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. 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

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 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 Christopher Syre Smith

In 1998, Jaden Christopher Syre Smith, son of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett, was born.

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".

2000: Birth of Willow Camille Reign Smith

In 2000, Willow Camille Reign 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, showing his support for the Democratic candidate.

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, in celebration of Barack Obama winning the prize.

2012: Expressed support for legalizing same-sex marriage

In 2012, Will Smith voiced his support for legalizing same-sex marriage, aligning himself with the movement for LGBTQ+ rights.

2013: Did not identify as religious

In 2013, Will Smith stated in an interview that he did not identify as religious, marking a shift in his public stance on faith.

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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2016: Will and Jada Smith Separated

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

2018: Jada Pinkett Smith Diagnosed with Alopecia Areata

In 2018, Jada Pinkett Smith was diagnosed with alopecia areata.

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: Performed Hindu rite of abhisheka of Shiva

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

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.

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: Pulled film production from Georgia due to voting law

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 stated they could not support a government enacting regressive voting laws.

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.

October 2023: Jada Pinkett Smith Reveals Separation

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 in west Philadelphia

On March 26, 2025, Will Smith's name was added to street signs along a block of 59th Street in west Philadelphia, honoring his connection to the area.