Will Smith is one of Hollywood’s most well-recognized and talented actors.

He has been part of many successful projects, with The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Aladdin, I Am Legend, and Men In Black being excellent examples, that have helped him make a name for himself as one of the most versatile and skilled individuals in the film industry. He has also been for several Academy Awards, winning the same in the category of Best Actor for his work in the 2021 film, King Richard, showing time and time again the powerful presence he brings to all his roles and his dedication to his craft.

Will Smith

While Smith has had the opportunity to star in many significant roles, none have been as iconic as his work in the cop franchise, Bad Boys. Being as successful as it is, which past work of Smith’s does he credit to the success this franchise has seen?

Will Smith Credits Bad Boys’ Success To The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

While doing Bad Boys II, Will Smith first saw the audience’s reactions to the film while watching a special screening. Here, the actor was deeply touched by the response and feedback that he received from the viewers. While many would simply take the credit and put it on the fact that they have grown in their art, the star took a different approach, chalking the reactions up to one of his past works, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

Will Smith and Martin Lawrence in Bad Boys (1995)

“There’s a real connection that I think a lot of it comes from The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, that there’s something about TV on a sitcom people really connect to the characters. It’s almost like people feel like they’ve watched me grow up,” Smith said to Black Film.

The actor explained his reason for this, stating that he believes that his fans have developed a deep connection with him through his work in the hit television series. Elaborating on this, he said that he believes that media like television shows and sitcoms help their audience develop deep connections with not only characters but also the actors that play these characters, adding that it is almost like they have seen him grow up in front of their eyes.

Will Smith Feels Like He Has Grown Up In Front Of Fans Of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

Will Smith added that his fans have seen him through the many celebrations and trials in his personal life. He then went on to state that having this sort of experience with his fans makes him feel like he shares a much deeper connection with them compared to the type of relationship most celebrities share with their audience.

Will Smith and His Family

“They’ve watched me get married and then get divorced and then get re-married and then be happy and have kids and all of that and so people because of the television show there was a connection that was created and it’s almost like we’re friends more than watching a celebrity or watching someone that you don’t know make a movie,” he added to Black Film.

He then mentioned that this has resulted in him being more like friends with his fans rather than them looking into the life of a celebrity.