He’s been a rapper, starred in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and become one of Hollywood’s most famous and well respected leading men. In terms of film, Will Smith has found success in a number of different roles and genres, proving he is one of the most adaptable actors around.
Despite being in show business since the late ’80s, Will Smith is still relevant and although attempting to narrow down the actor’s greatest performances was no easy task, but we got it done. In celebration of the Fresh Prince’s 51st birthday, join us as we countdown the Philadelphia native’s most impressive roles.
10. Bad Boys
In most of his films, Will Smith walks the razor-thin line between cocky and arrogant. He relies a lot on his natural personality than most actors do, and it works wonders for him. This was perhaps never on display better than in Bad Boys where Will Smith’s natural ego was dialed up to a 10 for his role in the film. Smith played Mike Lowery, a cocky Miami detective who is equal parts skilled at shooting off guns, and shooting off one-liners. Smith’s larger than life character persona in this film gelled perfectly with the often frustrated character played by Martin Lawrence. You couldn’t have hoped to cast a better actor for his role; Smith was the perfect choice and they got it right.
Source: Screenshot via Columbia Pictures