The Life Of Will Smith
Willard Christopher Smith Jr., better known as Will Smith, is known for being an amazing rapper, actor, and musician. He is recognized during the month of February for being a very successful African American man as, February is the appreciation for African Americans. He is a prominent man throughout his career for being well rounded, talented,, intelligent, funny, and having a cool character. Those that know him personally have told that he is a great man to be around. This is a great trait to have when money and fame are in the picture. This is why I have chosen Will Smith to acknowledge during Black History Month.
At the age of 16, he met A DJ at a party . This rapper, DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince (Will Smith) began their career. This is the time when Smith began acting in “The Fresh Prince Of Bel-air,” where he played a mischievous young man always using his cunning attitude and quick words to get him out of trouble with his aunt and uncle. In this show, he was known as being the start of a great actor who could easily make his audience crack up. His charm and sly personality raised the charts as the show went on successfully for six seasons. The young actor’s personality and success of the show opened doors for a life of acting. After this show there was no stopping him. During his time on the show he played small roles in movies like “Where The Day Takes You,” and Made in America..” A year after. he landed his first major role in “Six Degrees of Separation,” where he acted as a street smart, charming, yet mysterious kid. Two years after that, in 1995, Smith starred in another lead role, “Bad Boys.” This time Smith played in the high budget movie as a smooth, sly cop, the opposite of his clown-of-a-partner (acted by Martin Lawrence). This role showed the world that Will Smith was capable of being the leading man, and capable of almost any role being thrown at him. After this his career took off. By 1996, Smith had began acting in many different acting roles in movies like, “Independence Day,” Men In Black,”Wild Wild West,” “The Legend of Bagger Vance,” and Ali” ; to more modern movies such as “Hitch,” “The Pursuit of Happiness,” “I Robot,” “I Am Legend,” “Omega Man,” “Hancock,” and “Seven Pounds.” Along with being an amazing actor, being able to make any role come to life; he also helped produce high rated movies like, “Lakeview Terrace,” “The Secret Life of Bees,” and “The Mark.” As many movies as he has played in and produced his career is not ending there. He is expected to be seen in many more movies in the near future, and because of his great history in making movies they are most likely going to be good ones.
Will Smith came out as an African American man who was intelligent, funny, and overall respectful. During his rapping career, he maintained a clean sheet, not rapping about violence or vulgarity. This was a surprise to much of the community during his time, who believed blacks were rude and disrespectful. The effect of him being successful and earning a career doing the right thing proved that all blacks aren’t the same. |
He also let young men know they could be themselves. For those who weren't too proud of themselves a person, Will Smith was, and still can be a role model to them. Smith told TV Guide that his high confidence in himself helped him to leap from local fame to national celebrity while still living life as a teenager. "Confidence is what makes me different from guys at home.... I'm the one who always takes the risks." In Seventeen, he said, "You have to believe in something greater than yourself. You have to have faith in the power and believe it has your best interest at heart. That's how I was raised by my parents, and that's my bottom line." One thing Will Smith has proven throughout his career is that he has the business sense, the charm, and the talent to utilize every opportunity that comes his way. Through his music, Smith also encouraged people of the black community to embrace their race and know that they are loved. His song “Afro Angel,” was a direct inspiration to those who don't feel worthy of another race. One main line in this song that expressed his true feelings was, “Afro Angel, born against the world,You don't have to sell your soul and throw away your pride, Afro Angel, sent from heaven above,Never forget that you are loved, You know that you are loved.” Everyone, no matter who they are will leave a legacy behind. Even those who aren't well-known, and doubt themselves. Will Smith is definitely one of those people who will leave a big impact on the world. He has a legacy because of his acting. His hit- tv show earned him instant fame and since then he has been unstoppable. This is inspiration for those who plan to become a star. He didn't have any special grants into Hollywood. he did it himself by being committed and hardworking. His great acting is the legacy of all. Only great actors can take on a variety of roles as he did and perform them exactly the way the character is supposed to be. He goes from a matchmaker who falls in love in “Hitch” to the a scientist who one of only men left in an apocalyptic world who finds a cure for the disease that has spread and saves the world in “I AM Legend.” In my opinion, any role can be given to him and he could act it out well to make the character come to life. This god given talent is reason why Will Smith will leave behind a legacy. In conclusion, Will Smith is an encouraging, successful African American man who deserves to be acknowledged for his success. Not every actor can be as good as an actor as he is, and also be a good person to be around. These are the reasons I have decided to honor him during Black History Month. Not only does he provide good entertainment for the public but he is also encouragement for those who feel as if they cannot become successful by themselves. Will Smith went out on his own and was found and turned into the celebrity he is today. His legacy will leave behind encouragement, hope, and lastly great movies! References
http://www.biography.com/people/will-smith-9542165 http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000226/bio http://www.aceshowbiz.com/celebrity/will_smith/biography.html http://www.lyricsfreak.com/w/will+smith/biography.html |