Lacey Schwimmer on Dancing with Jackass

Lacey Schwimmer Dishes on Dancing with Jackass Star Steve-O In 2008, dancer Lacey Schwimmer went from So You Think You Can Dance veteran to Dancing With the Stars newbie with a few fleet turns of the foot. And in a stellar showing, she took Lance Bass all the way to the finals before going on a nationwide tour with the show. Back for season 8, Lacey is partnered with comedian Steve-O and spoke with PEOPLE about why she was wrong about the Jackass star, whether they have any stunts planned and why she thinks they’ll do well in the competition. – Scott Huver So let us have it — how’s Steve-O? Steve-O is a workhorse. He is here everyday, five hours. He says, “Is five hours enough, Lacey? Do you think I need more than that?” So he’s just such a hard worker and we’re in very intense rehearsals everyday. Were you worried that because of his history he wouldn’t be the most disciplined partner? Absolutely, and that’s what I thought going into it, too. I was like, “Oh, man. He’s not going to want to practice and this, that and the other.” But I walked in and the first thing he said to me was, “I’m taking this very seriously. So you’re the boss. You tell me what to do. I’ll do whatever you want.” Ever since, he’s been such a great person to work with. Were you surprised? It’s funny because he’s been eleven months sober from drugs and alcohol and so I think his mind is now thinking, “I really have to now achieve this goal. I have to do this.” His head is really clear. I look up to him in that sense because as hard as he’s working on so many things, I feel like I should be working harder. I wasn’t expecting how nice of a guy he turned out to be and how much of a gentleman and how adorable he is. He’s so sweet and so cute and everyone who meets him just falls in love with him. Does he have any dance experience? He comes from a background of circus training. He graduated clown school, I believe, and he has these really interesting tricks that he can do that I’ve never seen anyone on the show do before. So we’re definitely going to try and incorporate what he already can do and I’m trying to develop things that he could potentially do. How about incorporating elements of Jackass into your routines? Of course! He’s already told me things that he’s wanting to do on the set. I’m like, “You have to remember that this is live television and it’s ABC Family. I don’t know if me kicking you in a certain area would look good on TV.” He’s having fun and has great ideas and is a really creative guy. We’re both so silly and we love to laugh and have a good time. I get him. I get his humor and I understand what he’s thinking. We work really well together. What do you think are your chances? I think he’s this little dark horse of the competition. People don’t really know what to expect from him … I keep getting these messages on Myspace or on Facebook and they’re like, ‘Oh, man, you and Steve-O. I’m so sorry.’ I look at them and think they have no idea about this guy.

The Clintons Bid Farewell to Socks the Cat

Former First Cat Socks, one of the world’s most famous felines, died Friday at the age of 20 after battling throat cancer since November. A stray cat rescued by the Clinton's daughter, Chelsea, Socks lived in the governor’s mansion in Arkansas and later moved with the family to the White House.

"Socks brought much happiness to Chelsea and us over the years, and enjoyment to kids and cat lovers everywhere," the Clintons said in a statement, released first to PEOPLE.COM. "We're grateful for those memories, and we especially want to thank our good friend, Betty Currie, for taking such loving care of Socks for so many years."

Currie, the president's personal secretary, and her husband, Bob, took over care of Socks after the Clintons left the White House. It was near their home in Maryland that Socks was put to sleep Friday morning. "He could no longer stand and wasn’t eating," according to family friend and presidential historian Barry Landau.

His Pal Buddy the Lab
Though much was made of the fact that Buddy, the family’s beloved brown Labrador retriever – who died after being hit by a car in 2002 – remained with the Clintons while Socks did not, Landau says, "The truth be known, Betty asked if Socks could come live with her. The Clintons didn’t abandon Socks. They were totally conflicted. It broke their hearts, but they knew it would be the right thing for Socks’ welfare.”

"Betty had lost a close family member and a dog and they wanted to do something nice for her," continues Landau, noting that Hillary Clinton had just been elected to the U.S. Senate.

