Will Smith, born Willard Carroll Smith II, is a highly successful American actor, rapper, and film producer. His career has garnered numerous prestigious awards, including an Oscar, a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, and four Grammys. By 2025, his films had earned over $9.5 billion worldwide, establishing him as one of the most profitable stars in Hollywood.
September 25, 1968: Birth of Will Smith
Will Smith was born on September 25, 1968.
1985: Meeting of DJ Jazzy Jeff and Will Smith
Will Smith and Jeffrey "DJ Jazzy Jeff" Townes met in 1985, forming the basis of their future musical partnership.
1985: Musical Beginnings
Will Smith began his music career in 1985 as part of the hip hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince.
1986: First Single Release and High School Graduation
DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince released their first single, "Girls Ain't Nothing but Trouble", in 1986, the same year Will Smith graduated high school.
1986: First Album Recording
DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince recorded their first album, "Rock the House" in 1986.
March 1987: Rock the House Release
The duo's debut album, "Rock the House", was released on Jive Records in March 1987.
1988: Parents Just Don't Understand Release
The single "Parents Just Don't Understand" was released in 1988.
1988: Financial Troubles Begin
Will Smith began experiencing financial difficulties around 1988.
1989: Tax Debt and Arrest
In 1989, Will Smith faced a $2.8 million tax debt and was arrested in connection to an assault on his record promoter (charges were later dismissed).
1989: First Grammy Win
DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince won their first Grammy for "Parents Just Don't Understand" in 1989.
1990: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Premieres
Will Smith's acting career began with "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" in 1990.
1991: Summertime Release and Second Grammy Win
The duo released "Summertime" and won their second Grammy in 1991.
November 11, 1992: Birth of Trey Smith
Will Smith's son, Willard Carroll "Trey" Smith III, was born on November 11, 1992.
1992: Film Debut in "Where the Day Takes You"
Will Smith made his film debut in 1992 with the movie "Where the Day Takes You."
1993: Six Degrees of Separation and Golden Globe Nomination
Will Smith appeared in the film "Six Degrees of Separation" and received his first Golden Globe nomination in 1993.
1993: Six Degrees of Separation Release
Will Smith starred in the drama "Six Degrees of Separation" in 1993.
1994: End of Initial Music Partnership
In 1994, the initial run of hit singles with DJ Jazzy Jeff concluded. They continued to make music together later.
1994: Second Golden Globe Nomination
Will Smith received his second Golden Globe nomination in 1994.
1995: Divorce from Sheree Zampino
Will Smith and Sheree Zampino divorced in 1995.
1995: Bad Boys Release
Will Smith starred opposite Martin Lawrence in "Bad Boys", a commercial success, released in 1995.
1995: Bad Boys
The first movie in the series Bad Boys was released.
1995: Bad Boys Release
The action film "Bad Boys", starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, was released in 1995.
1996: Independence Day and End of Fresh Prince
In 1996, Smith starred in "Independence Day" and "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" concluded.
1996: Independence Day Release
Will Smith starred in "Independence Day" in 1996, further establishing his box office appeal.
December 31, 1997: Will Smith Marries Jada Pinkett
On December 31, 1997, Will Smith married Jada Koren Pinkett. The couple met during Pinkett's audition for a role in "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." They later founded the joint production companies Overbrook Entertainment and Westbrook Inc.
1997: Men in Black Single and Big Willie Style Release
Will Smith released the "Men in Black" theme song and his debut solo album, "Big Willie Style", in 1997.
1997: Men in Black Release
Will Smith starred in "Men in Black" in 1997.
1997: Men in Black Release
"Men in Black", starring Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones, was released in 1997 and became a major box office hit.
1997: Big Willie Style Release
Will Smith released his first solo album, "Big Willie Style", in 1997.
1997: Release of "Big Willie Style"
Will Smith released his debut solo rap album "Big Willie Style" in 1997.
1998: Trey Smith's Appearance in Music Video
Trey Smith appeared in his father's music video for "Just the Two of Us" in 1998.
