Will Smith has ruled over Hollywood for years. There isn't a person that hasn't heard of him or seen one of his movies. Smith has starred in a long list of critically acclaimed classics, summer blockbusters, and unforgettable biopics. It only makes sense his relationships and family life are often making headlines.

Related: Will Smith's Transformation From Music To Movies

However, Smith's climb to the top of Hollywood wasn't easy. He's had a very long career and is more than just an actor. Smith climbed to the top of the music charts and starred in a memorable TV series. It's time to take a closer look at Smith's career.

10 Turned Down Scholarship To Chase His Dream

As a teenager, Will Smith scored high on his SATs and received a scholarship to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. However, He turned them down because his dream was to be a rapper. In 1985, Smith met DJ Jazzy Jeff at a local house party. They both realized they had undeniable chemistry and formed the rap duo, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. The hit single "Girls Ain't' Nothing But Trouble" ended up being their big breakthrough. Smith was about to take hip hop to levels nobody imagined possible.

9 Boycotting The Grammys

In the 1980s, Will Smith was a rising star on the verge of a significant breakthrough. In 1988, Smith became a household name with the hit single "Parents Just Don't Understand." DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince made history and won the first Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance in 1989, but Smith led a boycott against the Grammys for not televising their category. They chose not to attend the event, as did other nominees. Smith's boycott gained him respect from the industry and added to his status. He went on to win several more Grammy Awards.

8 The Fresh Prince Of Bankruptcy

In the late 80s, Will Smith was on top of the world and spent his money like there was no tomorrow. He didn't make a budget, bought ridiculous items, and underpaid his taxes. In 1990, Smith was struggling as he owned the IRS $2.8 million. They began garnishing his salary as his career went in a bit of a decline.

Related: Here Is What The Smith Family Spends Their Millions On

However, NBC saved his career when they created The Fresh Prince of Bel-AirThe television series revolved around Smith and changed the direction of his career. The show saved Smith financially but also elevated him to the next level.

7 From TV Star To Leading Man

Will Smith found success in hip hop and then as a television star. Indeed, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air ran for several seasons and is still popular. Smith impressed audiences with his acting ability. Naturally, he moved into a movie career and found even more success. In 1995, Smith starred alongside Martin Lawrence in the memorable film Bad Boys. However, Smith proved he was box office magic when he starred in the summer blockbuster Independence Day in 1996. He furthered elevated his career and status with the critically & commercially acclaimed film Men In Black. 

6 Return To Hip Hop

Will Smith always had a passion for music and performing. His childhood dream was to become a rapper, but acting became his main priority. In the mid-90s, Smith decided it was the right time to return to hip hop. In 1997, He released his solo debut album Big Willie Style, which featured the singles "Men In Black," "Miami," and "Get Jiggy With It." Critics have always praised Smith's profanity-free hip hop, which was in sharp contrast to famous artists such as Eminem. At the 1999 MTV Awards, Smith made headlines when he pointed out he doesn't need to use vulgarity in his music to sell records. Of course, Smith's comments angered Eminem, who was one of rap's biggest stars at the time.

5 Will And Jada Pinkett-Smith

Will Smith's private life and relationships are often under the intense spotlight. Of course, Smith's life off-screen fascinates the media and fans. In 1994, he met Jada Pinkett-Smith, when she auditioned for the role of Will's love interest on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Jada didn't land the role, but Smith felt the chemistry between them. They married privately later that year and have two kids together. Smith and Jada are a high-profile couple that garners a great deal of media attention.

4 Turning Down The Matrix

In the late 90s, Will Smith was on a roll as every movie he starred in was a significant success. It seemed he couldn't make a wrong choice. Of course, his career suddenly hit a few roadblocks. In 1996, Smith turned down the starring role as Neo in the critically acclaimed classic The Matrix.

Related: 13 Things Will Smith Admitted He Regrets Today

Smith admits he didn't understand the script and instead chose to star in Wild Wild West. As history shows, The Matrix was a massive hit while Wild Wild West bombed at the box office. Smith regrets turning down the role of Neo and considers it one of his biggest career mistakes.

3 The Greatest

Will Smith soon cemented his status as one of the top leading men in Hollywood. In 2001, he received universal praise for his portrayal of boxing icon Mohammed Ali in the biopic Ali. Smith continued to have box office success with critically acclaimed roles in The Pursuit of Happyness, and I Am Legend. He also returned to the Bad Boys and Men In Black franchises. Studios began viewing Smith as guaranteed success at the box office. Indeed, everything he touched turned to gold. Of course, that couldn't last forever.

2 Relationship Drama And Kids Creating Controversy

Will Smith continued to star in movies and further his career. However, it took a backseat to his marriage and family life in the media. His kids, Jaden and Willow, stole the spotlight and created a great deal of controversy. Jaden made several strange comments, and an underage Willow posed provocatively with an older man.

Related: 20 Rules Will Smith And Jada Make Their Kids Follow

To make matters worse, Smith and Jaden starred in the box office failure After Earth. Smith and Jada's marriage went through many ups and downs. Jada even admitted to being unfaithful during the marriage. Rumors of Smith being unfaithful have swirled for years.

1 Big Willie Style

Will Smith remains one of the most famous celebs and top leading men in the world, but his movies vary in success. For instance, Smith received universal praise for his role in the critically acclaimed film Concussion. He also starred in films that received a negative reception such as Suicide Squad and Aladdin. Smith's private life continues to make headlines. Jada and Will are open about their relationship and hide nothing. Regardless, Smith remains one of the most recognizable celebrities and a significant force in Hollywood.

Next: Will Smith's Best Movies, Ranked By Money Made