Early Life and Education of Will Smith: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Will Smith, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Will Smith is a highly successful American actor, rapper, and film producer. He has won an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, and four Grammy Awards. As of 2025, his films have generated over $9.5 billion worldwide, establishing him as one of Hollywood's most financially successful actors.

Sections (6)

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

November 11, 1992: Birth of Willard Carroll "Trey" Smith III

On November 11, 1992, Will Smith's son Willard Carroll "Trey" Smith III was born.

1995: Divorce from Sheree Zampino

In 1995, Will Smith and Sheree Zampino divorced.

December 31, 1997: Marriage to Jada Pinkett

On December 31, 1997, Will Smith married actress Jada Koren Pinkett.

1998: Birth of Jaden Smith

In 1998, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith's son, Jaden Smith, was born.

2000: Birth of Willow Smith

In 2000, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith's daughter, Willow Smith, was born.

2008: Smith donates to Barack Obama's presidential campaign

In 2008, Will Smith donated $4,600 to Barack Obama's presidential campaign.

December 11, 2009: Smith hosts the Nobel Peace Prize Concert

On December 11, 2009, Will Smith and his wife hosted the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo, Norway, celebrating Barack Obama's winning of the prize.

2012: Smith supports legalizing same-sex marriage

In 2012, Will Smith publicly stated his support for legalizing same-sex marriage.

2013: Will Smith's Religious Views

In 2013, Will Smith stated in an interview that he did not identify as religious.

2015: Smith discusses the Influence of his Christian Faith on his Role in Concussion

In 2015, Will Smith discussed how his Christian faith, instilled by his grandmother, helped him portray Bennet Omalu in the movie Concussion. Smith said his grandmother was his spiritual teacher and a very spiritually certain person who was excited about going to heaven when she was dying.

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2016: Smith starred in Suicide Squad and Collateral Beauty

In 2016, Will Smith played Deadshot in Suicide Squad, a role he chose over Independence Day: Resurgence. Also in 2016, Smith starred in Collateral Beauty. In 2016, Smith's father was diagnosed with cancer and passed away. Collateral Beauty marked the lowest box office opening of Will Smith's career.

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2016: Separation from Jada Pinkett Smith

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith had been separated since 2016, though they have no intention to divorce.

2018: Jada Pinkett Smith was diagnosed with alopecia areata

In 2018, Jada Pinkett Smith was diagnosed with alopecia areata, which led her to shave her head.

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.

2018: Smith performs Hindu rituals in India

In 2018, Will Smith performed the Hindu rite of abhisheka of Shiva at Haridwar, India. He also performed an arti of the holy river Ganga and expressed a deep connection to Hindu spirituality and Indian astrology. Smith and his family also met with the Indian spiritual leader Sadhguru.

2019: Starring in Spies in Disguise and investment in Gen.G

In 2019, Will Smith had a starring role in the animated film Spies in Disguise and led a $46 million investment round in esports organization Gen.G.

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November 9, 2021: Publication of 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: Smith pulls Emancipation production from Georgia

In 2021, Will Smith announced that production of his upcoming film, Emancipation, was being pulled from the U.S. state of Georgia in response to the Election Integrity Act of 2021. He and director Antoine Fuqua released a joint statement saying they could not provide economic support to a government enacting regressive voting laws.

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