Will Smith was born in Philadelphia and began his career as a rapper at age 12, achieving success with his first album in 1989. He began his crossover into acting with the TV show "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" in 1990. His early movie roles were small, but his first major role in Six Degrees of Separation in 1993 established him as a serious actor. Films like Independence Day in 1996, Men in Black, and I Am Legend confirmed his status as a major Hollywood star. He has enjoyed continued success over decades as both an actor and producer.