Will Smith: My Work Ethic Is "Sickening"

Star Tells Steve Kroft It Compensates For Average Talent

(CBS)  This segment was originally broadcast on Dec. 2, 2007. It was updated on June 26, 2008.

Of all the stories in Hollywood, there is not another one like Will Smith's. At age 39, he has already had three successful careers: Grammy award winning rapper, sitcom sensation, and finally one of the biggest movie stars on the planet.

With two Oscar nominations and almost four and a half billion dollars in box office receipts to his credit, a movie starring Will Smith is about as close as you get to having a sure thing, whether it's science fiction, romantic comedy, or a summer blockbuster, like his latest effort, "Hancock," which opens nationwide on July 2.

And as correspondent Steve Kroft first reported last December, there is an ease and enthusiasm about him that transcends race and cultural boundaries, and it is one of the reasons so many people like him.

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Asked what he thinks his appeal is, Smith tells Kroft, "I love living, I think that's infectious. It's somethin' that you can't fake."

"And I think that the camera can feel that I'm happy doin' what I do. And it's somethin' that gets inside of people," he adds.

It is swagger with a smile, confidence with cool, and wit grounded in wisdom -- someone who knows who he is, and where he is going. And it has made him one of the most popular and powerful actors in Hollywood.

Why does he think he has been so successful?

"I've never really viewed myself as particularly talented. I've viewed myself as slightly above average in talent. And where I excel is ridiculous, sickening, work ethic. You know, while the other guy's sleeping? I'm working. While the other guy's eatin’? I'm working. While the other guy's making love, I mean, I'm making love, too. But I'm working really hard at it," he tells Kroft, laughing.

That he makes it look just the opposite is testament to his personality and his skill as an actor. He likes the fact that you never see him sweat unless you are supposed to, or notice the emotional capital expended as a homeless father with a hungry son, or the commitment it took to become Muhammad Ali.

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Photos: Multi-talented Mr. Smith
Photos: Smith Family Album
Photos: A New York "Legend"

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Or the sheer challenge of his last film "I Am Legend," in which he was required to hold the screen, all by himself, for over an hour, as the survivor of biological outbreak that has wiped out most of the world. And he managed to pull it off.

The instincts and the work ethic come from his middle class upbringing in Philadelphia. His mother was a school administrator, his father owned a refrigeration company.

One summer, his dad tore down a brick wall in the front of his business and told 12-year-old Will and his 9-year-old brother to rebuild it, a job they said was impossible. It took them a year and a half, but they did it.

"And he said, 'Now, don't you ever tell me there's somethin' that you can't do.' And walked right through that door, went inside. And me and my brother stood here and looked. And said, 'Daddy crazy as hell, ain't he?'" Smith recalls, laughing.

The wall is still there, and so is the lesson he learned from building it. "I just put my head down and lay the first brick," Smith explains.

Later that afternoon, outside the Philadelphia house where he grew up, Smith and Kroft ran into his father. Asked what kind of kid Will Smith was, if he was trouble, his father told Kroft, "Not at all. Not at all."

"Listen, anytime you're willin' to choke your kids, there ain't gonna be no trouble," Smith joked, laughing.

It was part of a tour that included what he called the best cheese steak in Philly, and a trip to his alma mater, Overbrook High, the same school that produced basketball legend Wilt Chamberlain.

A few minutes, later Smith and Kroft were besieged. As Smith tells it, he was a B-student who should have been making A’s. But the teachers were so charmed they called him "the prince."

Smith has a natural tendency to draw everyone into a spotlight that began shining on him before he ever left Overbrook High, like Charlie Mack, his old friend, and Jeff Townes, his partner in a teen rap duo called "DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince."

There was something mesmerizing about the Fresh Prince and the videos that helped move the music from the streets into the mainstream. They won the first Grammy ever awarded for rap, providing the show business platform that would eventually launch Will Smith into the stratosphere.

[tjdaise]

why did will smith not acknowledge is oldest son from before he was married.when ask how many kids he have he said two.i wonder how is son feel about that?

[camiwa]

Your article on Will Smith was very good. However, I was bothered by one thing.

You only referred to his two children by Jada Pinkett Smith. He has another child from a previous marriage.

It really disturbs me when this is done during any interview. If for no other reason than the feelings of the other child, there should never be mention of some children without mention of ALL children.

I am also somewhat disappointed by Mr. Smith, and other celebrity parents who find themselves in this situation. Even if the interviewer forgets, I would expect the parent to say "Oh, and I have another child from a previous relationship."

