Will Smith Autographs, Memorabilia & Collectibles

Will Smith, born on September 25, 1968, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is an American actor, producer, and rapper, known for his versatility in both film and music. Smith first gained fame as a rapper under the name The Fresh Prince in the late 1980s and transitioned to acting with remarkable success.

Smith's early music career, in partnership with DJ Jazzy Jeff, produced hits like "Summertime" and "Parents Just Don't Understand." Their success in the music industry earned them the first-ever Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance in 1989. His transition to television came with the NBC sitcom "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," which aired from 1990 to 1996. The show, based loosely on his life, was a significant hit and established Smith as an actor.

In the mid-1990s, Smith transitioned to the film industry, where he quickly became one of Hollywood's leading actors. His roles in blockbuster films such as "Bad Boys" (1995), "Independence Day" (1996), and "Men in Black" (1997) showcased his ability to lead in action and comedy genres. Smith's acting range was further displayed in movies like "Ali" (2001), where he played boxer Muhammad Ali, earning him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. His performance in "The Pursuit of Happyness" (2006) earned him another Oscar nomination.