Will Power

威爾?史密斯的威力Hollywood superstar Will Smith knows success 好萊塢超級巨星威爾?史密斯深知成功的滋味by Chelsea Ewald

He's sold millions of records, had a hit sitcom and starred in multiple blockbuster films. He's one of Hollywood's biggest stars and, arguably, one of the most-recognized celebrities in the world. Will Smith has seemingly done it all, and yet in spite of his immense fame, he continues to stay grounded. His grandmother once wisely advised him, "Don't let failure go to your heart and don't let success go to your head." While that may be a tough task for many Hollywood A-listers, it's second nature for Smith.

A "Prince" is born
Willard Christopher Smith Jr. was born on Sept. 25, 1968, and enjoyed a middle-class upbringing in Philadelphia, Pa. There, Smith learned to appreciate and get along with people of differing ethnic backgrounds.

His neighborhood was a melting pot where people of many different cultures co-existed. Described as a bright child, Smith was known to play up his natural charm. When he was attending high school, Smith's teachers took note of this and aptly nicknamed him "Prince" for his ability to charm his way out of trouble. Little did Smith know that this nickname would stick, bringing him success and fame in the process. When Smith was 16 years old, he met a disc jockey named Jeff Townes at a party. For years Smith had been interested in rap music, creating rhymes with a comedic twist and dreaming of someday making it big. The two adolescents quickly became friends and began to produce music. Townes acting as DJ and Smith as rapper. Soon, the duo became known as DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince and released their first album before Smith even graduated from high school. By the time he was 18, Smith was a millionaire.

Known for their parent-friendly, squeaky-clean lyrics, the duo won the first-ever Grammy award for Best Rap Performance in 1989.
As Smith's musical success soared, another show business opportunity presented itself. In 1990 he was cast as himself in the television show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Although he had no had no prior acting experience, audiences were immediately drawn to Smith and watched in delight as the sitcom propelled him further into the spotlight. The show would run for six seasons, making Smith a household name and paving the way for even greater success.

From the small screen to the silver screen
Today, most people know Smith for his diverse movie roles. He can do anything from action films like Bad Boys to romantic comedies like Hitch and bring in an audience each time. Whether he's battling aliens, robots or Zombies, Smith's characters often have a knack for saving the planet. Such is the case in films like Independence Day, Men in Black, I, Robot and I Am Legend. When Smith ventured into dramatic roles he gained critical praise. He received Oscar nominations for his portrayal of famed boxer Muhammad Ali in Ali and later as a struggling father in The Pursuit of Happyness.

After his 2008 superhero flick Hancock hit theaters, Smith became the first actor to have eight consecutive films gross over $100 million at the box office. Today he remains one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood. Smith continues to find success with each new movie. And when he's got spare time, he often produces hits like the two Grammy-award winners from the 1997 album Big Willie Style. Will Smith puts his mind to his work and succeeds. After all, where there's a Will, there's always a way.

More Information:
Will Smith The Family Man
One thing that keeps Will Smith grounded is his family. He enjoys raising his three children with his wife of over 13 years, actress Jada Pinkett Smith. The family is often photographed together on red carpets and is known for their close bond.
Smith shared the big screen with his son Jaden in 2006's The Pursuit of Happiness.

Grammar:
Such is the case in films like Independence Day, Men in Black, I, Robot and I Am Legend.
"such is the case"-
"such is the case" put in the front of the sentence or clause about to give an example of you just said.
Independence Day, Men in Black, I, Robot, and I am Legend are examples of what was just said.
Students often do better in class when their teachers have high expectations. Such is the case with the students of Class 30?
A person's English is more likely to improve when they force themselves to practice regularly, such is the case with Sandra's English.

Vocabulary Tips:
grounded-平實的，腳踏實地的， ground-地面
*Although Frank is a successful businessman, he stays grounded and treats everyone with respect.
ethnic-人種的，种族的。
*Representatives from many ethnic groups all attended the meeting.
*He tried to hide his ethnic background because he feared being discriminated against.
play up something-突顯，賣弄，故意強調。
*Jack always plays up his past achievements as a student because he's not doing well in his job right now.
*Sarah loves to play up her ability to speak different languages, especially in front of her boss.
squeaky-clean-一塵不染，純潔地。東西乾淨到摸時會發出“吱吱”聲
squeaky-發出“吱吱”的聲音
*After washing the car for two hours, the windshields were squeaky-clean.
*The singer lost her squeaky-clean image after the scandal was exposed.
soar-高飛，向上猛衝，一飛衝天。
*The eagle soared into the sky.
*The price of copper soared when the mines collapsed.
*The football team's performance soared after a series of difficulties during training.
prior-先前的
*His references from his prior jobs are really impressive.
*No prior knowledge of computers is required in this course.
prior to-在某時間之前。後面加 "to"
* A month prior to her graduation, Chloe had already found a job.
twist- something you don't expected, surprise.
comedic- comedy, make funny.
rapper- rap, who rap or say or play.
duo- means "two people"
sitcom- is a short situation comedy on air.
A-lister- most famous people.
second nature- very easily does or act.
upbringing- raise up.
"where there's a will there's a way"- it will make success when you set your mind to it.
diverse-多樣化，多元化，多種的
*The author writes about diverse topics from politics to fashion trends.
*New York is a culturally diverse city, which makes it an exciting and interesting place to visit.多元文化的城市
knack-技巧，本領（多用單數）有技巧的
*Pamela has a knack for telling jokes, and everyone loves to be around her.有。。本領
*Eric has a knack for getting things organized.有。。本領
*There's a knack to opening this jar. 有技巧的
consecutive-連續不斷的，連續的
*This is the third consecutive weekend that Peter has to work.
*Her album has been at the top of the Bulletin Board for 6 consecutive weeks.排行榜第一名（保持冠軍）持續6周。
flick-refer to movie, pictures.
Hancock- is a movie.
hit- get popular.
gross- total amount of money or income without consider the cost.
zombie- a character, kind dead, very scare, not a good guy.
critical praise- gibe a good report about someone.

Chat Room:
Philadelphia, PA 縮寫
PA is abbreviated for Pennsylvania
CA for California.
NY for state of New York.
TX for Texas state
PA here is mean "public address". 對大衆講話，公共場所的廣播。
address is not the location here means broadcasting or announce openly toward public.
public address system- PAS 大衆傳播系統
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musical- (adj)-音樂的 (n)-音樂劇，音樂片，音樂舞臺劇
As Smith's musical success soared, another show business opportunity presented itself.
musical success-音樂方面的成功，成就
I'm going to see a musical tonight.去看音樂劇
show business-不是做生意，而是指“演藝界” 或演藝事業。
"There's No Business Like Show Business" -指沒有任何行業比得上演藝事業。意即“再沒有一個行業比得上演藝事業。
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When he's got spare time, he often produces his like...
spare time- extra time, the time you didn't plan to do something.多餘的時間，不工作的時候。