I see this happen too often in interviews of some celebrities with children outside of their current marriage. I don''t care as much about the "accuracy of the information" as I do about the feelings of that child who was not mentioned. I know I would be really hurt if I were in that position.

[codyhix1]

My name is Cody. I served a tour in Iraq, because I too want to change the world for the better. During my duty, I made many Iraqi friends. There are good people there, but I saw fatigue in their faces. I realized that the situation is dire, not just in Iraq, but with the world and all the problems we currently face. I realized Iraq was only the tip of an iceberg. I listened to Will Smith on 60 Minutes. I believe he has the right frame of mind and the ability to affect change on a global scale. I do not know how to tell him, but I would like to volunteer to change the world as well. Good luck Will! [e-mail]

[hope4life]

"Will Smith''s Work Ethic" is a great story. What an inspiration he has been and will continue to be for those who aspire to do great things. Mr. Smith made the statement that he wants to share his life and do something that will change the world but is not sure what it is yet. I have a similar desire. I have observed that there are many organizations in the Washington metropolitan area that work towards educating "at risk youth". What about a program that targets teaching life skills early on in a child%u2019s development and remains a part of their life until they are a young adult? Teaching "at risk youth" various vocations is fine, but if they do not know how to function in the mainstream of society what have we taught them? Impoverished children deserve an opportunity to break the cycle of poverty. They deserve exposure that will change their life and the generations that follow after them for the better. Change the world one person at a time.

[hope4life]

"Will Smith''s Work Ethic" is a great story. What an inspiration he has been and will continue to be for those who aspire to do great things. Mr. Smith made the statement that he wants to share his life and do something that will change the world but is not sure what it is yet. I have a similar desire. I have observed that there are many organizations in the Washington metropolitan area that work towards educating "at risk youth". What about a program that targets teaching life skills early on in a child%u2019s development and remains a part of their life until they are a young adult? Teaching "at risk youth" various vocations is fine, but if they do not know how to function in the mainstream of society what have we taught them? Impoverished children deserve an opportunity to break the cycle of poverty. They deserve exposure that will change their life and the generations that follow after them for the better. Change the world one person at a time.
Forgot the email address, [e-mail]

[mdiaz59]

I like Will Smith very much and I have enjoyed most of his movies,I am happy for him that he is doing so well and that he and Jada have a very happy marrige. I hope that they count their blessings. Now, he mentioned that he will like to share his good fortune, my question to him is, How? How would he do this? Does he know the condition this world is in? What is his opinion about the war? I have a son in Iraq this very moment and another one whom is about to be deployed who has a young family himself. I hope that if you pray at all, you remember them, the soldiers in Iraq who are making possible for you to enjoy your good fortune.
A soldier''s mom

[keishax-2009]

This message is in response to camiwa and tjdaise.

Steve said "...where he lives with his two children, Jaden and Willow." I don''t think it was intentional dismissal of Trey, but a statement of the fact that Trey may live with his mother, Sheree.

[punapeter]

We out here in Hawaii get 60 minutes after all you over there and I''d never do this but, ?

And then I read the second post and go ....yea. dito ECCO ..what SHE said. ADHD etc. "You look fine to me."

But I did have my own idea! A, "NO BRAINER" that would help the world. And the entire water bottle buying public. Not that I really think anyone connected to Will, ah "Mr. Smith" will be reading these or gettin back to him with, "Hey Will check this out, it was on the blog."

But you how some 350 million plastic water bottles go into land fills each week? I got an idea that would put a big dent in that. You got my email...................

[punapeter]

We out here in Hawaii get 60 minutes after all you over there and I''d never do this but, ?

And then I read the second post and go ....yea. dito ECCO ..what SHE said. ADHD etc. "You look fine to me."

But I did have my own idea! A, "NO BRAINER" that would help the world. And the entire water bottle buying public. Not that I really think anyone connected to Will, ah "Mr. Smith" will be reading these or gettin back to him with, "Hey Will check this out, it was on the blog."

But you how some 350 million plastic water bottles go into land fills each week? I got an idea that would put a big dent in that. You got my email...................

[punapeter]

We out here in Hawaii get 60 minutes after all you over there and I''d never do this but, ?

And then I read the second post and go ....yea. dito ECCO ..what SHE said. ADHD etc. "You look fine to me."

But I did have my own idea! A, "NO BRAINER" that would help the world. And the entire water bottle buying public. Not that I really think anyone connected to Will, ah "Mr. Smith" will be reading these or gettin back to him with, "Hey Will check this out, it was on the blog."

