The ‘Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ was the television hit that set up actor and producer, Will Smith, for a lifetime of fame and fortune as one of Hollywood’s elites.
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It is estimated that Will Smith’s net worth lies between $350 million and $400 million dollars.
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He’s been one of the highest-paid actors, earning 8 to 9 figures for some of his most successful film roles, like the Men in Black and the Bad Boys franchises.
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Will Smith grew up in West Philadelphia. His long-time childhood friend, Jeffrey Allen Townes became a popular DJ in the locality.
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THE 1980s RAPPER
Jeff needed a man to hype the crowds during his sets, and Will filled that role. They became known as “Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince.”
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THE 1980s RAPPER
They caught the attention of record producer, Russell Simmons, who signed them to Def Jam Records for their fresh rap music feel.
THE 1980s RAPPER
Will Smith earned an enormous $10+ million off his rap record. but failed to pay the taxman, looking for his $2.8 million share of the proceeds.
THE 1980s RAPPER
Will Smith was approached by Quincy Jones to take a leading television acting role in a comedy sitcom called the “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”
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TELEVISION STARDOM
For the first three of the six total seasons of the show, Will Smith lived on 30% of his takings as the other 70% went to paying off his tax debt.
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TELEVISION STARDOM
Will became popular in Hollywood and landed various high-profile acting jobs because of his TV series success.
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THE MOVIE MAN
Here’s some of the best-earning movies Smith has done:
Bad Boys II
(20% of the movie’s gross)
Hancock
(20% of the movie’s gross)
Pursuit of Happiness
(20% of the movie’s gross)
Together with his wife, Jada, they purchased a massive mansion in Calabasas. The property is now worth over $50M today.
ASSETS AND EQUITY
They owned more than 10 other properties in the USA. All in all, Jada’s and Will Smith’s net worth property portfolio sits on over $100M on its own.