How Will Smith Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline
A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of Will Smith across different fields.
Will Smith is a highly successful American actor, rapper, and film producer. He has garnered significant recognition, including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a BAFTA Award, and four Grammy Awards. Smith's films have collectively grossed over $9.5 billion worldwide as of 2025, solidifying his position as one of Hollywood's most commercially successful and bankable stars. He has achieved critical and commercial success across both music and film.
1988: Financial Issues Begin
Around 1988, Will Smith began spending money freely and underpaying income taxes, leading to later financial problems.
1999: Turning Down The Matrix
In 1999, Will Smith turned down the role of Neo in The Matrix in favor of Wild Wild West.
2006: Named One of Time's 100 Most Influential People
In 2006, Will Smith was named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world.
December 10, 2007: Honored at Grauman's Chinese Theatre
On December 10, 2007, Will Smith was honored at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard, leaving an imprint of his hands and feet.
December 1, 2008: Named One of America's Most Fascinating People
On December 1, 2008, Will Smith was selected as one of America's top ten most fascinating people of 2008 for a Barbara Walters ABC special.
December 4, 2008: Barbara Walters ABC Special Airs
On December 4, 2008, Will Smith was selected as one of America's top ten most fascinating people of 2008 for a Barbara Walters ABC special that aired on December 4, 2008.
2008: Named One of Esquire's 75 Most Influential People of the 21st Century
In 2008, Will Smith was named one of Esquire's 75 most influential people of the 21st century.
2013: Recognition of Big Willie Style Album Sales
As of 2013, Will Smith's debut solo album Big Willie Style (1997) is among the best-selling rap albums of all time.
2013: Did not identify as religious
In a 2013 interview, Will Smith said he did not identify as religious.
2015: Spoke about Christian Faith
In 2015, Will Smith said that his Christian faith helped him portray Bennet Omalu in Concussion.
2018: Hindu rite of abhisheka of Shiva at Haridwar, India
In 2018, Will Smith performed the Hindu rite of abhisheka of Shiva at Haridwar, India.
July 2019: YouTube channel success
As of July 2019, Will Smith's YouTube channel had over 6 million subscribers and 294 million total views.
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.
2025: Box Office Success
As of 2025, Will Smith's films have grossed over $9.5 billion globally, solidifying his status as one of Hollywood's most bankable stars.