But you how some 350 million plastic water bottles go into land fills each week? I got an idea that would put a big dent in that. You got my email...................

[punapeter]

We out here in Hawaii get 60 minutes after all you over there and I''d never do this but, ?

And then I read the second post and go ....yea. dito ECCO ..what SHE said. ADHD etc. "You look fine to me."

But I did have my own idea! A, "NO BRAINER" that would help the world. And the entire water bottle buying public. Not that I really think anyone connected to Will, ah "Mr. Smith" will be reading these or gettin back to him with, "Hey Will check this out, it was on the blog."

But you how some 350 million plastic water bottles go into land fills each week? I got an idea that would put a big dent in that. You got my email...................

[punapeter]

We out here in Hawaii get 60 minutes after all you over there and I''d never do this but, ?

And then I read the second post and go ....yea. dito ECCO ..what SHE said. ADHD etc. "You look fine to me."

But I did have my own idea! A, "NO BRAINER" that would help the world. And the entire water bottle buying public. Not that I really think anyone connected to Will, ah "Mr. Smith" will be reading these or gettin back to him with, "Hey Will check this out, it was on the blog."

But you how some 350 million plastic water bottles go into land fills each week? I got an idea that would put a big dent in that. You got my email...................

[punapeter]

We out here in Hawaii get 60 minutes after all you over there and I''d never do this but, ?

And then I read the second post and go ....yea. dito ECCO ..what SHE said. ADHD etc. "You look fine to me."

But I did have my own idea! A, "NO BRAINER" that would help the world. And the entire water bottle buying public. Not that I really think anyone connected to Will, ah "Mr. Smith" will be reading these or gettin back to him with, "Hey Will check this out, it was on the blog."

But you how some 350 million plastic water bottles go into land fills each week? I got an idea that would put a big dent in that. You got my email...................

[punapeter]

We out here in Hawaii get 60 minutes after all you over there and I''d never do this but, ?

And then I read the second post and go ....yea. dito ECCO ..what SHE said. ADHD etc. "You look fine to me."

But I did have my own idea! A, "NO BRAINER" that would help the world. And the entire water bottle buying public. Not that I really think anyone connected to Will, ah "Mr. Smith" will be reading these or gettin back to him with, "Hey Will check this out, it was on the blog."

But you how some 350 million plastic water bottles go into land fills each week? I got an idea that would put a big dent in that. You got my email...................

[brianbwb-2009]

"At the end Will said he wants to do something to better the world, but he is not sure what."

Mr. Smith''s good friend and mentor, Mr. Bill Cosby, uses his name, influence, and probably not a small amount of money to further the cause of the preservation of Jazz as an American institution, paying special attention to the most neglected, the "Black" performers.

Such an effort can never be overdone, we need all the support we can get, even lending one''s name to a program can make the necessary sponsorship dollars flow.

My own efforts have been more in the area of opening foreign markets directly to "Black" American jazz artists, and am trying to open the US doors to artists from those foreign markets, hopefully the increased cultural exchange will create even newer forms, and make it harder for the warmongers to use Americans'' lack of exposure to foment illegal wars.

Mr. Smith, Music was your launching pad, it can be even greater if you want it to be.

[oleander8]

I love him...as much for his stability in an instable profession as for his talents.

[the_mirror]

Will Smith - Maybe the greatest "scene" you have ever done was a 1994 episode of "The Fresh Prince". Ben Vereen played your father and left you again - Phillip Banks (James Avery)and you had a dialogue together that brought me to tears (my heart actually ached for your character) - if ever there was a scene worthy of an emmy, it was that one.

[sharncedar]

Hey punapeter, Will Smith called, he *loves* your idea, he is giving you $50 million starting tomorrow to put it in to effect. Just go check your bank account, the money should be there tomorrow. And he is going to get his Hollywood friends to help you, they are going to have a "save the plastic bottles concert" with all the big names in rap music, and you are going to be the star! You will get 1 hour at the climax of the show to give a speech! And maybe, just maybe, you can use that forum to get elected president of the US, and implement your ideas, Will Smith told me you have lots of ideas, forever!

Also God called, he said he was revoking your life as of 3 am tomorrow morning, you were being called back, I guess that will hurt the whole Will Smith thing, sorry about that.

[jetlizhan]

will smith is just adorable.

[bobraxton-2009]

When Will Smith said he wants to do something to help the world but doesn''t know what, I thought of our twenty-year partnership with the Educational Centre in a small town (Kibewzi) in Kenya (East Africa) and how he could do QTY 100 of One Laptop Per Child "Give 1 Get 1" (would come with $20,000 tax deduction) and go present them (the OLPC XO) when our group is there for one month this coming summer, in July. We have been able to Give 4 in order to Get 4 to take with us for the primary school, built by the people of the community there.

