While their first album went double-platinum, their second release, "Parents Just Don't Understand" won the Philly natives a Grammy. Will’s energy and positive image brought him to the attention of many television execs, namely one in particular at NBC. He was eventually cast in the starring role of the comedy series "The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air."
He thrived as the streetwise kid who had to get used to the idea of no longer living in Philly where he was very popular but was also headed in the wrong direction, and who now had to start fresh in affluent Beverly Hills with his extended family.
The show became one of the station's most successful series, running until 1996. From there, Will Smith became a household name and the big screen was inevitable. Will’s film debut was in 1992 when he took a role in "Where The Day Takes You." He performed in a more serious film where gained further acclaim for his role in 1993's "Six Degrees Of Separation." In that same year he released his final album with Jazzy Jeff.
After his first tentative film roles, Will couldn’t be stopped. Major roles in films such as “Bad Boys,” “Independence Day” and Men In Black became some the most successful movies ever made. Will also released a few solo records under his own name for the first time. His party-style rap topped both US and UK charts as his infectious beats blared over radio waves and people jammed to singles like "Gettin' Jiggy Wit It", "Just The Two Of Us" and "Miami." At the end of the millennium, "Will 2K" and Willennium also became successes.
Last year his role as Muhammad Ali won him great accolades as a true Hollywood entity. The movie “Ali” was nominated for an Oscar Award in the lead-actor category, but didn’t win.
Now, Will’s latest release which includes the single "Black Suits Comin' (Nod Ya Head)" is sure to cause a huge commotion. And there's no telling what type of box office madness is going to happen when "Men In Black: II" hits theaters. But Will being Will, already has another big project up his sleeve. He is set to star with Jennifer Lopez for a film called, "Last First Kiss."
It’s a romantic comedy which casts will as a matchmaker who claims his company can find anyone’s perfect match. Jennifer, who plays a skeptical reporter, attempts to discredit him. If his past films are any indication of how this movie will do, I guess Will should get ready for a new wave of success to hit him real soon.
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