In 1988, we saw the music video for “Parents Just Don’t Understand” and it became clear that Will Smith a.k.a. The Fresh Prince was a star. From there, he conquered Hip-Hop, made “The Fresh Prince ” a sitcom classic and became a bonafide movie star.
Of course, we all know that existing at that level for that long can come with multiple obstacles — some uncontrollable, some of the actor’s own making. While speaking at the Red Sea International Film Festival, the Oscar winner addressed the toll fame has taken on his life and psyche.
He discussed how he’s handled his “adversities of the last couple years,” seemingly referring to his infamous 2022 Oscars night slap of Chris Rock, prompted by a crack Rock made about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith. Will slapped the comedian and told him to “keep my wife’s name out your f——-g mouth!”
The incident led to countless think pieces about whether the “Men In Black” star’s career was over. For his part, the actor noted that the situation helped him realize that he has to take the good comments with the bad ones — he can’t focus on one and not the other.
“Fame is a unique monster. I’ve had to be really careful,” Smith said. “You can’t get excited when everybody is saying good things about you, because the more you take when people are saying good things about you, the more hurt you’re gonna be when people are saying bad things about you.”
Outside of the Oscars incident, Smith has always been one of the most positive stars in Hollywood. As he works to regain his place in the industry, he plans to focus on that positivity.
“I can’t need others to applaud for me to stay focused on my mission. I have always wanted to put good into the world,” he said. “I have always wanted to make people smile. I have always been devoted to the process of joy and inspiration.”
The “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It” artist reminded everyone that he’s “deeply human” and that he’s still working on his virtue and light.
“I am in the process of perfecting my virtue. I would say the greatest thing that has happened is I have been deeply humbled and deeply inspired to perfect my light,” he said. “And that’s what this next phase of my life is going to be -- perfecting and shining my light as brightly as I can, on as many people as I can.”
In 2024, the Grammy winner will continue his comeback by reuniting with Martin Lawrence for “Bad Boys 4" and starring alongside Michael B. Jordan in “I Am Legend 2.”