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From The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air to becoming an Oscar-winning movie star, the evolution of Will Smith has been one to watch over the decade. And now, the 55-year-old actor is sharing his newly evolved perspective on money.
In an interview with Complex, Smith was asked by host, Speedy Morman about his net worth, to which the actor replied, "I don’t even know, man. I don’t discuss such things.”
However, after further uncovering, Smith opened up about his current relationship with money after noting his journey as someone, “who's had money, lost money, then had it again, bigger than you ever imagined."
“This is the downsize phase of my life,” Smith shared. “The first half of my life was gather, gather, gather, the second half of my life is gonna be give, give, give.”
Smith shed his realization that material possessions and wealth cannot bring lasting happiness and that true satisfaction must come beyond material possessions.
“People… always have that moment somewhere around 50 where something changes,” he added. “But what happens is you just realize none of it can make you happy. Once you’ve bought everything you want and there’s literally nothing on Earth else that you want to buy, I just wish that was a gift that everybody could have because there’s nothing that material can do to satisfy you.”
The Bad Boys star went on to discuss how he’s entering a phase of life where one confronts the realization that external factors do not lead to true fulfillment, but instead through making peace with one’s inner struggles and reflections.
“I’m in that phase of my life that can actually be scary — when you realize that no relationship, that no money, that no kids—there’s literally nothing that can make you happy,” Smith shared.
He continued, “That happy is internal, full frontal contact with your dark knight of the soul and you reconcile that you gotta make happy in here — you gotta make happy in here with none of that stuff. You gotta take happy to the people you love — you can’t try to get it from them… It’s not for the faint of heart.”
During a 2021 interview with Idris Elba, Smith revealed his troubles with the IRS before landing his role on the hit TV show, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air — causing him to borrow money from his “drug dealer” friend. "So Uncle Sam wanted his money. I didn't forget—I just didn't pay,” Smith said.
"So, I borrowed $10,000 from a friend of mine who was a purveyor of neighborhood pharmaceuticals," he added, as the crowd laughed. "I borrowed $10,000 and I moved to Los Angeles,” he continued.
With so many of us seeking meaning while managing our desires for a prosperous life, it’s refreshing to hear a seasoned and respected actor share their wisdom on money and happiness.
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Featured image by Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for The Red Sea International Film Festival
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