Born Willard Christopher Smith, Jr. on September 25 of 1968, Will Smith is the only actor in history to have eight consecutive films gross over $100 million in the domestic box office. This actor, film producer and rapper has enjoyed success in music, television and film. Newsweek named him the most powerful actor on the planet. And in December of 2008, he was selected as one of America’s top ten most fascinating people of 2008 by ABC. Smith has been nominated for four Golden Globes, two Academy Awards, and has won multiple Grammys.

Smith parlayed his recognition as a musician into real fame when he starred on the hit television sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air in the late 80s. He then made his dramatic film debut in 1993’s Six Degrees of Separation, followed by the first of many action adventure films, Bad Boys costarring Martin Lawrence. His most notable films include Men in Black and its sequel, Independence Day, I, Robot, Ali, The Pursuit of Happyness and I Am Legend.

Smith is one of only two hip-hop artists to receive an Oscar nomination in an acting category (Best Actor), for his portrayal of the boxer Muhammad Ali, formerly known as Cassius Clay, in the biopic. He was again nominated for Best Actor Oscar for his role in another true-life movie, The Pursuit of Happyness, where he played Chris Gardner in his rags-to-riches story.

On a funny note, President Barack Obama has stated that if a film were to ever be made about his life, he would have Smith play his part, because "he has the ears". Obama stated that the two have discussed a possibility of a film based on the 2008 election.

Below, check out why Will Smith is so well known (and loved) for his hilarious antics and knack for entertainment.