Will Smith is an American actor, producer, rapper, and songwriter. He was born Willard Carroll Smith II on September 25, 1968, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He first gained fame as part of the hip-hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, winning the first Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance in 1989. Smith transitioned to acting with the popular TV show "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" (1990-1996), which significantly boosted his career. He then became a leading man in Hollywood, starring in blockbuster films like "Independence Day" (1996), "Men in Black" (1997), and "Ali" (2001), for which he received an Academy Award nomination. In addition to his film success, Smith has released several solo music albums and won four Grammy Awards. He is also known for his philanthropic efforts and his commitment to family, often collaborating with his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, and their children, Jaden and Willow.