Will Smithhas remained one of the true Hollywood celebrities thanks to a storied career in both music and acting. He initially introduced himself to the world as a suave and hilarious playboy who needed to learn about life from an outstanding uncle.
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That blossomed into a movie career that saw him become an A-List blockbuster star who often was the lead man in big-budget summer movies. In the modern era, Will Smith has portrayed a superpowered DC character, important fathers, and captivating athletes. His decade-spanning career includes critical acclaim,box office success, and everything in between.
9James West (Wild Wild West)
The idea of a studio greenlighting a steampunk-inspired Western starring Will Smith with a budget of $170 million feels like the type of project destined to be canceled in the modern era before it ever saw the light of day. In 1999 that film, titledWild Wild West, was released.
Though many thought it was an original project, it’s actually a loose adaptation of the 1960s show titledThe Wild Wild West. The movie would go on tofail at the box officebut became a cult hit on home video, and the ridiculously outlandish project remains a role fans of Smith look back on interestingly.
8Richard Williams (King Richard)
Will Smith took on the role of the father of Venus and Serena Williams, two legendary tennis players, inKing Richard, and with it being rather new it’s unclear how iconic of a role it will be for him in the long run. After years of nominations and close calls,King Richardwas finally the project that gave Smith his much-deserved Academy Award for Best Actor.
That alone places the movie in his personal Mt. Rushmore as it was a pivotal moment in his storied acting career. The beauty of Smith as an actor is that his presence on camera is magnetic and he’s able to tap into an emotional and empathetic core that adds authenticity to his characters.
Taking on the roles of important historical figures can be quite overwhelming and equally intimidating, but it’s something Will Smith has never shied away from.Aliwas a movie that was in the works since 1992, but due to setbacks didn’t come to fruition until 2001 when it entered production.
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Smith dedicated an entire year of his life to learning about Muhammad Ali and intensely trained in boxed, sometimes up to seven hours a day. The role earned Smith several nominations and wins during award season for best actor and he often refers toAlias the work he’s most proud of to this day.
Since 2003’sBad BoysII fans had been waiting for the series starring Marcus Lawrence and Will Smith to return. In 2020 they got their wish viaBad Boys for Lifewhich saw the two older actors take on a mentor role for what could be considered a new class of detectives.
Smith and Lawrence created an instant action movie classic in 1995’sBad Boys, as the two played detectives, Marcus Burnett and Mike Lowrey. With Lawrence as his co-star, Smith eased off the comedic approach and was able to showcase his talents as a suave leading man, peppering in his sarcasm and bombastic reactions for good measure.
5Capt. Hiller (Independence Day)
Every year in the United States Americans celebrate their independence from England on a national holiday called Independence Day. This also happens to be the name of a 1996 sci-fi action movie starring Will Smith that helped further build him into a Hollywood leading man.
Taking on the role of Captain Steven Hiller inIndependence Day, Smith showcased that even though he was known for being a comedic lovable goofball, he was also able to put on a stern face and be a believable hero standing in the face of insurmountable odds. Very rarely were black actors given the chance to lead a blockbuster action movie, let alone onein the sci-fi genre. As with most things he’s accomplished in his career, Smith proved that his talents and range far exceed any expectations or limitations people put on him.
4Hitch (Hitch)
Romantic comedieshave come and gone over the years, but there are always a handful or more of them that become junk food for audiences regardless of their actual quality. In 2005 Will Smith starred in the rom-comHitchas its titular character. The successful dating coach was tasked with helping comedian Kevin James' character find a partner.
As most whacky tales like this go, Hitch ends up falling in love himself, as Smith’s comedic chops are in full effect. The movie grossed over $350 million at the worldwide box office, but even more important than that it remains a Will Smith classic people go back and watch quite often.
3Chris Gardner (The Pursuit of Happyness)
Very few movies engaged audiences on an emotional level the way that 2006’sThe Pursuit of Happynessdid. Will Smith played Chris Gardner, as this movie told the story of a down-on-his-luck man who fought tooth and nail to overcome homelessness and find success for both he and his son.
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Smith’s real son Jaden starred alongside him as the two captured the hearts of audiences with their touching and endearing performances. This is yet another role where Smith saw countless nominations for Best Actor, but didn’t manage to take home the win for any of the major shows.
2Agent J (Men In Black)
When looking at roles that were iconic for specific actors, often it isn’t the projects that made the most money or received the highest praise and/orcritical acclaim.Men In Blackis a movie that surprised audiences with its refreshing take on the alien invasion genre.
Will Smith played Agent J, a rookie agent tasked with helping Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones) with tackling any alien species threatening human existence on Earth. Smith’s over-the-top reactions and smooth camera presence were a perfect pairing to the straight-man character Tommy Lee Jones presented.
1Will (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air)
Will Smith over the years has portrayed dozens of characters that have captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences, but none have touched what his starring role onThe Fresh Prince of Bel-Airaccomplished. Thebeloved sitcomportrayed a loving family, with a staff of writers willing to tackle emotionally, heartbreaking, and important topics.
There were also plenty of levity and comedic moments with Will Smith front and center. It’s what launched him into stardom and he hasn’t looked back since. Between the iconic theme song, a dazzling 90s aesthetic, and an authentic approach there’s a reasonThe Fresh Prince of Bel-Airhas withstood the test of time.