Hillary Clinton with Socks in 1999 Photo by: J. Scott Applewhite / APThe Clintons Bid Farewell to Socks the Cat| Bill Clinton, Hillary Rodham Clinton
During the family's days in the White House, Socks had become attached to Betty, with whom he spent many hours every day. "Socks was always curled up on a blue striped silk chair, next to Betty," in her office outside the Oval Office, Landau says. "Socks didn’t act like a cat. Socks was very dog-like, and Buddy and Socks got along well.” Landau adds that even visiting heads of state asked to have pictures taken with the cat.

A Taste for Chicken
In the years since he left the White House, Landau says, "Socks had an incredible life. Betty cooked for Socks," he said, noting the cat loved chicken. He was also the subject (along with the family dog) of a book by Hillary Clinton titled Dear Socks, Dear Buddy: Kids’ Letters to the First Pets.

On Thursday, Currie took Socks for one last walk; she plans to have the cat cremated.

Rihanna Assures Fans She 'Remains Strong'

Rihanna spoke out for the first time since allegedly being assaulted by Chris Brown, issuing a statement of thanks to her fans. "At the request of the authorities, Rihanna is not commenting about the incident involving Chris Brown," says the statement from her rep on Friday. "She wants to assure her fans that she remains strong, is doing well, and deeply appreciates the outpouring of support she has received during this difficult time." The statement comes on her 21st birthday and a day after she was spotted in Los Angeles after spending nearly two weeks in seclusion. The singer was photographed Thursday heading to an airport the same night a graphic photo reportedly showing her battered face surfaced on the Internet, upsetting her father, who criticized police for their "sloppy work." Prior to the statement, neither Rihanna nor her representatives had commented since the arrest of Brown, 19, on Feb. 8 On Friday, friends in Rihanna's native Barbados marked her birthday by taking out an ad in the local paper wishing her a happy 21st "amidst all the negativity about Ri Ri. God will continue to bless her." "I just really love that girl," Sharon Thompson, who bought the birthday greeting, tells PEOPLE. " Some nights I cry because of what I'm hearing. It has me deeply hurt. She's just so lovely."

The Oscars 81st Academy Award Coverage

Best Picture
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" "Frost/Nixon" "Milk" "The Reader" "Slumdog Millionaire."
Actor
Richard Jenkins "The Visitor" Frank Langella "Frost/Nixon" Sean Penn "Milk" Brad Pitt "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" Mickey Rourke "The Wrestler."
Actress
Anne Hathaway "Rachel Getting Married" Angelina Jolie "Changeling" Melissa Leo "Frozen River" Meryl Streep "Doubt" Kate Winslet "The Reader." Supporting Actor Josh Brolin "Milk" Robert Downey Jr. "Tropic Thunder" Philip Seymour Hoffman "Doubt" Heath Ledger "The Dark Knight" Michael Shannon "Revolutionary Road." Supporting Actress Amy Adams "Doubt" Penelope Cruz "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" Viola Davis "Doubt" Taraji P. Henson "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" Marisa Tomei "The Wrestler."
Director
David Fincher "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" Ron Howard "Frost/Nixon" Gus Van Sant "Milk" Stephen Daldry "The Reader" Danny Boyle "Slumdog Millionaire."
Foreign Film
"The Baader Meinhof Complex" Germany "The Class" France "Departures" Japan "Revanche" Austria "Waltz With Bashir" Israel.
Adapted Screenplay
Eric Roth and Robin Swicord "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" John Patrick Shanley "Doubt" Peter Morgan "Frost/Nixon" David Hare "The Reader" Simon Beaufoy "Slumdog Millionaire."
Original Screenplay
Courtney Hunt "Frozen River" Mike Leigh "Happy-Go-Lucky" Martin McDonagh "In Bruges" Dustin Lance Black "Milk" Andrew Stanton Jim Reardon and Pete Docter, "WALL-E."
Animated Feature Film
"Bolt" "Kung Fu Panda" "WALL-E." Art Direction "Changeling" "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" "The Dark Knight" "The Duchess" "Revolutionary Road." Cinematography "Changeling" "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" "The Dark Knight" "The Reader" "Slumdog Millionaire." Sound Mixing "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" "The Dark Knight" "Slumdog Millionaire" "WALL-E" "Wanted." Sound Editing "The Dark Knight" "Iron Man" "Slumdog Millionaire" "WALL-E" "Wanted."
Original Score
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" Alexandre Desplat "Defiance" James Newton Howard "Milk" Danny Elfman "Slumdog Millionaire" A.R. Rahman "WALL-E" Thomas Newman. Original Song "Down to Earth" from "WALL-E" Peter Gabriel and Thomas Newman "Jai Ho" from "Slumdog Millionaire" A.R. Rahman and Gulzar "O Saya" from "Slumdog Millionaire" A.R. Rahman and Maya Arulpragasam.
Costume
"Australia" "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" "The Duchess" "Milk" "Revolutionary Road." Documentary Feature "The Betrayal (Nerakhoon)" "Encounters at the End of the World" "The Garden" "Man on Wire" "Trouble the Water." Documentary (short subject) "The Conscience of Nhem En" "The Final Inch" "Smile Pinki" "The Witness - From the Balcony of Room 306."
Film Editing
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" "The Dark Knight" "Frost/Nixon" "Milk" "Slumdog Millionaire."
Makeup
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" "The Dark Knight" "Hellboy II The Golden Army." Animated Short Film
"La Maison en Petits Cubes" "Lavatory - Lovestory" "Oktapodi" "Presto" "This Way Up."
Live Action Short Film
"Auf der Strecke (On the Line)" "Manon on the Asphalt" "New Boy" "The Pig" "Spielzeugland (Toyland)."
Visual Effects
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" "The Dark Knight" "Iron Man."