1998: Enemy of the State Release
Will Smith co-starred with Gene Hackman in "Enemy of the State", released in 1998.
1998: Gettin' Jiggy wit It Release
Will Smith released "Gettin' Jiggy wit It", his first Billboard Hot 100 number-one single, in 1998.
1998: Enemy of the State Release
Will Smith starred in "Enemy of the State" in 1998.
1998: Birth of Jaden Smith
Will Smith's son, Jaden Christopher Syre Smith, was born in 1998. Jaden would later co-star with his father in films like "The Pursuit of Happyness" and "After Earth."
1999: Willennium and Musical Success
In 1999, Will Smith released his second solo album, "Willennium," which achieved double platinum status. The album's lead single, "Wild Wild West," topped the Billboard Hot 100. He also collaborated with Tatyana Ali on the single "Boy You Knock Me Out."
1999: Willennium Release
Will Smith released his second solo album, "Willennium", in 1999.
1999: Wild Wild West Release and The Matrix Declined
Will Smith starred in "Wild Wild West" in 1999, having declined the role of Neo in "The Matrix".
2000: Parents' Divorce
Will Smith's parents divorced around the year 2000.
2000: Birth of Willow Smith
Willow Camille Reign Smith, daughter of Will Smith, was born in 2000. She appeared alongside her father in the film "I Am Legend."
2001: Ali and First Oscar Nomination
Will Smith portrayed Muhammad Ali in the film "Ali" and received his first Academy Award nomination in 2001.
2001: Ali and Academy Award Nomination
Will Smith portrayed Muhammad Ali in the biopic "Ali" in 2001. His performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor and a Golden Globe nomination.
2002: Return to Music and Greatest Hits
In 2002, Smith released his third album, "Born to Reign," and a compilation album, "Greatest Hits," featuring songs from his solo career and collaborations with DJ Jazzy Jeff. The lead single from "Born to Reign" was "Black Suits Comin' (Nod Ya Head)", the theme song from "Men in Black II."
2002: Men in Black II
The second movie in the Men in Black franchise, "Men in Black II", was released.
2002: Born to Reign Release
Will Smith released his third solo album, "Born to Reign", in 2002.
2003: Bad Boys II and Box Office Success
Will Smith returned for the sequel "Bad Boys II" in 2003. The film was a box office success despite receiving negative reviews. He also starred in "I, Robot" and "Shark Tale," both box office hits.
2004: I, Robot and Shark Tale Release
Will Smith starred in both "I, Robot" and "Shark Tale" in 2004.
2005: Lost and Found and Guinness World Record
In 2005, Smith released his album "Lost and Found" and entered the Guinness Book of World Records for attending three premieres in 24 hours.
2005: Receives Honorary César Award and Tony Nomination
Will Smith received an honorary César Award in 2005. That same year, he was also nominated for a Tony Award for Best Musical for "Fela!"
2005: Lost and Found Release
Will Smith released his fourth solo album, "Lost and Found", in 2005.
2005: Hitch Release
Will Smith starred in "Hitch" in 2005.
2006: The Pursuit of Happyness and Second Oscar Nomination
Will Smith starred in "The Pursuit of Happyness" and received his second Oscar nomination in 2006.
2006: Named One of Time's 100 Most Influential People
In 2006, Time magazine recognized Will Smith as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
2006: The Pursuit of Happyness
Smith starred alongside his son Jaden in "The Pursuit of Happyness" in 2006, portraying Chris Gardner.
December 10, 2007: Honored at Grauman's Chinese Theatre
Will Smith was honored at Grauman's Chinese Theatre, leaving his handprints and footprints.
December 14, 2007: I Am Legend Release
The film "I Am Legend," starring Will Smith, was released and achieved the largest opening ever for a December release in the US.
2007: I Am Legend Release
Will Smith starred in "I Am Legend" in 2007.
December 1, 2008: America's Top Ten Most Fascinating People
Will Smith was selected as one of America's top ten most fascinating people of 2008 by Barbara Walters.
December 4, 2008: Barbara Walters Special
The Barbara Walters special featuring Will Smith as one of America's top ten most fascinating people aired.
