Will Smith Reveals , His Joyful Image Was Intended , To Hide a Painful Past.
Smith, in addition to being a musician, is one of the most prominent movie stars today.
But NPR reports that in his new memoir, 'Will,' Smith speaks of what he believes to have fueled his relentless work ethic: cowardice.
But NPR reports that in his new memoir, 'Will,' Smith speaks of what he believes to have fueled his relentless work ethic: cowardice.
Smith told NPR that as a young boy, he helplessly stood by as his father physically abused his mother.
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The actor says this moment greatly impacted his identity.
The actor says this moment greatly impacted his identity.
I couldn't shake the idea that I had failed my mother and I was somehow unworthy of love and care because of my cowardice, Will Smith, via NPR.
I couldn't shake the idea that I had failed my mother and I was somehow unworthy of love and care because of my cowardice, Will Smith, via NPR.
And that [was] the beginnings of... wanting to build an external life that could somehow and hopefully cover the pain.
, Will Smith, via NPR.
Smith says his 'Fresh Prince' persona was a way to cover up the pain in his heart.
That buoyant, happy, joyful image was painted over a core of a real lack of self-esteem and self-respect.
, Will Smith, via NPR.
That buoyant, happy, joyful image was painted over a core of a real lack of self-esteem and self-respect.
, Will Smith, via NPR.
That buoyant, happy, joyful image was painted over a core of a real lack of self-esteem and self-respect.
, Will Smith, via NPR.
In retrospect, Smith claims he wouldn't change the adversities of his childhood.
Those traumas and the mental anguish that I had to overcome was a big part of me growing into the person I am today, Will Smith, via NPR