Charlie & Brooke Sheen Have Sports-Themed Baby Shower

Is Charlie Sheen hoping for a couple of sluggers when his wife, Brooke, gives birth to twin boys in April? It would seem so based on the sports-themed baby shower for the couple on Saturday afternoon. At the party – which was attended by a variety of stars including Paris Hilton, Eric Dane and baseball star Barry Bonds – kids decorated cupcakes with baseballs and basketballs, and blue and brown candy filled up apothecary jars. The family-friendly outdoor affair was held at the Los Angeles home of Dr. 90210 star Dr. Nassif and his wife Adrienne Maloof-Nassif. Also among the star-studded guests were Christine Taylor with her 6-year-old daughter Ella, Two and a Half Men's Jon Cryer with his son Charlie, and Sheen's two daughters Sam, 4, and Lola, 3, along with his father Martin Sheen. In addition to the sports-themed activities, there were plenty of girly touches, including manicures and airbrushed tattoos courtesy of Spa Di Da Kids Spa & Salon. While children played Nintendo Wii Fit and jumped on the moon bounce, parents indulged in hand massages and consultations with a feng shui expert. "It was cute. Definitely not like your traditional baby shower with games. It was lots of families just hanging out with their kids, and it was a good time," noted a guest, who added that Brooke "looked great!" The mom-to-be, who was briefly hospitalized earlier this week with early contractions, let the action come to her. "She didn't move once," said the guest. Instead, doting hubby Sheen led her to a seat in the middle of the party, and well-wishers lined up to chat with the first-time mom. Later, the Two and a Half Men star snuck off to talk about – what else? – sports with his dad and Barry Bonds.

Best Dressed at the 2008 Academy Awards

Oscars Style Star of the week

The “Slumdog” child stars board their plane in India for an 8,400-mile flight to the Oscars. Plus, Halle Berry hits the Essence Black Women In Hollywood Luncheon.

Rourke & ‘The Wrestler’ Win Top Honors At Independent Spirit Awards

The “Wrestler” star won another trophy for his performance as an aging athlete at Film Independent’s 24th Annual Spirit Awards in LA on Saturday, dedicating it to his recently deceased dog, Loki. His speech was funny and profanity-laden, describing co-star Marisa Tomei, who played a sympathetic stripper, as knowing “how to climb the pole” – and a preview of his possible acceptance speech at the Oscars on Sunday should he win Best Actor. The star was joined in the winners’ circle by Melissa Leo, who took home the trophy for Best Actress for her Oscar-nominated work in “Frozen River”; James Franco, who won Best Supporting Actor for “Milk”; and Oscar favorite Penelope Cruz, who won Best Supporting Actress for her fiery performance in Woody Allen’s “Vicky Cristina Barcelona.” In the additional categories, Charlie Kaufman won Best First Feature for his direction of “Synecdoche, New York,” while Best First Screenplay went to “Milk” scribe Dustin Lance Black. Woody Allen won Best Screenplay for “Vicky Cristina Barcelona,” and “The Visitor” helmer Tom McCarthy earned the trophy for Best Director. Finally, Mickey’s film, “The Wrestler,” topped the ceremony with the award for Best Feature.