2008: Named One of Esquire's 75 Most Influential People
Esquire named Will Smith as one of the 75 most influential people of the 21st century in 2008.
2008: Donation to Obama Campaign
Will Smith donated $4,600 to Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign.
2008: Hancock and Seven Pounds Release
Will Smith starred in "Hancock" and "Seven Pounds" in 2008.
2008: Hancock and The Last Pharaoh
Will Smith starred in the superhero movie "Hancock" and was reported to be developing "The Last Pharaoh."
December 11, 2009: Hosts Nobel Peace Prize Concert
On December 11, 2009, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith hosted the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo, honoring Barack Obama.
August 19, 2011: Work on Fifth Studio Album Begins
Will Smith began working on his fifth studio album with producer La Mar Edwards.
May 25, 2012: Men in Black 3 Release
"Men in Black 3," starring Will Smith, was released, marking his first major role in four years.
2012: Supports Same-Sex Marriage
Will Smith publicly expressed his support for the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2012.
2012: Highest-Paid Role in "Men in Black 3"
Will Smith's role as Agent J in "Men in Black 3" (2012) earned him a reported $100 million, making it the highest-paid movie role at the time.
2013: Big Willie Style Recognized as Best-Selling Album
By 2013, Will Smith's debut solo album, "Big Willie Style" (1997), was recognized as one of the best-selling rap albums of all time.
2013: Public Statement on Religious Beliefs
In 2013, Will Smith stated that he does not identify as religious, despite being raised in a Baptist household and attending Baptist church and Catholic school.
2013: After Earth and Career Hiatus
Will Smith starred alongside his son Jaden in "After Earth," a critical and commercial disappointment which led to a career break for Smith.
February 27, 2015: Focus Release
Will Smith starred opposite Margot Robbie in the romance drama "Focus."
2015: Will Smith Discusses Christian Faith
In 2015, Will Smith shared that his Christian upbringing, influenced by his grandmother, helped him portray Bennet Omalu in "Concussion." He spoke of his grandmother's strong faith and how it shaped his perspective.
2016: Suicide Squad Release
Will Smith starred in "Suicide Squad" in 2016.
2016: Start of Separation from Jada Pinkett Smith
Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith began their separation in 2016. Though they remain legally married they have lived separate lives since then.
2016: Suicide Squad and Collateral Beauty
In 2016, Smith starred in "Suicide Squad" and "Collateral Beauty." "Suicide Squad" was a financial success but received negative reviews, while "Collateral Beauty" marked Smith's lowest box office opening and also received negative reviews. During this time, Smith's father passed away.
December 22, 2017: Bright Release on Netflix
"Bright," an urban fantasy film starring Will Smith, was released on Netflix. Despite being Netflix's most expensive film to date, it was poorly received by critics.
2017: "Bright" Breaks Netflix Viewing Records
"Bright" (2017), starring Will Smith, achieved record-breaking viewership on Netflix during its first week, becoming the first major Hollywood film to bypass theatrical release for streaming and reach over 100 million viewers worldwide.
2017: "Get Lit" Release and YouTube Launch
Will Smith released the song "Get Lit" with Jazzy Jeff and launched his YouTube channel.
2018: Jada Pinkett Smith's Alopecia Diagnosis
Jada Pinkett Smith received an alopecia areata diagnosis in 2018.
2018: World Cup Performance and Collaboration
Smith performed "Live It Up" at the 2018 FIFA World Cup closing ceremony and collaborated with Marc Anthony and Bad Bunny on "Está Rico."
2018: Grand Canyon Bungee Jump
Will Smith celebrated his 50th birthday in 2018 with a bungee jump from a helicopter into the Grand Canyon. The jump, insured for $200 million, raised money for the charity Global Citizen.
2018: Will Smith Participates in Hindu Rituals
Will Smith performed Hindu rituals in Haridwar, India in 2018. He expressed a deep connection with Hindu spirituality and Indian astrology, also spending time with spiritual leader Sadhguru.
