“People who have suffered to that level have a secret”: Will Smith Realized He Can’t Make Movies For Money After This Moment

The success of Will Smith in the entertainment industry is self-evident. The actor has been entertaining audiences with his brilliant performances for over three decades. With a broad filmography, the Independence Day actor can brag about appearing in films of practically every genre. Smith is one of the most bankable actors in Hollywood, with a net worth of $350 million.

Smith garnered negative attention due to his famous Osacr slap incident. The 54-year-old went on to slap Chris Rock for making fun of his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith’s health condition. While the incident tarnished his image in the industry, The Men In Black actor had quite a career. He has played a wide range of characters, some of them stand out more than others. Will Smith’s character in The Pursuit of Happyness, in particular, had an impact on him and profoundly influenced his approach to acting. 

Also Read: “Peter introduced me to God”: Will Smith Panicked For His Life After He Was Stuck in Real Heavy Chain Around His Neck in ‘Emancipation’

Will Smith shared an eye-opening moment with Chris Gardner

Will Smith recently sat down with his comedian friend Kevin Hart for the talk show Hart to Heart. The actor discussed his life and career and shared some memorable insights. During the chat, the 54-year-old talked about his experience working on The Pursuit of Happyness. Smith recalled meeting the film’s inspiration, Chris Gardner and revealed sharing an emotional encounter.

The Independence Day actor recalled Gardner taking him to an important place in the businessman’s past while explaining why he accepted the role. He said,

“Chris Gardner is one of those people [who has seen] rock bottom. … And he took me to the bathroom in Oakland, where he had to sleep with his son. And I stood in that place with him, and it was like the ghosts jumped in my body and then I was like ‘I got it. I understand.”

That moment made the Men In Black actor accept the role in the film. The actor further explained how the encounter with the businessman not only influenced how he approached the role but also made him reflect on his acting career. The Ail star said,

“People who have suffered to that level have a secret. You know? And I could tell he had a secret for me to learn that process. And, you know, at that point in my career, I had discovered that I don’t work for money. I work to learn, I work to grow, I work to meet people, I work to expand and to evolve.” 

Will Smith further said he believes that if he keeps his mind in the space of great humans that have something to teach and work in that space, money, and success will ultimately follow. 

Also Read: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone Almost Broke Alleged Margot Robbie-Will Smith Affair by Stealing Their Roles in $158M Movie

Will Smith’s iconic acting career

Will Smith had an iconic acting career before it crumbled with the 2022 Oscar incident. Smith began his career as a rapper working with his best buddy, DJ Jazzy Jeff, to create songs. He eventually went solo after recording several chart-topping singles between 1984 and 1994. The actor debuted as a youngster adjusting to his huge family in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air in 1990.

The 54-year-old was able to shape a diversified career by appearing in various films in the 1990s, including Independence Day (1996), Enemy of the State (1998), and Wild Wild West (1999). He has dabbled in comedy, action, drama, and about every other film genre. The Independence Day has also provided voice work for several animated films, including Shark Tale (2004) and Spies in Disguise (2019). 

Will Smith has portrayed several real-life people who have suffered in their unique ways. He portrayed Serena and Venus Williams’ father in King Richard. The Men In Black actor’s role in Emancipation, Peter, was based on a genuine slave who was tortured in the days following the Emancipation Proclamation’s issuance. His characters in Ali and Concussion are similarly based on real-life people.

Also Read: “A pivotal moment for our profession”: Will Smith Defends Actors Strike Despite Oscars Slap Alienating Him from Actor’s Guild

Source: Entertainment Weekly