Will Smith, one of the most celebrated and popular Hollywood stars of our time, turns 52 today. The rapper-turned-actor and Academy Award nominee has starred in several blockbuster movies as well as been part of many hit franchises including Bad Boys and Men in Black. And as we celebrate the star’s birthday, let’s look at some of the amazing work he has done on screen:
Ali (2001)
Will Smith plays the famous boxer, Muhammad Ali, in this boxing film. Smith’s performance as Ali, set in the socio-political situation of that time, as well as his eloquent expressions and fight scenes, worked magic. Will was nominated for the Academy Awards Best Actor in a Leading Role for Ali.
Men in Black (1997)
Six Degrees Of Separation (1993)
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
I Am Legend (2007)
Smith’s performance as the brilliant scientist Robert Neville who is the last surviving human in New York apart from the deadly virus that has wiped off most of humankind is riveting, and Will exudes sheer finesse in his art.
Seven Pounds (2008)
Hitch (2005)
Alex Hitchens played by Will Smith is a self-proclaimed love expert and coaches a shy Albert (Kevin James) to win over his lady love. Although an expert at helping others, Alex finds difficulty in wooing the woman he likes. This film is significant because Smith explored the rom-com genre with it and did so with great panache.