By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices
Will Smith stays on top of his game.
Last week, the DVD release of his Academy Award nominated flick 'The Pursuit of Happyness' arrived in stores.
This week, the Philadelphia native was named the most powerful actor in Hollywood by 'Newsweek' magazine.
In a story titled 'The $4 Billion Man,' writer Sean Smith reports on Smith's success, which has raked in $4.4 billion in ticket sales, worldwide.
The astounding figures bested other box-office faves such as 'Pirates of the Caribbean' star Johnny Depp and 'Meet the Fockers' actor Ben Stiller.
"An actor's power is determined primarily by opening-weekend grosses and one industry insider says Smith is "the only thing" that represents a guaranteed opening weekend," Smith reported.
The former 'Fresh Prince of Bel Air,' who cut his teeth with fame via a platinum-plated rap career, has proven to be bankable in every film genre: sci-fi, action-comedy, romantic-comedy or drama.
His most memorable works include 'Six Degrees of Separation,' 'Independence Day,' 'Men In Black,' 'Hitch' and 'Ali.'
'Happyness,' reportedly made for $55 million, has grossed an astounding $298 million worldwide.
And as an executive producer and star of the inspirational biopic, it is no wonder he's at the top.
BV Extras:
-- BIG WILLIE STYLE: Check out Will Smith's movie career in photos.
-- More about 'Pursuit of Happyness' DVD here.
Comments: (46)
Add a comment
By: Roy Price on 4/08/2007 9:22AM
What I learned from this movie. Some times the very same road you take to get away from something is the same road that leads you to it.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Cliff on 4/08/2007 9:41AM
As a black man I am so proud of Will Smith. A true role model of how to love your family and follow your dreams...God bless you BiGG WiLL
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Roy Price on 4/08/2007 10:03AM
D0 you need help.Go to give1get4.net guest code 724612 and check out the G system. register and you are in. Take it from there.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Valerie on 4/08/2007 10:16AM
It is sad that some people (Keisha), can't go through life without tearing other people down. We all have done something we are not proud of. Let us all remember on this lovely Easter morning; "Judge not less ye be judged". We are all only human. Will Smith and Denzel are both extremely talented men who do what they do very well. I enjoy watching them both perform in their chosen craft. Keep up the good work Will. May God continue to bless and keep you.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: B on 4/08/2007 10:53AM
I'm proud of Will for his acting and directing greatness, Will and wife Jada always look so good together....
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Rob J. on 4/08/2007 11:43AM
Yes Will is a talented actor and deserves the acclaim he is getting,Let us not forget that he is also rap royalty,but what happened between him and Denzel? I missed that.Somebody please tell me.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: elliott on 4/08/2007 11:46AM
why is their always people who wants to tear other people down? I'll Tell you who, miserable people. Will and Denzel keep doing what you're doing.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: diva 1 on 4/08/2007 11:52AM
Why can't we just celebrate the success of others without finding fault? Must we always hate, and act like selfish angry chidren? Get over it, it's not you but ain't nothing wrong being happy for someone else!
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: june bugg on 4/08/2007 12:03PM
black america is proud of will smith family...keep it up ....mr smith your doing more serious movies now...good good very good....i,m so happy that you chose not to be a clown all of your life....your a grown man now with a family.....do grown folk movies..thanks
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Willie Smith on 4/08/2007 12:26PM
WiLL Smith sets a fine example for young African American males. He gives them someone to look up to without the getto effect that so many of our successful entertainers exhibits.
Reply to this Comment | Report This