Will Smith is one of the most successful and popular actors in Hollywood, but before he became a movie star, he was known as the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
The sitcom, which aired from 1990 to 1996, featured Smith as a street-smart teenager who moves from Philadelphia to live with his wealthy relatives in Los Angeles.
But how old was Will Smith when he played The Fresh Prince, and how old is he now? In this article, we will answer these questions and provide some facts about the show and Smith’s career.
Will Smith’s Age in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”
According to the theme song and opening sequence of the show, Will Smith’s character was 16 years old when he first arrived in Bel-Air. However, the real-life Will Smith was much older than that. He was born on September 25, 1968, which means he was almost 22 years old when the show premiered on September 10, 1990. He was 27 years old when the show ended on May 20, 1996.
Smith’s age difference with his character did not affect his performance or popularity. He was able to portray a believable and relatable teenager who often clashed with his upper-class family and their lifestyle. He also displayed his charisma, humor, and rap skills throughout the show. He received two Golden Globe nominations for his role as The Fresh Prince and became a household name in television.
The Duration of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air ran for six seasons on NBC, with a total of 148 episodes. The show was created by Andy and Susan Borowitz, based on a format by Benny Medina and Jeff Pollack. The show also starred James Avery as Uncle Phil, Janet Hubert-Whitten and Daphne Maxwell Reid as Aunt Vivian, Alfonso Ribeiro as Carlton, Karyn Parsons as Hilary, Tatyana Ali as Ashley, Joseph Marcell as Geoffrey, and Ross Bagley as Nicky. DJ Jazzy Jeff, Smith’s musical partner, also appeared frequently as Jazz, Will’s best friend.
The show was a hit for NBC, ranking among the top 20 shows in the Nielsen ratings for its first four seasons. The show also tackled various social issues, such as racism, classism, sexism, drug abuse, violence, and education. The show also featured many celebrity guest stars, such as Oprah Winfrey, Don Cheadle, Tyra Banks, Queen Latifah, Evander Holyfield, and Tom Jones.
The show ended at Smith’s request, who wanted to pursue his film career. The final episode showed Will graduating from college and saying goodbye to his family and friends. The episode also featured a cameo by Quincy Jones, one of the executive producers of the show.
Will Smith’s Age Now
Will Smith is currently 54 years old as of September 2021. He has had a remarkable career in film since leaving The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. He has starred in blockbuster movies such as Bad Boys, Independence Day, Men in Black, Enemy of the State, Ali, The Pursuit of Happyness, I Am Legend, Hancock, Suicide Squad, Aladdin, and King Richard. He has received multiple accolades for his acting performances, including an Academy Award for Best Actor for King Richard in 2022.
Smith has also continued his musical career as a solo artist. He has released four studio albums: Big Willie Style (1997), Willennium (1999), Born to Reign (2002), and Lost and Found (2005). He has won four Grammy Awards for his rap songs. He has also collaborated with other artists such as Jaden Smith (his son), Willow Smith (his daughter), DJ Khaled, Nicky Jam, Marc Anthony, and Bad Bunny.
Smith is also a producer and a philanthropist. He has produced several movies and TV shows through his company Overbrook Entertainment. He has also supported various causes such as education, environmentalism, health, human rights, and disaster relief.
Will Smith is one of the most influential and versatile celebrities in the world. He has proven himself as a rapper, an actor, a producer, and a humanitarian. He has come a long way from being the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
