Early Life and Education of Will Smith: A Complete Timeline

Share: FB Share X Share Reddit Share Reddit Share
Will Smith

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 received numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, Golden Globe, BAFTA Award, and four Grammy Awards. Smith's films have collectively grossed over $10 billion globally, establishing him as one of Hollywood's most financially successful stars due to his work in both the film and music industries.

November 11, 1992: Birth of Son Trey Smith

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

1995: Divorce from Sheree Zampino

In 1995, Will Smith divorced Sheree Zampino.

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, Jaden Smith, son of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett, was born.

1998: Trey Smith Appearance in Music Video

In 1998, Will Smith's son Trey appeared in his father's music video for the single "Just the Two of Us".

Loading Video...

2000: Birth of Willow Smith

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

2008: Donated to Barack Obama's Presidential Campaign

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

December 11, 2009: Hosted Nobel Peace Prize Concert

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

2012: Supported Same-Sex Marriage

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

2013: Didn't Identify as Religious

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

2015: Talked About Christian Faith

In 2015, Will Smith credited his Christian faith, instilled by his grandmother, for his portrayal of Bennet Omalu in Concussion.

Loading Video...

2016: Suicide Squad and Collateral Beauty

In 2016, Will Smith played Deadshot in Suicide Squad, a financial success but critically panned. He chose this role over Independence Day: Resurgence. Later that year, he starred in Collateral Beauty, which had the lowest box office opening of his career and also received negative reviews. His father also passed away in 2016 after being diagnosed with cancer.

Loading Video...

2016: Separation from Jada Pinkett Smith

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith had been separated since 2016.

2018: Jada Pinkett Smith's Alopecia Diagnosis

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

2018: 50th Birthday Bungee Jump in the Grand Canyon

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: Performed Hindu Rite in India

In 2018, Will Smith performed the Hindu rite of abhisheka of Shiva in Haridwar, India, and expressed a connection to Hindu spirituality and Indian astrology. He also met with Sadhguru.

November 9, 2021: Publication of Will

On November 9, 2021, Will Smith's memoir Will, co-written with Mark Manson, was published.

2021: Pulled film from Georgia

In 2021, Will Smith pulled production of his film, Emancipation, from Georgia due to the Election Integrity Act of 2021.

Loading Video...

February 7, 2022: Announcement of 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+.

Loading Video...

October 2023: Disclosure of Separation from Jada Pinkett Smith

In October 2023, Jada Pinkett Smith publicly stated that she and Will Smith had been separated since 2016.

March 26, 2025: Name Added to Street Signs

On March 26, 2025, Will Smith attended a ceremony where his name was added to street signs along a block of 59th Street in west Philadelphia.