Top 10 Will Smith Trivia
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He’s the Fresh Prince. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’ll be exploring ten pieces of trivia about Will Smith.
At 6’2’’, it’s safe to say that Will Smith isn’t lacking when it comes to the height department. But imagine already standing that tall at age 13? Towering over his friends probably wasn’t easy, but he certainly grew into his height: after packing on a few pounds and building up more than a few muscles, Smith has shown he’s not afraid to flaunt the genes his parents gave him.
Thanks to their sophomore effort and hip-hop’s first double album, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince had their first top twenty hit. Though “Parents Just Don’t Understand” made the duo the first winners of the Grammy for Best Rap Performance, Smith boycotted the ceremony because the category wasn’t being televised. The DJ and rapper won another Grammy for “Summertime” two years later.
After raking in the dough with DJ Jazzy Jeff, the Fresh Prince soon found himself in a helluva lot of trouble with the government. Fortunately, NBC saved him from bankruptcy when they offered him a sitcom deal. Though the series mostly showcased Smith’s comedic abilities, it also allowed him to occasionally demonstrate his dramatic skills, thereby setting him on his way to becoming a bona fide Hollywood star.
By “chillin’ out maxin’ relaxin’ all cool” and yelling “yo homes smell ya later,” Will gave the Fresh Prince’s theme song a place in pop culture forever. Because, even as a massively successful film star and rapper, he’s still most famous as the Fresh Prince. You’d probably be hard-pressed to find any ‘90s kid who doesn’t know the lyrics and Smith’s 2012 visit to “The Graham Norton Show” proved just that.
Known for his time as half of DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince and for his solo career, Will once rapped that Muhammad Ali dubbed him “the greatest.” Seems there was some foreshadowing going on in “Getting’ Jiggy Wit It” ‘cause Smith became the first hip-hopper to land an Oscar nod for his portrayal of the boxer a few years later. The rapper was nominated again for his role in 2006's “The Pursuit of Happyness.”
Though Smith has proved his action star mettle over and over, it’d probably still be hard for many to imagine him as “The Matrix”’s computer hacker-turned-savior. Believe it or not, but he actually declined the role of Neo to take on the part of Captain James T. West. While the poorly received steam-punk western didn’t meet studio expectations, Smith still thinks Keanu Reeves was “the One.”
This proud father believes his children should share in his success. Inspired by the Grover Washington, Jr. & Bill Withers original, Will recorded “Just the Two of Us” with son Trey in mind – even putting him in its music video. While he acted with daughter Willow in “I Am Legend,” it’s with Jaden that he’s shared the most screen time so far: they played father and son in “The Pursuit of Happyness” and “After Earth.”
Just like Arnie in the “Terminator” flicks, Will has his own trademark line that can be found in many of his films. Since his characters often get themselves into trouble, “Aw, hell no!” is the perfect catchphrase – and to be honest, no one can deliver it quite like him! But don’t take our word for it; check it out for yourself!
As an actor, rapper and producer, Smith is obviously multi-talented. But did you know he’s also great at puzzle games, specifically the ‘80s toy called the Rubik’s Cube? While he’s shown off this unique skill on the small and big screens, what’s more impressive was the time he solved one on live TV – so we know no camera work or editing tricks were involved!
Ever since “Independence Day,” Smith has been making a name for himself as a blockbuster hero. But when “Hancock” became his eighth straight movie to gross over $100 million at the box office, Mr. July put himself in a whole other league. Though 2008’s “Seven Pounds” broke that streak, “Men in Black 3” put him back at number one and earned over $600 million around the world.
Are you a fan of Will Smith? What’s your favorite piece of Will Smith trivia? For more informative trivia lists, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.
#10 – Big Willie Style
At 6’2’’, it’s safe to say that Will Smith isn’t lacking when it comes to the height department. But imagine already standing that tall at age 13? Towering over his friends probably wasn’t easy, but he certainly grew into his height: after packing on a few pounds and building up more than a few muscles, Smith has shown he’s not afraid to flaunt the genes his parents gave him.
#9 – The Grammys Just Don’t Understand
Thanks to their sophomore effort and hip-hop’s first double album, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince had their first top twenty hit. Though “Parents Just Don’t Understand” made the duo the first winners of the Grammy for Best Rap Performance, Smith boycotted the ceremony because the category wasn’t being televised. The DJ and rapper won another Grammy for “Summertime” two years later.
#8 – His Life Got Flipped Turned Upside Down
After raking in the dough with DJ Jazzy Jeff, the Fresh Prince soon found himself in a helluva lot of trouble with the government. Fortunately, NBC saved him from bankruptcy when they offered him a sitcom deal. Though the series mostly showcased Smith’s comedic abilities, it also allowed him to occasionally demonstrate his dramatic skills, thereby setting him on his way to becoming a bona fide Hollywood star.
#7 – In West Philadelphia Born and Raised
By “chillin’ out maxin’ relaxin’ all cool” and yelling “yo homes smell ya later,” Will gave the Fresh Prince’s theme song a place in pop culture forever. Because, even as a massively successful film star and rapper, he’s still most famous as the Fresh Prince. You’d probably be hard-pressed to find any ‘90s kid who doesn’t know the lyrics and Smith’s 2012 visit to “The Graham Norton Show” proved just that.
#6 – And In This Corner…
Known for his time as half of DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince and for his solo career, Will once rapped that Muhammad Ali dubbed him “the greatest.” Seems there was some foreshadowing going on in “Getting’ Jiggy Wit It” ‘cause Smith became the first hip-hopper to land an Oscar nod for his portrayal of the boxer a few years later. The rapper was nominated again for his role in 2006's “The Pursuit of Happyness.”
#5 – Wild Wild Neo
Though Smith has proved his action star mettle over and over, it’d probably still be hard for many to imagine him as “The Matrix”’s computer hacker-turned-savior. Believe it or not, but he actually declined the role of Neo to take on the part of Captain James T. West. While the poorly received steam-punk western didn’t meet studio expectations, Smith still thinks Keanu Reeves was “the One.”
#4 – A Family Affair
This proud father believes his children should share in his success. Inspired by the Grover Washington, Jr. & Bill Withers original, Will recorded “Just the Two of Us” with son Trey in mind – even putting him in its music video. While he acted with daughter Willow in “I Am Legend,” it’s with Jaden that he’s shared the most screen time so far: they played father and son in “The Pursuit of Happyness” and “After Earth.”
#3 – “Aw, hell no!”
Just like Arnie in the “Terminator” flicks, Will has his own trademark line that can be found in many of his films. Since his characters often get themselves into trouble, “Aw, hell no!” is the perfect catchphrase – and to be honest, no one can deliver it quite like him! But don’t take our word for it; check it out for yourself!
#2 – I Am (a Rubik’s) Legend
As an actor, rapper and producer, Smith is obviously multi-talented. But did you know he’s also great at puzzle games, specifically the ‘80s toy called the Rubik’s Cube? While he’s shown off this unique skill on the small and big screens, what’s more impressive was the time he solved one on live TV – so we know no camera work or editing tricks were involved!
#1 – “Born to Reign” the Box Office
Ever since “Independence Day,” Smith has been making a name for himself as a blockbuster hero. But when “Hancock” became his eighth straight movie to gross over $100 million at the box office, Mr. July put himself in a whole other league. Though 2008’s “Seven Pounds” broke that streak, “Men in Black 3” put him back at number one and earned over $600 million around the world.
Are you a fan of Will Smith? What’s your favorite piece of Will Smith trivia? For more informative trivia lists, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.
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