* Rapper and DJ: Will Smith rose to fame as a rapper and DJ in the 1980s, forming the hip-hop duo "DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince." Their success led to a television sitcom based on Smith's life.
* "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air": The sitcom "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" (1990-1996) became a cultural phenomenon, launching Smith's acting career. While he had no prior acting experience, his charisma and natural comedic talent made him a hit.
* Transition to Film: After "The Fresh Prince," Smith transitioned into film, starring in movies like "Six Degrees of Separation" (1993) and "Bad Boys" (1995). He continued to build his career, becoming one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood.
So, while Will Smith didn't follow the traditional path of aspiring actors, his unique journey through music and television paved the way for him to become a successful actor.