In the heart of West Philadelphia, where his story famously began, Will Smith has been immortalized in a way that cements his legacy not just in Hollywood but right at home. On Wednesday, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and city officials held a special ceremony to unveil “Will Smith Way,” a newly named street located at the intersection of North 59th Street and Lancaster Avenue—right next to Smith’s old high school.
“Philly, I love you. I am yours. You are mine,” an emotional Smith expressed during the ceremony. In front of cheering fans and community leaders, Smith reflected on his upbringing in the city and the lessons that shaped him.
In West Philadelphia where he was born and raised, there’s now a street called Will Smith Way.
— ABC News (@ABC) March 26, 2025
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“Nobody gets an easy ride. That was one of the things these streets of Philadelphia taught me: that there’s nothing wrong with a hard day’s work,” Smith said as he reminisced about his journey from a talented kid with big dreams to an Oscar-winning actor, Grammy-winning rapper, and global icon.
The idea to honor Smith with a street name passed through a city council resolution on March 6, recognizing the influence and inspiration he has provided to generations of Philadelphians. It’s not just his success that makes him deserving of this recognition, but his continued contributions to the city.
Smith’s return to his roots was met with joy from those who remember his early days, including a former teacher who fondly recalled being the first to call him “Prince Charming.” That nickname, of course, evolved into the title of his 1990s hit show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, where the theme song immortalized his West Philadelphia upbringing.
A larger-than-life mural of Smith now stands on the 4500 block of West Girard Avenue, serving as a visual tribute to his impact on the community.
This honor comes at a pivotal moment in Smith’s career. He’s been on tour promoting his memoir Will, which dives deep into his personal journey, challenges, and triumphs.
But the celebration of Will Smith doesn’t stop there. This week, he’s releasing Based on a True Story, his first music project in over two decades. The album is a personal reflection of his life lessons, providing yet another outlet for Smith to connect with fans old and new.
Smith also announced plans to release two more albums this year.
Photo Credit: DepositPhotos.com
