Will Smith - A Celebrity Who Has Made a Difference

Smith was born and raised in West Philadelphia, just like the well known rap beginning at every episode of "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." He was the second of four children raised in a middle-class family by parents who firmly believed in family values and education. Smith's father encouraged Will to admire self-made men who had achieved what they had achieved through hard work.

In high school, Smith took the role of class clown and was loved by his teachers.

Music was always a big part of Smith's life and rapping became one of Smith's hobbies beginning at the age of eleven. "Rock the House" was Smith's first record produced with a friend and DJ Jeff Townes. The record was an overnight sensation and scored a hit with the single 'Girls Ain't Nothing but Trouble.'

Although Smith had a college scholarship to MIT, he chose to pursue his future in music. His high school nickname was "The Fresh Prince."

The duo continued to earn fame through several hits and were recognized nation-wide for their humorous, un-offensive and radio-friendly lyrics. Smith was encouraged by his grandmother to steer clear of the offensive lyrics that so many rap stars had used.

Smith was offered the role from NBC at the age of 22, despite no prior acting experience. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was a box-office hit and Smith notes he learned a great deal from the actors on the show. It was also during this time that Smith wrote a smash hit with Jeff Townes called "Summertime."

At the age of 24, Smith married Sharee Zampino and they had a son together named Trey. The couple divorced three years later but have remained close.

Once Smith had stepped into fatherhood, certain issues became more important to him, as well as presenting those issues through the sitcom. Episodes dealing with more serious matters began to be produced.

In 1996, Smith decided to put the fun-loving teenage role behind him and work on films.

Smith held various starring roles in such films as; "Where the Day Takes You" and "Six Degrees of Separation." In 1997, Smith married Jada Pinkett and they have two children, Jaden Christopher and Willow Camille.

Blockbuster hits such as; "Bad Boys", "Independence Day", "Men in Black" and "Enemy of the State" were all produced in the late nineties and early 2000's.

Smith's portrayal as Muhammad Ali earned him a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Actor. Smith has also produced several other musical records over the last several years that have also been highly successful.

Smith has also been involved in community and global service work. He and his wife have donated significant time, work and money to help suffering children in South Africa. Smith also hosted the Nelson Mandela AIDS benefit concert in South Africa last year.

The Smiths have also made great efforts to reach out to families in West Philadelphia were Smith was raised. They have donated libraries and shelters in this area. While Smith is often not noted for his charity work, he has chosen to make a difference in the lives of many and use his success for good.