Will Smith

 Will Smith, whose full name is Willard Carroll Smith Jr., is an American actor, rapper, and producer. Here's a brief overview of his history:

1. Early Life: Will Smith was born on September 25, 1968, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. He grew up in a middle-class family and attended Overbrook High School.

2. Rap Career: Smith initially gained fame as a rapper under the stage name "The Fresh Prince." He formed the hip-hop duo "DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince" with DJ Jazzy Jeff (Jeffrey Townes). They won the first-ever Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance in 1989 for their hit song "Parents Just Don't Understand."

3. Acting Career: Smith's transition to acting came with his role as the titular character in the popular TV sitcom "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," which aired from 1990 to 1996. This show catapulted him to stardom.

4. Hollywood Success: Will Smith's acting career continued to flourish with blockbuster films such as "Independence Day" (1996), "Men in Black" (1997), "Bad Boys" (1995), and "I Am Legend" (2007), among others. He became known for his charismatic and versatile performances.

5. Awards and Recognition: Smith received numerous awards for his acting, including two Academy Award nominations for his roles in "Ali" (2001) and "The Pursuit of Happyness" (2006). He has also won several Grammy Awards.

6. Filmography: Will Smith has appeared in a wide range of film genres, from action and sci-fi to drama and comedy. His career includes notable films like "Hitch" (2005), "Hancock" (2008), and the "Men in Black" franchise.

7. Philanthropy: Smith and his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, are involved in philanthropic activities. They founded the Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation, which supports various causes.

8. Family: Will Smith is married to Jada Pinkett Smith, and they have two children, Jaden and Willow Smith, who are also involved in the entertainment industry.

9. Continued Success: As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, Will Smith remains a prominent figure in Hollywood, known for his acting talents, rap career, and influence in the entertainment industry.

Please note that developments in Will Smith's life and career after September 2021 are not included in this overview.