It is no secret that Hollywood is a cutthroat industry, with actors vying for the top spot in the entertainment industry. Will Smith, like many other aspiring actors, had his sights set on becoming the biggest movie star in the world.

However, it was not until he received valuable advice from Arnold Schwarzenegger that he could kickstart his journey toward achieving his goals.

The Power of Advice in Hollywood

Will Smith
In his autobiography, Will, the Hollywood actor revealed that Arnold Schwarzenegger had given him valuable advice early in his career. As impersonated on The Graham Norton Show, The Terminator star advised him to think of himself as a politician running for the biggest movie star in the world. Schwarzenegger added that Smith was not a movie star until every person in every country knew who he was.
“You are not a movie star until every person in every country on earth knows who you are. You have to travel the globe, shake every hand, kiss every baby. Think of yourself as a politician running for Biggest Movie Star in the World”.
Smith followed the Austrian oak’s advice religiously; as he says, it was “life-altering.” He started to travel around the globe for his work and refused to settle for anything less than global recognition. Smith began acting with the NBC sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
The show was an instant hit, and Smith’s portrayal of a street-smart teenager from Philadelphia who moves to the upscale neighborhood of Bel-Air, Los Angeles, made him a household name. From there, Smith starred in blockbuster movies that grossed millions at the box office, such as Men in Black, Independence Day, and The Pursuit of Happyness.

After receiving an Oscar nomination for his role in Ali, in 2007, he became the first actor in history to have eight consecutive films gross over $100 million domestically. Furthermore, in 2022, the actor won an Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, and a BAFTA award for his role in King Richard.

Lessons from the Terminator

Schwarzenegger’s words of wisdom played a crucial role in Smith’s career, as he realized that he had to appeal to a global audience to achieve worldwide fame. He understood that the key to success in the entertainment industry was to become a global brand, and he worked tirelessly to build his brand worldwide.
Will Smith
On the other hand, Arnold Schwarzenegger has always been a master at branding himself. From his early days as a bodybuilder to his foray into acting and politics, Schwarzenegger has always been able to captivate audiences worldwide. He understood the importance of having a global brand and worked hard to achieve that.

Schwarzenegger has always been known for his work ethic, and his success in various fields is a testament to his dedication and hard work. He has always believed in setting high goals and working tirelessly. Besides Will Smith’s “unnecessary” slap at the Oscars, the celebrity has earned quite a name for himself and the Smith family.