The lively character of Will Smith from “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” made a lasting impression on sitcoms in the 1990s. Smith, who was born on September 25, 1968, had his stage debut in the venerable program that debuted in 1990. In the role of Will, the guy he was named after, Smith displayed his comic timing and acting talent as a teenager from West Philadelphia who moved to Bel-Air.
He was in his early twenties when the series began, bringing fresh vitality to the cherished sitcom. In addition to catapulting Smith into stardom, the program created a global cultural phenomenon that still has an impact on viewers today.
How Old Was Will Smith in Fresh Prince?
Smith, who was born in 1968, would have been 22 when the show debuted in 1990; if his September birthday hadn’t arrived, he might have been 21 (and he was probably 21 when the show started filming). So, by definition, he was far older than the high school student he was pretending to be and already an adult.
Given that Carlton and Will attended high school together for a number of years, Will should have been around 17 years old when he moved in with the Banks. He is actually one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars.
How Old is Will Smith Now?
The 55-year-old actor Will Smith is now a massive movie star. He’s gone a long way from the young guy who sang about leaving Philadelphia, yet he continued to rhyme for a number of the films in which he acted, such as Men in Black and Wild, Wild, West.
In addition to his numerous film roles, Will has enjoyed great success as a producer. He served as The Fresh Prince’s executive producer in the 1990s, and it was revealed in 2022 that he is now in charge of Bel-Air, the show’s revival.
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How Will Smith Found TV Success?
Smith wasn’t always the best at managing his sudden fortune like many young people do when they experience it. Millions of cash had been made for Smith through his music career, but as he soon found out, money isn’t everything. It can really produce more.
Smith remarked, “Before I was in trouble with Uncle Phil, I was in trouble with Uncle Sam,” Smith said. “Me and [Jazzy] Jeff had come out with a smash hit. We made a bunch of money, we won a Grammy, and the album was triple platinum. I had motorcycles and cars. I called the Gucci store in Atlanta, and I was like, ‘Hey, will y’all close it down if I bring my friends?’ And I’m smiling, but that’s stupid.”
Smith was unable to pay his taxes as his music career came to an abrupt stop. He had to preserve himself and his job. Smith’s journey to redemption began when he became friends with renowned producer Quincy Jones, even though Smith didn’t consider himself an actor.
Smith said, “So the lawyers go into a limo, and they’re drawing up the first deal for The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Quincy is like popping up at the windows, going like, ‘No paralysis, do analysis! No paralysis, do analysis!’ Like how did he make Thriller like this?” With six seasons of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air under his belt, Smith was off and running. Not too long after, the big screen called.
