Will Smith is a multitalented star, known for his outstanding careers in TV, film and music; but he is certainly no stranger to the sports world.
He is an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan and has a minority ownership stake in the Philadelphia 76ers. Even though he is West Philadelphia born and raised, Smith stars as a Compton, California, sports legend in his latest movie.
The 53-year-old actor portrays Richard Williams, father and coach of Venus and Serena Williams, in "King Richard," released on Friday. The film depicts how Williams trained his daughters and persevered through many forms of adversity to become stars in tennis.
Throughout his successful career, Smith has acted in various sports movies. Here are some of his most noteworthy performances, in chronological order:
Offering golf advice in "The Legend of Bagger Vance"
In 2000, Smith played the titular role in "The Legend of Bagger Vance." He is a mysterious caddy helping a struggling golfer get his swing back during a tournament against several star competitors.
Smith performed alongside Matt Damon and Charlize Theron for the film, but the trio did not have much success. The movie grossed $40 million worldwide after receiving an $80 million budget, per Box Office Mojo.
Additionally, the movie was criticized for its failure to address racism -- as well as its racial stereotyping, according to a review by The Washington Post. Critics haven't rated this film well, either, as it currently has a 45% on Tomatometer for Rotten Tomatoes.
Memorable quote: "Inside each and every one of us is one true, authentic swing ... Somethin' we was born with ... Somethin' that's ours and ours alone ... Somethin' that can't be taught to you or learned ... Somethin' that got to be remembered ... Over time, the world can rob us of that swing ... It gets buried inside us under all our wouldas and couldas and shoulda."
Channeling the champ in "Ali"
Smith played Muhammad Ali in the 2001 film "Ali," telling the story of the legendary boxer's conversion to the Nation of Islam and his life inside and outside the ring. Although it wasn't a comprehensive look at Ali's life, it featured his famous fights against Sonny Liston, Joe Frazier and George Foreman.
Smith was a part of a star-studded cast that included Jamie Foxx, Jon Voight, LeVar Burton, Michael Michele and Jada Pinkett-Smith, Smith's wife. This production earned a 68% Tomatometer and 65% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The movie has been revered as one of the better sports dramas of the 2000s because of Smith's accurate and detailed portrayal of a famous figure.
Nominations and awards: "Ali" was nominated for two Oscars in 2002, one for Smith as best actor.
Memorable quote: "This was supposed to be the fight that Muhammad Ali was ended. Supposed the myth that Muhammad was gonna fall! Supposed to be my destruction! Well, they miscalculated, they misjudged, they got it wrong."
SOURCE : ESPN