May 24, 2019: Aladdin Release
On May 24, 2019, Will Smith starred as the Genie in Disney's live-action adaptation of Aladdin, which also featured his vocals on the soundtrack. This film became his highest-grossing movie at the time.
July 2019: YouTube Channel Growth
By July 2019, Will Smith's YouTube channel had amassed over 6 million subscribers and 294 million views.
October 11, 2019: Gemini Man Release
On October 11, 2019, "Gemini Man," starring Will Smith, was released. The film, directed by Ang Lee, underperformed at the box office and faced negative critical reception.
2019: Aladdin and Spies in Disguise Release
Will Smith starred in both "Aladdin" and "Spies in Disguise" in 2019.
2019: Spies in Disguise and Bad Boys for Life
In 2019, Will Smith lent his voice to the animated film "Spies in Disguise" and also invested in the esports organization Gen.G. He also worked on Bad Boys for Life.
June 2020: Emancipation Announcement
In June 2020, it was revealed Will Smith would portray Peter, a runaway slave, in the film "Emancipation," directed by Antoine Fuqua.
June 2020: "Emancipation" Sets Record for Film Acquisition Deal
In June 2020, the sale of Will Smith's film "Emancipation" to Apple Studios for $120 million set a new record for the largest film festival acquisition deal.
November 9, 2021: Will Memoir Release
Will Smith's autobiography, "Will," co-written with Mark Manson, was released on November 9, 2021, and was accompanied by a promotional tour.
2021: King Richard and Awards
In 2021, Will Smith starred in "King Richard," portraying the father of Venus and Serena Williams. He received numerous awards for this role, including the Academy Award for Best Actor.
2021: Pulls "Emancipation" Production from Georgia
In 2021, Will Smith withdrew production of his film "Emancipation" from Georgia to protest the state's restrictive voting laws, specifically the Election Integrity Act of 2021.
2021: Wins Multiple Awards for "King Richard"
In 2021, Will Smith won an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, and a Screen Actors Guild award for his performance as Richard Williams in "King Richard." He also received an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture as a producer of the film.
2021: King Richard and Oscar Win
Will Smith portrayed Richard Williams in "King Richard" and won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 2021.
February 7, 2022: Pole to Pole Announcement
On February 7, 2022, National Geographic announced Will Smith's participation in a series called "Pole to Pole," documenting his journey from the South Pole to the North Pole.
March 27, 2022: Oscars Incident
During the 94th Academy Awards on March 27, 2022, Will Smith slapped Chris Rock onstage following a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith. This incident resulted in significant controversy and repercussions for Smith.
April 1, 2022: Academy Resignation
On April 1, 2022, Will Smith resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences following the Oscars incident.
April 8, 2022: Academy Ban
On April 8, 2022, the Academy banned Will Smith from attending Oscars ceremonies and related events for 10 years due to the incident with Chris Rock.
December 2022: Emancipation Release and Underperformance
"Emancipation" was released in December 2022 but experienced commercial disappointment, partly attributed to the controversy surrounding Will Smith.
2022: The Slap
At the 2022 Oscars ceremony, Will Smith slapped Chris Rock after a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith, resulting in Smith's resignation from the Academy and a ten-year ban from Academy events.
2022: Wins Academy Award for Best Actor
Will Smith won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 2022 for his portrayal of Richard Williams in "King Richard," becoming the fifth Black actor to achieve this honor.
September 2023: Collaboration with Joyner Lucas
Reports surfaced in September 2023 indicating a potential collaboration between Will Smith and Joyner Lucas on a joint album.
October 2023: Separation from Jada Pinkett Smith
In October 2023, Jada Pinkett Smith announced that she and Will Smith had been separated since 2016, although they stated they had no plans to divorce. Both have openly discussed their unconventional marriage and belief in the freedom to pursue extramarital relationships.
2023: Upcoming Projects Announcement
In 2023, Will Smith's involvement in "Bad Boys 4," an "I Am Legend" sequel, and other sci-fi projects was announced.
2025: Box Office Success
By 2025, Will Smith's films had grossed over $9.5 billion globally, solidifying his status as a top Hollywood star.