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Will Smith
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Movie star Will Smith was part of the 1980's pop duo D.J. Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, and by 1990 his charisma and infectious enthusiasm had landed him the lead in a TV sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. His television success led to film roles, and he proved himself a capable leading man in Independence Day (1996, with Jeff Goldblum), Men in Black (1997, with Tommy Lee Jones) and Enemy of the State (1998, with Gene Hackman). He ... continued his music career, releasing the albums Big Willie Style (1997) and Willennium (1999). His other film roles include co-starring with Matt Damon in The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000, directed by Robert Redford) and as boxer Muhammad Ali in 2001's Ali, as well as 1995's Bad Boys and its 2003 sequel (both with Martin Lawrence, 2004's I, Robot (based on the novel by Isaac Asimov), and the 2005 romantic comedy Hitch.
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With genre-proof success, Will Smith is the highest ranking actor at #9 (ranked #14 last year). He excels at action, comedy and even a father-son weepie like the The Pursuit of Happyness, which grossed $302 million worldwide. Other actors rounding out the top 20 include: Johnny Depp, at #14, and Brad Pitt, #15, Tom Hanks #18 and Tom Cruise #20. Matt Damon just missed out, ranking #21. 21-year old actor Shia LaBeouf appearance in the mega-hit Transformers and casting in the upcoming Indiana Jones secured him a spot on the list at #50.
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Very few performers have had as much success transitioning from the music scene to acting as Will Smith has. Being in the entertainment scene since the late 80s, today, Smith is one of the most recognized and esteemed performers and producers in the industry.
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In the second half of the eighties, Will Smith became famous with DJ Jazzy Jeff as the musical duo DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince. In 1990 he got the lead role in the sit-com The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, more or less playing himself. This sit-com became a huge success and so did Will Smith. In the episodes handling more serious situations he already showed that he could do more than be funny, and with his performance in the serious drama Six Degrees of Separation it was clear to the world (or at least that part of the world who had seen both this movie and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air) that a very talented new star had arrived in Hollywood.
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Hollywood top actor Will Smith has embraced Islam after completing the Muhammad Ali biopic. Smith was introduced to Islam while learning about the legendary boxer's life - Islam is Ali's religion of choice. Director of the American Muslim Association of North America, Sofian Zakkout says, "Muhammad Ali is one of the best examples of Muslims in this country. He's been a wonderful spokesperson for the religion and if Will Smith can continue Muhammad Ali's work that would be wonderful." He continues, "Islam is a peaceful religion and if good people such as Muhammad and Will can carry that message then it would be wonderful. It would be a positive message for peaceful Muslims all over the world." Smith appeared at the America: A Tribute To Heroes telethon in September alongside Ali, defending Islam in the wake of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington.
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Will Smith was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His charming and sly demeanor in school resulted in the nickname "Prince" which eventually turned into the "Fresh Prince." While still in his teens, Smith began rapping and eventually began collaborating with Jeff Townes (a.k.a. D.J. Jazzy Jeff) whom he met at a party. He attended Overbrook High School in West Philadelphia.
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Will Smith