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 received numerous awards, including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, and four Grammys. Smith's films have collectively earned over $10 billion globally, solidifying his status as one of Hollywood's most commercially successful actors.

Sections (6)

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

November 11, 1992: Birth of Son 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 divorced Sheree Zampino.

1997: Film reference by Chris Rock

During the 94th Academy Awards on March 27, 2022, Chris Rock made a joke referencing the 1997 film G.I. Jane about Jada Pinkett Smith's shaved head.

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December 31, 1997: Marriage to Jada Koren Pinkett

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

1998: Trey's appearance in Will Smith's music video

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

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1998: Birth of Jaden Smith

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

2000: Birth of Willow Smith

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

2008: Donation to Barack Obama's Campaign

In 2008, Will Smith donated $4,600 to the presidential campaign of Democrat Barack Obama.

December 2009: Nobel Peace Prize Concert Host

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

2012: Support for Same-Sex Marriage

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

2013: Religious Identity

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

2015: Christian Faith and Bennet Omalu

In 2015, Will Smith said in an interview with The Christian Post that his Christian faith, instilled in him by his grandmother, helped him portray Bennet Omalu in Concussion.

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2016: Death of Will Smith's Father

In 2016, Will Smith's father passed away from cancer shortly after Smith signed onto a film. Smith's role preparation brought him closer to his father before his death.

2016: Separation from Jada Pinkett Smith

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

2018: Diagnosis of Alopecia Areata

In 2018, Jada Pinkett Smith was diagnosed with alopecia areata, which contributed to the events of March 27, 2022.

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. The jump was insured by Lloyd's of London for $200 million and raised money for the charity Global Citizen.

2018: Hindu Rites in India

In 2018, Will Smith performed the Hindu rite of abhisheka of Shiva at Haridwar, India and an arti of the river Ganga. He expressed a deep connection to Hindu spirituality and Indian astrology and spent time with Sadhguru.

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: Pulling "Emancipation" Production from Georgia

In 2021, Will Smith announced that production of his film, Emancipation, was being pulled from Georgia due to the Election Integrity Act of 2021. Smith and director Antoine Fuqua released a statement against the restrictive voting laws.

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March 27, 2022: Slapping Chris Rock at the Academy Awards

During the 94th Academy Awards on March 27, 2022, Will Smith slapped Chris Rock for making a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith's shaved head. This caused significant controversy.

April 1, 2022: Resignation from the Academy

On April 1, 2022, Will Smith resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences following the slapping incident at the Oscars.

April 8, 2022: Academy's Decision to Ban Smith from Events

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.

October 2023: Pinkett Smith reveals separation from Will Smith since 2016

In October 2023, Jada Pinkett Smith publicly revealed that she and Will Smith have been separated since 2016, though they remain committed to their family.

March 26, 2025: Street Sign Ceremony in Philadelphia

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