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. Known for his versatile talent, he has garnered numerous prestigious awards including an Academy Award, Golden Globe, BAFTA, and four Grammys. Smith's films have collectively grossed over $9.5 billion worldwide as of 2025, solidifying his position as one of Hollywood's most financially successful and recognizable stars.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

1992: Starred in debut film Where the Day Takes You

In 1992, Will Smith starred in his debut film, Where the Day Takes You, which quickly led to him becoming one of Hollywood's most successful and bankable stars.

1997: Debut solo album release - Big Willie Style

In 1997, Will Smith released his debut solo album, Big Willie Style, which has since become one of 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: Donated to Barack Obama's presidential campaign

In 2008, Will Smith donated $4,600 to Barack Obama's presidential campaign, showing his support for the Democratic candidate.

2012: Highest paid movie role of all time

In 2012, Will Smith earned the highest-paid movie role of all time, reportedly earning $100 million for his role as Agent J in Men in Black 3.

2013: Big Willie Style is among the best selling rap albums of all time

As of 2013, Will Smith's debut solo album Big Willie Style (released in 1997) is among the best-selling rap albums of all time, solidifying his musical legacy.

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: Christian faith helped portray Bennet Omalu in Concussion

In 2015, Will Smith credited his Christian faith, instilled by his grandmother, for helping him accurately portray Bennet Omalu in the movie Concussion. He highlighted his grandmother's spiritual influence and excitement about going to heaven.

2016: Will Smith stars in Suicide Squad and Collateral Beauty; father's death.

In 2016, Will Smith played Deadshot in Suicide Squad, which was a financial success but received negative reviews. Also in 2016, he starred in Collateral Beauty, which coincided with his father's diagnosis and subsequent death from cancer, and received negative reviews and had a low box office opening.

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December 22, 2017: Release of Bright on Netflix

On December 22, 2017, Will Smith's film Bright was released on Netflix. It was the most expensive film for Netflix to date, but it was a critical disappointment.

2017: Will Smith releases "Get Lit" and Launches YouTube Channel

In 2017, Will Smith released the song "Get Lit" with Jazzy Jeff and launched his YouTube channel.

2017: Starred in Bright, broke Netflix records

In 2017, Will Smith starred as Daryl in the movie Bright, which broke the record for the most-viewed Netflix film in its first week. It became the first major Hollywood film to skip theatrical release for streaming on Netflix with over 100 million viewers.

2018: Will Smith Performs Bungee Jump for 50th Birthday

In 2018, Will Smith celebrated his 50th birthday by performing a bungee jump from a helicopter in the Grand Canyon, raising money for the charity Global Citizen.

2018: Will Smith Performs at the FIFA World Cup Closing Ceremony

In 2018, Will Smith performed the official song "Live It Up" with Nicky Jam and Era Istrefi at the closing ceremony of the FIFA World Cup in Moscow, Russia.

May 24, 2019: Release of Aladdin

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.

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July 2019: YouTube Channel Success

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, Gemini Man, starring Will Smith, was released. The film was a box office bomb and received negative reviews.

2019: Smith stars in Spies in Disguise and invests in Gen.G

In 2019, Will Smith voiced Lance Sterling in the animated film Spies in Disguise. Also in 2019, Smith and Keisuke Honda invested in esports organization Gen.G.

June 2020: Emancipation sold to Apple Studios for record amount

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.

June 2020: Smith to Star in Emancipation

In June 2020, it was announced that Will Smith would star in Emancipation.

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.

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2021: Will Smith Wins Awards for King Richard

In 2021, Will Smith portrayed Richard Williams in King Richard and won the Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, and Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Actor for his performance.

2021: Won multiple awards for King Richard and Emmy nomination for Cobra Kai

In 2021, Will Smith won an Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, BAFTA Award, and Screen Actors Guild Award for his role in King Richard. He also received a producer nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award for Cobra Kai.

February 7, 2022: Smith to star in Pole to Pole on Disney+

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: Will Smith Slaps Chris Rock at the 94th Academy Awards

During the 94th Academy Awards on March 27, 2022, Will Smith slapped Chris Rock for making a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith. Smith later won Best Actor for King Richard and apologized to the Academy but not to Rock. Public backlash ensued and the Academy began an investigation.

April 1, 2022: Will Smith Resigns from the Academy

On April 1, 2022, Will Smith resigned from the Academy following the incident at the Academy Awards.

April 8, 2022: Academy Bans Smith from Oscars 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.

December 2022: Release of Emancipation

In December 2022, Emancipation was released to mixed reviews and was a commercial failure, partially attributed to Will Smith's involvement following the Oscar incident.

2022: Won Academy Award for Best Actor

In 2022, Will Smith won the Academy Award for Best Actor, becoming the fifth black actor to achieve this honor. His performance in King Richard was recognized.