At 22, Will Smith was starring on "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air."
Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images; HANNIBAL HANSCHKE/ReutersWill Smith was born in Philadelphia in 1968.
Now in his 50s, the actor is one of the biggest names in Hollywood, but he got his start rapping as a teenager.
In the late 1980s, he gained some attention under the rap name The Fresh Prince, and he was catapulted to mainstream fame just before his 22nd birthday when he starred playing Will Smith on NBC's "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air."
Like his wife, Jada, Smith has also been involved in the production side of the industry since his "Fresh Prince" days.
Persons:
Will Smith, Bel, Ron Galella, HANNIBAL HANSCHKE, Reuters Will Smith, Ali, King Richard, Jada, Smith
Organizations:
Getty Images, Reuters
Locations:
Philadelphia, Hollywood