[mythoughtsr]

Will Smith is one class act. Period.

[joyingiving]

Very fun interview! Will, my family adores you. There is so much joy in giving. Please contact me at my e-mail address. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my joy in giving journey with you.

[geezer62]

I saw the interview and it gave me a good feeling to see such a warm vibrant person. I have always liked Will and thank him very much for all the laughs he has given me. On a serious note, I saw Will on a talk show, I think it was Leno, and he said in a somewhat joking way that he would consider running for president. This guy is not just another empty head and as a matter of fact his intellect comes across in a very strong way. So Will, you might consider that as a way to fulfill that desire to do more. I''d vote for you in a heartbeat. You are far superior to what we have to choose from now. Consider this...Reagan went from being a "B" actor to president. You are an "A" list actor. Go for it if you want to. Lots of people love you and I for one would trust you to do the right thing. I know some of you will think that I''m crazy but before you pass judgement think about it.

[cricketmk3]

Will Smith sounds like a great person and is always entertaining. I agree that if one child is mentioned, they all should be but I never read where Will was asked how many children he had. Looks like that info was just filled in. I loved Pursuit of Happyness and Will''s son is a great little actor too! Lots of talent in that family!!

[mythoughtsr]

jh6379, do you realize how ridiculous you sound saying you HATE Will Smith? I don''t like Adam Sandler''s movies but I don''t HATE him. I HATE the people who masterminded 9/11. I HATE people who murder, rape and molest. But Will Smith? What did he ever do to you?

You Go Will! Awesome, awesome person. Lovely family and something many in this country lackm a work ethic!!

[yongamerica]

I like Will Smith, but an actors work ethic is nothing like a assembly line workers. Who works harder for their money?

His success has a lot to do with a huge marketing force that saw potential in a high school kid. And that kid lived up to that potential.

[hypnotoad72]

yongamerica - agreed. And the factory workers don''t make as much money either. And how many factory workers can afford to see his movies too?

More people should be able to use their God-given talents; or at least use them in tandem with projects that benefit the community/country as well as themselves.

[terrorislam6]

Posted by BoBraxton at 08:36 AM : Dec 03, 2007

wrong,

he wants to run for president

[mslesa]

O.K
I have to truly admit
I LOVE THE GUY!
He is classy, funny, ***, sincere.
Congrads to Jada, I hope his destin of wanting to help will not just be at x-mas . someone needs to help the children who are TRULY trying to go to college and should not have to do the loan thing or the government grant thing .

mslesa, you mean no one should have to pay for college? I grew up dirt poor with a mother raising me and my sister. I had to pay for all my college education. No grants, but I did get hit with about 60 grand of student loans before I was finished. There was no one there to help me but myself. I finally paid off all of my loans, and it was the most gratifying feeling I had in years.

That is all part of becoming an adult. Is that your feeling, everything should be handed to you with no responsibility of paying anyone back? That%u2019s the problem with kids these days; they think everyone owes them something before they even come close to earning it.

yongamerica, assembly line workers work harder than anyone? Is that what you''re saying? Come on, give us a break if that''s what you meant. I know a lot of professions that work harder than assembly line workers.

[fibonacci_]

Right on, Will Smith. I like him. I have a similar work ethic...except I dont get any like he does he he. When hes making whoopie Im working.

[geezer62]

yongamerica...I understand your post but let me add some information you may not be aware of. I worked in the studios in L.A.for several years in a variety of positions. I spent countless hours on the set and on location. Believe me when I tell you that actors work very hard. I don''t mean to infer that factory workers don''t work hard but the things required from an actor are very difficult. It is not unusual for an actor to work 16 to 18 hour days. Even if they are not actually in front of the camera they are working. They have to memorize their lines which is not as easy as one might think. There are sometimes extreme physical demands that the actor must be able to handle. For someone like Will Smith going out in public is almost impossible. He can''t run to the grocery store or go get gas like you can. He must pay taxes, agents, managers, publicists...the list goes on and on. While the factory worker knows that if he goes to work he will most likely have a job tomorrow, the actor must work to get each role he plays. And finally, he must have talent which is a rare thing. Look at Will''s movies...he is truly a special person and deserves everything he has.

