Pictures of Will Smith as a child show off a charming young man with a contagious smile, providing a window into the early years of the legendary Hollywood star. He beams with happiness with his close-knit family in family images, and his captivating personality and early exposure to hip-hop culture are captured in candid photos.

Images from his Grammy-winning musical career as a youngster, including him with DJ Jazzy Jeff, capture the thrill of early achievement. Behind-the-scenes looks at “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” serve as a starting point for his acting career. These early scenes depict a universal tale of aspirations and resiliency, highlighting the transformational potential of self-belief in the inspirational rise to fame of Will Smith from West Philadelphia.