Will Smith's legacy is now set in stone in the same streets where it all began in West Philadelphia. Earlier this week, the city dedicated "Will Smith Way," a street named after the hometown hero, adjacent to his former high school, Overbrook High School.
Longtime friends, city leaders, and even Smith's best elementary school teacher, Brenda Brown, attended the ceremony on Wednesday (March 26), which featured plenty of stars. The newly named street, previously a 2000 block of North 59th Street, is just steps from Overbrook, where his iconic nickname first took form.
In a lighthearted mood, Smith shared an emotional moment with Ms. Brown, who first dubbed him "Prince Charming" in the 10th grade, a name he now transformed into "The Fresh Prince."
"The name 'The Fresh Prince' came out of that building," Smith said, pointing out Overbrook High. "And added the 'fresh' because it was Hip-Hop slang.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and other city officials joined Smith for the celebration. The event also featured the dedication of a basketball court in his honor and the presentation of a ceremonial key to the city to Smith.
Smith, sharing his joy with fans, posted highlights from the event on Instagram with the line, "Philly, I am yours. This is the honor of a lifetime." Another video featured Ms. Brown, with Smith writing, "I have one woman to thank for the name Fresh Prince."
Will Smith's career has long been entwined with his Philadelphia origins, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air sealed his rise to fame. The show's iconic theme song starts with its now-legendary line: "West Philadelphia, born and raised."
After breaking out on television in the 1990s, Smith quickly jumped to film with hit movies, including Bad Boys (1995), Independence Day (1996), and Men in Black (1997). His career has since shot to the stars, with two Academy Award nominations leading to his eventual besting in kep for King Richard in 2022.
Outside of acting, Smith has remained active in music, with hits like "Gettin' Jiggy wit It" and "Men in Black" from his multi-platinum album Big Willie Style (1997). He's also had a broader impact as a producer, supporting hit shows like Bel-Air and Cobra Kai when his show struggled.
He's back with his first musical project in years, 'Based on a True Story,' due Friday (March 29). It is his first full-length album in almost two decades (Lost and Found, from 2005), and the thought of the Fresh Prince still having lots to say brings a smile.
With "Will Smith Way" now permanently in place in West Philly, the city has honored its favorite son with a tribute commensurate with his impact. From the high school kid with big dreams to a global icon, Will Smith's journey has come full circle, landing back on the streets again that made him.
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