[geezer62]

FlangeSqueal...
Hay buddy, how are things at the trailer park today. What a low class post. You don''t know these people so where do you get off with the cheap shots? I met Tom several years age and he was a really nice guy. Didn''t come off as conceited in any way. His religion is his business and he never brought it up. As for you use of the word c**n you need to wake up and join the 21st century. It is not smart, it is not cute, and it is not acceptable. You call the wrong guy something like that and you''ll wake up wearing your azz for a hat. Oh yes, everyone that lives in a trailer park is not low class.

[mythoughtsr]

geezer62, I have to agree with you. I don''t think there are too many people among us who wouldn''t want to have untold millions in the bank. However, not everyone gets to get the actor, the actress, the CEO, the president of a company. Unfortunately, in any modern society, someone has to clean the toilets that the CEO uses and that''s just life.

Will Smith was in the right place at the right time and he has talent and yeah, sure, there was some luck thrown in there too but many actors were "discovered" and it''s luck.

[geezer62]

FlangeSqueal....
There''s nothing I like more than a polite response when I post. I must say that your reply had all the class of a street prostitute having a bad day. Didn''t your mommy teach you any manners? You make many assumptions about me and I''m wondering how you know all the things you mention. I won''t even try to deal with each stupid comment. But I will say that it sounds like you have a terrible crush on your boy Tom. "Bushy eyebrows, Pouty lips", come on boy try to control yourself. I"ll bet you talk about all your boyfriends like that don''t ya. Watch it though, Katie might kick your little azz.

[slim1h2o]

Work Ethic??????????? LOL,, If I had his cash, my work ethic would be sickening too..LOL Keep up the good work.

[hypnotoad72]

geezer62 - "offshoring" has many a factory worker, and far more people not all of which work in factories, worried.

True, actors work long days. Look at the rewards. Let''s become a nation of actors and all our money troubles will disappear. After all, what''s quality assembly or quality application development when we can all thrust our egos on a 60 foot screen and let everybody whine how expensive it is to get just to see us flaunt how cooooool we are...

[macksimize]

A comment was made that "If I had his cash, my work ethic would be sickening too",well it doesn''t quite work like that. The attitude comes before the paycheck. He has the cash because of his work ethic which comes first.

Also someone believes that "luck" plays a major role in success, nothing could be further from the truth. When preparation meets opportunity massive success is possible. They were prapared when an opportunity came their way to advance their careers. Are you prepared? www. macksimize. com

[sociald63]

will smith thinks he''s the black version of tom cruise - they are both irritating, by the way :)

[daffadill7]

George Carlin, the wordsmith of an era just died. A loss to comedy, social commentary, and to intellectual populace and 60 minutes interviews Will Smith? Will Smith, a hard working man? Aren''t all actors hard working who love their craft? The absurpity of your lack of timeless not include a restropective on George Carlin''s life, is a sad comment to your "news" agency. News is news because of the timeliness of when the news happens.

I am gratefuly for Public Broadcasting''s news, reporting when it happens regardless of their market share, Neilsen ratings. Get guts 60 minutes.

[bettyzoe]

Will Smith has been very lucky that his hard work has brought him millions.even better, that he wants to give back :big".I have a suggestion:how about selling some of that 200 acre estate & help in concret ways to "make it easier for people to be good"(Peter Maurin/Dorothy Day).pick a place in LA,Philly,NY,? eliminate homelessness to start.pick one need. accomplish that with help from experts, make a model & go from there.one spot to check out The Fortune Society - www.fortunesociety.com web site. if there''s ever a group who has done the hard work & very often been successful.Let Hitch, hitch himself to one groundroots effort & take it on the road & go from there.Others would follow - people with money love success & what better success than to help another human being sleep in a warm safe bed & not be hungry.
thanks. continued success. B.

[bettyzoe]

will smith very fortunate.Idea:Have Hitch,hitch some of that 200 acre estate to a grassroots cause like homelessness in LA, NY,?just that & that would be alot.succeed, it will take years,but things will get better.making it "easier to be good" (Peter Maurin/Dorothy Day)isn''t easy,but can be done.

A very strong profile of an actor I greatly admire.

Will, if you are really looking for something to do that will make a difference -- I''d suggest you devote the next six month to to Barrack Obama''s campaign. Think about where you can go that will make a difference. It''s hard to imagine what you might do otherwise that would help make a better future.

[michaelwsmit]

Will if your truely interested in making a difference in the world. My name is Michael Smith and I''m currently working on my 3rd US Patent. It''s involved with clean alternative energy use for everyone. I have filled out and submitted 60 minutes form Sunday evening after seeing your interview with Steve Kroft. The form has my contact information on it.