Will Smith is one of the greatest actors in the Hollywood industry and is also an Academy Award winner. He is considered among the most bankable actors in the industry. The Men In Black star is known for his dedication to all his projects, and he brings life into any character offered to him. The actor was born in Philadelphia, the actor had certainly not led an easy life.
Actor, Will Smith
The actor opened up on his early years in an interview, where he shared about his neighborhood, which was famous for police brutality. The actor also shared about his first-hand experience of discrimination.
Will Smith reveals being pulled over by cops in his teen years
In an interview Esquire, The Pursuit of Happyness actor opened up on his growing years and the early days. He was asked about his struggle with racism in America. The actor shared,
“It’s been rough for me trying to find my position in the struggle and where my voice is needed and helpful. You know, I grew up in Philadelphia, and Philadelphia has a really rough police brutality history. I grew up in a neighborhood where it was very clear that the police were “them” and we were “us.” I also know that when I was seventeen years old, I had a $20,000 car, which made it certain that I got pulled over all the time.”
Will Smith
Will Smith was born in Philadelphia, to Caroline, a school board administrator, and Willard Carroll Smith Sr., a U.S. Air Force veteran and refrigeration engineer. He also completed his education in Philadelphia.
Will Smith reveals racism in Hollywood
The 54-year-old star, Will Smith, talked about his personal life experiences with host Jon Favreau on the Pod Save America podcast. He shared that his experience with racism in adolescence has shaped his worldview.
The actor revealed about racism when he started his Hollywood career. Will Smith recalled,
“As I went into Hollywood I started seeing the ideas of systemic racism.”
Smith talked about the difference between ignorance and evil, however, he also called them twins. Smith shared,
“But ignorance can be educated, and evil is a much more difficult problem. Fortunately, ignorance is more prevalent than blatant evil, so I’ve always been encouraged that the process of education and understanding could alleviate some of the more dangerous and difficult aspects of racism that have unfortunately been embedded in the very fibers of our country.”
Will Smith
Bad Boys actor also shared that protests are a sign that some solid changes will happen for the minorities in America. He shared,
“I am wildly hopeful. In my study of the patterns, we are beyond the tipping point. Black lives aren’t going to go back to not matter. There’s a momentum behind this movement, and not just for Black lives, in terms of equality for all individuals under the 14th Amendment in America.”
Will Smith has always been vocal about his support for minorities and the Black community. Regarding his professional life, the actor will be seen in the fourth installment of Bad Boys soon.