Fresh Prince's original show decided to use Will Smith's real name because Smith already had name recognition from his music career, plus Smith and Carlton actor Alfonso Ribeiro realized they would be called by their characters' names for eternity if the show became a hit.

How did Will Smith get his nickname?

executive Benny Medina as well as the actor who plays him of the same name (although in the show 'Will' is short for William, while in real life it is short for Willard). Smith's charming and mischievous personality earned him the nickname "Prince," which eventually became "Fresh Prince".

Is Will Smith Will Smith's real name?

Early life. Willard Carroll Smith II was born on September 25, 1968, in Philadelphia, to Caroline (née Bright), a school board administrator, and Willard Carroll Smith Sr., a US Air Force veteran and refrigeration engineer.

What was Will Smith called when he was a rapper?

After Will Smith met Jeff Townes at age 16, the duo launched a highly successful rap career as DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. Smith starred on the sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air for six seasons, before establishing himself as a Hollywood A-lister with Bad Boys (1995) and Independence Day (1996).

Why is Will Smith called Mr July?

A decade and change ago, Will Smith earned the nickname “Mr. July,” for his blockbuster near-Independence Day releases like Men in Black, Wild Wild West, and that other one. The week of the 4th was Smith's stomping ground — the films he chose fit right into the American holiday.

Will Smith | Biography | Born in 1970, Fresh Prince in 1990 to Action Star & A-List Celeb in 2020

What is Will Smith first name?

Will Smith, byname of Willard Carroll Smith, Jr., (born September 25, 1968, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.), American actor and musician whose charisma and quick wit helped him transition from rap music to a successful career in acting.

Does Will Smith have a 22 year old son?

The actor, 52, has three children: Trey, 30, whom he shares with his ex-wife Sheree Zampino, and Willow, 22, and Jaden, 25, whom he shares with his estranged wife Jada Pinkett Smith.

Which Smith kid is older?

The King Richard star has three kids: sons Trey, 31, and Jaden, 25, plus daughter Willow, 23. All three of them have followed in his footsteps, pursuing careers in the entertainment industry. Smith welcomed his first son, Trey, in 1992 with then-wife Sheree Zampino.

How much is Will Smith worth 2023?

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Will Smith's net worth is $350 million as of 2023. These earnings are thanks to an entertainment career spanning over three decades, from his work as a rapper to his many roles as an actor and producer behind the scenes.

Who is Will Smith's best friend in Fresh Prince?

DJ Jazzy Jeff (Jeffery A.

The DJ starred alongside his pal Smith as Jazz. Taking inspiration from the real DJ Jazzy Jeff, Jazz worked with Fresh Prince's Will on music and was his best friend. The Compton resident had a big crush on Will's cousin Hilary and butted heads with her father Phil, accordingly.

Can Will Smith play basketball?

Q: Has Will Smith ever played basketball before? A: While Smith has played basketball recreationally and in movie roles, he has never played at a professional level.

Was Will Smith married before he met Jada?

At the time, however, Will was married to Sheree Zampino. The two had a son named Trey. Will and Sheree got divorced in 1995, and Will and Jada started dating that same year. In a 2018 interview with Access, Jada said that Will reached out to her when he was separated from Sheree before their divorce was finalized.

What made Will Smith famous?

In the late 1980s, Smith achieved modest fame as a rapper under the name The Fresh Prince. In 1990, his popularity increased dramatically when he starred in the popular television series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

What was Will Smith's first wife's name?

His wife was Sheree Zampino. The pair were married for three years from 1992 until 1995 and have one child together, Trey. In 2007 she married former running back for the San Diego Chargers, Terrell Fletcher but divorced in 2014.