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 Award, a BAFTA Award, and four Grammy Awards. Smith's films have generated over $10 billion globally, establishing him as one of Hollywood's most commercially successful and influential figures.

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 Koren Pinkett

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

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 presidential campaign

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

December 11, 2009: Hosting the 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: Support for legalizing same-sex marriage

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

2013: Identity as religious

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

2015: Portrayal of Bennet Omalu in Concussion

In 2015, Will Smith credited his Christian faith, instilled by his grandmother, for helping him accurately portray Bennet Omalu in Concussion. He described his grandmother as his spiritual teacher.

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2016: Suicide Squad and Collateral Beauty releases, and father's death

In 2016, Will Smith played Deadshot in Suicide Squad, which was financially successful but received negative reviews. He also starred in Collateral Beauty, which had the lowest box office opening of his career and was critically panned. Additionally, in 2016, Smith's father passed away from cancer.

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2016: Separation from Jada Pinkett Smith

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

2018: Jada Pinkett Smith's diagnosis with alopecia areata

In 2018, Jada Pinkett Smith was diagnosed with alopecia areata, leading her to later shave her head due to the condition.

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 the charity Global Citizen.

2018: Hindu rite of abhisheka of Shiva and arti of the holy river Ganga

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

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

In 2019, Will Smith starred in the animated film Spies in Disguise. Also in 2019, Smith and Keisuke Honda led a $46 million investment round 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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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.

July 24, 2024: New distribution deal with SLANG

On July 24, 2024, it was announced that Will Smith had signed a new distribution deal with SLANG, a newly formed independent label.

March 26, 2025: Street name dedication in West 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.