTube channel had over 6 million subscribers and 294 million total views.
October 11, 2019: Release of Gemini Man
On October 11, 2019, Will Smith's film "Gemini Man" was released. The film was a box office bomb and received negative reviews.
2019: Starring role in Spies in Disguise, Investment in Gen.G
In 2019, Will Smith had a starring role in the animated film, "Spies in Disguise". In 2019, Smith and Keisuke Honda led a $46 million investment round in esports organization Gen.G.
June 2020: Announcement of Emancipation role
In June 2020, Will Smith was announced to star in "Emancipation", directed by Antoine Fuqua.
June 2020: Emancipation sold to Apple Studios
In June 2020, Will Smith's film Emancipation was sold to Apple Studios for $120 million, making it the largest film festival acquisition deal in film history.
November 9, 2021: Publication of Memoir 'Will'
On November 9, 2021, Will Smith's memoir, "Will," co-written with Mark Manson, was published and promoted with a tour.
2021: Portrayal of Richard Williams and Award Wins
In 2021, Will Smith portrayed Richard Williams in the film "King Richard" and won several awards for his performance including the Academy Award for Best Actor.
February 7, 2022: National Geographic Announces Pole to Pole Series
On February 7, 2022, National Geographic announced that Will Smith would star in a series titled "Pole to Pole", which will stream on Disney+.
March 27, 2022: Slapping Incident at the 94th Academy Awards
On March 27, 2022, during the 94th Academy Awards, Will Smith slapped Chris Rock after a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith. Smith later won Best Actor for King Richard. The Academy investigated the incident.
April 1, 2022: Resignation from the Academy
On April 1, 2022, following the slapping incident, Will Smith tendered his resignation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
April 8, 2022: Academy Bans Smith for 10 Years
On April 8, 2022, the Academy announced its decision to ban Will Smith from future Oscars galas and associated events for 10 years following the slapping incident.
December 2022: Release of Emancipation
In December 2022, "Emancipation" was released to mixed reviews and commercial failure, partially attributed to Smith's involvement after the Oscars incident.
September 2023: Collaboration Announcement with Joyner Lucas
In September 2023, it was reported that Joyner Lucas and Will Smith would be working together on a joint album.
2023: Announcement of Bad Boys: Ride or Die and I Am Legend sequel
In 2023, it was announced that Will Smith would co-star in "Bad Boys: Ride or Die", and a sequel to "I Am Legend".
June 27, 2024: Announcement of First Solo Single in 20 Years
On June 27, 2024, Will Smith announced the release of his first solo single in nearly 20 years, "You Can Make It", to be released the following day.
July 24, 2024: Signing with SLANG
On July 24, 2024, it was announced that Will Smith signed a new distribution deal with SLANG, a newly formed independent label.
July 26, 2024: Release of "Work of Art"
On July 26, 2024, Will Smith released another single "Work of Art", featuring his son Jaden and Russ.
September 2024: Will Smith Exits Sugar Bandits
In September 2024, Will Smith exited the movie Sugar Bandits due to scheduling conflicts and will remain involved as a producer.
2024: New Music Announcement
In 2024, Will Smith confirmed new personal music coming soon, with Teddy Swims confirming he recorded music with Will for the project.
March 23, 2025: Performance at CONCACAF Nations League Final
On March 23, 2025, Will Smith performed at the 2025 CONCACAF Nations League final at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
March 28, 2025: Release of 'Based on a True Story' Album
On March 28, 2025, Will Smith's fifth studio album, "Based on a True Story", was released. The album consists of 14 tracks, including five previously released singles and nine new songs.
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