10 fun and interesting Will Smith facts

1. From "Fresh Prince" to "Mr. July"

Will Smith, born Willard Christopher Smith Jr., is a multi-talented actor, rapper, and producer who has gone by many names throughout his career. He is best known as the 'Fresh Prince' of rap, a nickname he earned in the late 1980s when he released his debut album, 'Rock the House'. He also earned the nickname 'Mr. July' due to his success in the summer blockbuster movie 'Independence Day'.

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2. Will Smith's Aw, hell no! catchphrase becomes a popular meme

Will Smith is renowned for his iconic catchphrase, "Aw, hell no!" which he has managed to incorporate into almost every one of his films. This phrase has become so synonymous with Smith that it has become a part of his signature style, and is often quoted by fans of his work. It has become a popular meme, and is often used to express disbelief or refusal.

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3. Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith: Hollywood's Most Beloved Couple

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith are one of Hollywood's most beloved couples. They first met when Jada auditioned for the role of Will's love interest on the hit television show, "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air". After the show ended, the two kept in touch and eventually tied the knot in 1997. Since then, they have become a respected and admired couple in the entertainment industry, with their relationship being an inspiration to many.

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4. Iconic Roles and Star Wars Influence

Will Smith is no stranger to iconic roles, having played the part of Captain Steven Hiller in the 1996 blockbuster "Independence Day". Smith has stated that he based his portrayal of Hiller on Harrison Ford's iconic character Han Solo from the "Star Wars" franchise, citing Ford's performance as a major influence on his own. Smith's portrayal of Hiller was met with critical acclaim, and the role has since become one of his most recognizable.

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5. Music & Film Success

Will Smith is a multi-talented artist who has achieved success in both music and film. His career as a rapper began in the late 1980s and he has since gone on to win a Grammy Award for his hit single “Summertime”. The song was released in 1991 and was an instant success, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of the most popular songs of the year. It was also nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Rap Solo Performance category, which Smith won. His success as a rapper has continued to this day, with his most recent album, “Lost and Found”, being released in 2018.

6. Will Smith Named One of '50 Most Beautiful People'

In 1998, Will Smith was honored with a spot on People Magazine's prestigious "50 Most Beautiful People" list. His inclusion on the list was a testament to his undeniable charm and charisma, which has made him one of the most beloved actors of all time. Smith's career has spanned decades, and he has starred in some of the most iconic films of the last few decades, including Men in Black, Independence Day, and The Pursuit of Happyness. His inclusion on the list was a recognition of his immense talent and star power.

7. Will Smith Hosts Presidential Inaugural Celebration for Youth

In 1993, Will Smith was chosen to host the Presidential Inaugural Celebration for Youth for President Bill Clinton. This event was held in Washington D.C. and was attended by thousands of young people from across the country. Smith was praised for his enthusiasm and energy, and his performance was seen as a symbol of the new generation of leadership that was taking shape in the United States. Smith's hosting of the event was seen as a sign of the changing times, and his presence was a reminder of the importance of youth in the political process.

8. Will Smith's "Wild Wild West" mistake

Will Smith's decision to turn down the role of Neo in 1999's "The Matrix" and instead take part in the film "Wild Wild West" proved to be a costly mistake. Despite Smith's star power, the movie was a huge flop at the box office, leaving Smith to regret his decision to pass on the iconic role.

9. The First Rapper to be Nominated for an Academy Award

Will Smith made history in 2001 when he became the first rapper to be nominated for an Academy Award. His nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in the film "Ali" marked a milestone in the entertainment industry, as it was the first time a rapper had been recognized by the Academy for their acting. Smith's nomination opened the door for other rappers to be recognized for their acting, and since then, several other rappers have been nominated for Academy Awards.

10. A towering figure at 13

At the tender age of 13, Will Smith was already a towering figure, standing at an impressive 6' 2" - a height he has maintained into adulthood. His impressive stature has been a defining feature of his career, allowing him to stand out in a crowd and make an impact on the world of entertainment.