The Tragic True Life Story Of Will Smith
It’s amazing how Will Smith went from being a rapper in DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince to becoming a versatile entertainer. Although he was first well-known for his music, in the 1990s he became incredibly popular thanks to the hit sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”
His success propelled him into Hollywood, where he won an Academy Award for Best Actor and received more praise for a string of successful films.
Will Smith had a difficult road to success, filled with painful experiences, heartbreaking losses, and self-admitted mistakes. From a difficult upbringing to legal issues, box office setbacks, and marital difficulties, Smith overcame many challenges to become a successful film director.
Will Smith describes in his autobiography, “Will,” the terrible details of his upbringing in a home where domestic abuse was a daily occurrence. Though Smith grew up idolizing his father, whom he lovingly refers to as “Daddio,” he describes the difficulties he faced in coping with his violent actions, alcoholism, and the suffering he and his mother endured.
When Will Smith was nine years old, he saw a horrific event in which his father punched his mother until she passed out and spat blood. This horrific event made Will think about getting even, even if it meant pushing his father down the stairs. In the end, Will decided against acting on these inner feelings, thinking instead that a person’s actions define them rather than trauma-driven impulses.
He Contemplated Suicide As A Teenager
Though Will Smith admits that staying silent about his father’s abuse was the right thing to do, it also set off one of his darkest periods: when he was thirteen, his mother had left to live with his father, and he had considered suicide. Only his grandmother Gigi’s advice—that it was wrong to take one’s own life—kept him from acting on those thoughts.
Will Smith struggled for a long time inside after deciding against suicide because he felt like he let his mother down. He writes about the pounding feeling that he has failed and is a coward in his memoir. Will stressed the value of self-discovery and honesty in one’s life and relationships, so sharing these repressed emotions during a Savoy Theatre event brought catharsis.
He Hit ‘Rock Bottom’ In Jail
In 1989, shortly after winning a Grammy, 20-year-old Will Smith faced a sobering incident. Following an argument, he allegedly ordered his bodyguard to attack record promoter William Hendricks, leaving him near-blind. Although charges were dropped, Smith considered this a “rock bottom” experience, expressing disbelief as he lay in a jail cell, reflecting on his recent Grammy win.
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He Said He Used Comedy To Survive
In his memoir, Will Smith reflects on his response to his father’s abuse, choosing humor as a way to please and distract. In a 2021 interview with GQ, he explained that comedy, in his view, diffuses negativity and prevents anger or violence. This early training in humor ultimately contributed to his success on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” Despite the challenging circumstances, Smith found a positive outlet for his talents.
He Had A Run-In With The IRS
While IRS issues and the poor sales of his second album in 1989 put Will Smith in financial jeopardy, a fortuitous meeting on Arsenio Hall’s show resulted in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” Despite his success, Smith began the show with $2.8 million in delinquent taxes, and until the third season, the IRS received 70% of his salary. Smith stressed in an interview with Oprah that it was an oversight brought on by carelessness rather than a calculated attempt to avoid paying taxes.
He Called His First Marriage ‘The Ultimate Failure
Will Smith talked about the difficulties of his first marriage to Sheree Zampino, which ended with divorce papers being served on Valentine’s Day, in an interview with GQ. While still married, Smith started dating Jada Pinkett, calling divorce the worst thing he had ever experienced in his adult life.
Conflicts emerged despite their early attempts at co-parenting, and Pinkett acknowledged in a “Red Table Talk” that she could have handled it better. To her credit, Smith made an effort to keep things calm and corrected Pinkett when she went too far, highlighting Zampino’s responsibility as Trey’s mother.
He Lost A Father Figure
Will Smith held James Avery, best known for his portrayal of Uncle Phil on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” in high regard. Smith posted on social media following Avery’s 2013 death to show her deep respect for him and to describe him as a source of acting and life lessons. During the show’s 2020 reunion, Smith emphasized Avery’s role as a father figure, highlighting his multifaceted impact on the cast and characterizing him as everyone’s favorite uncle.
He Led His Son Into A Losing Film
Will Smith had big plans for his science fiction movie “After Earth,” envisioning a possible franchise, when it was first released in 2013. But Smith’s remorse wasn’t primarily fueled by the film’s box office failure—it made only $26.5 million in its first week compared to an anticipated $40 million. The real hurt was that he was working on the project with his son, Jaden Smith. Will was severely hurt by Jaden’s poorly received performance, which earned him a Razzie Award. It was the most excruciating setback of his professional life.
His Father Died Of Cancer
In the aftermath of the disappointment of “After Earth,” Will Smith faced another challenge when he learned, just half an hour after the film’s poor box office performance, that his father had been diagnosed with cancer. This news coincided with Smith’s preparation for a role in “Collateral Beauty,” a film centered around cancer.
Reflecting on the experience, Smith shared that facing his father’s mortality during this time brought them closer, offering a poignant way to say goodbye.
His Marriage To Jada Pinkett Smith Continues To Haunt Headlines
Despite facing persistent rumors about their marriage since 1997, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith attempted to address the speculation in a 2020 “Red Table Talk,” where Jada clarified her relationship with August Alsina occurred during a separation from Will.
However, in a surprising revelation during an October 2023 NBC News special, Jada disclosed that the couple has been separated since 2016. Despite the separation, they are not legally divorced, and Jada emphasized her commitment to a promise she made to avoid divorce. She also reiterated that, contrary to headlines, she was never unfaithful to Will.
The Tragic True Life Story Of Will Smith first appeared on looper
