Willard Christopher Smith Jr., or Will Smith, was born on September 25, 1968, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. He is an African American with Native American heritage and attended Overbrook High School in Philadelphia. Smith’s interest in music led him to meet Jeffrey A. Townes at a party, after which they began working together. Will Smith’s acting career started in 1990 with the TV series “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” and he later found success with the 1995 film “Bad Boys.” He continues to work in numerous movies and TV series today.
Denzel Hayes Washington Jr., or Denzel Washington, was born on December 28, 1954, in Mount Vernon, New York, USA. After graduating from high school, he enrolled at Fordham University to pursue a career in journalism. However, his interest in acting was sparked while working in student drama productions, leading him to join the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. Washington left the theater after a year to work as an actor, making his first appearance in the TV series “Carbon Copy” in 1981. He has since enjoyed a successful and versatile acting career.
Key Takeaways
- Will Smith began his career as a rapper before transitioning to acting in the 1990s, while Denzel Washington started as an actor after graduating from Fordham University.
- Both actors have enjoyed successful careers in film production, with Denzel Washington also working as a director and screenwriter.
- Awards-wise, Will Smith has received 4 Golden Globe Award nominations and 2 Academy Award nominations, while Denzel Washington has won 2 Golden Globe Awards, 2 Academy Awards, and a Tony Award.