J-Lo and Marc's Twins Have First Birthday Party

Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony celebrated their 1-year-old twins Max and Emme with a birthday party at their Bel Air home on Saturday. About 50 guests, including Nicole Ritchie, Joel Madden and their daughter Harlow, 1, joined the casual afternoon party, which started at about 1 p.m. Several guests were seen arriving with gifts in Elmo and Disney bags. Others brought stuffed animals and "Happy Birthday" balloons in festive shapes and colors. The backyard, where the party was held, was decorated with festive metallic silver balloons and a blue-and-red color theme. Two moonbouncers, a clown and upbeat music entertained guests, who were served non-alcoholic slush drinks provided by The Margarita Man. Guests sang "Happy Birthday" while a cake decorated with candles from Rosebud Cakes was presented. Max and Emme's actual birthday is Sunday.

The Jonas Brothers Surprise the Obama Girls

On their first night in the White House, Malia and Sasha Obama quickly learned the perks of being first daughters.

While their parents were making their rounds at 10 inaugural balls, the girls entertained new pals from the Sidwell Friends school – and had a surprise visit from the Jonas Brothers.

In a scavenger hunt designed to help Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, get familiar with the White House, hiding at the end in the East Room was certainly an all-American treat: Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas!

"They were invited to surprise the girls and their friends and [the Jonas Brothers] had a blast," a spokesperson for Grammy-nominated artists and the teen heartthrobs said of the surprise, which First Lady Michelle Obama helped orchestrate. The Jonas Brothers, who came with their parents, were snuck in through the East Portico and played three acoustic songs and posed for photos with each of the young guests at the party. It wasn't the first time the Obamas had met the trio. On Monday night, the brothers performed for the girls and their mother (and 14,000 fans) at the Kids Inaugural concert. Before the pop star pop-in, the group reportedly watched Bolt and High School Musical 3 in the White House theater.

Bachelor’s Jillian Still Loves Jason

Bachelor’s Jillian Still Loves Jason (But She’s Not In Love)

Jillian Harris, 29, was a Bachelor front-runner from the first night, but ultimately Jason Mesnick decided they weren’t meant to be more than friends after a steamy soak in a New Zealand spa. The Canadian restaurant designer talked to reporters from her home in Vancouver about the moment she fell in love, her infamous hot dog theory, the possibility of being appearing on The Bachelorette and who she hopes will get the final rose. – Carrie Bell Fans of the show were surprised when Jason did not give you a rose. Were you? I was surprised. It is a unique situation. No matter how hard you’re falling for somebody, you always wonder if it is for real and if he’s the one. You have questions in your mind and heart, but when he let me go, I was sincerely disappointed and surprised. You said on the show that you had fallen in love with Jason. In hindsight, is that true? On a scale of one to ten, would he be a ten for what I’m looking for? Maybe not. But of all the men I have dated in my life, he possessed the most qualities that I was looking for. I still love him but I don’t think I am in love with him anymore. It’s like any other breakup. You have to heal yourself. You have to get over it and move on and hope the best for the person. You had a hot date in New Zealand. Why do you think Jason didn’t think it would progress into more than friends? That’s the million-dollar question. We had so many different levels that our relationship had reached from being friends to being great partners and understanding each other. And then in New Zealand, I thought we reached that spark. I seemed to fit into his life and we had so many things in common. I felt like we had all those components to make it work. What was the reaction of your family to your Jacuzzi antics? Apparently, my dad just stared at the screen with his jaw open. When I watched it, I had a good laugh. Did you spend the whole night in the fantasy suite? I did. We had a great time in the hot tub and we had great conversation. It was great to have a lot of off camera time with him and be able to chat about the things we weren’t able to chat about on camera. Who do you feel is a better fit for Jason, Molly or Melissa? I can see reasons why both girls would be great for him and why they both might not. I became very, very good friends with Melissa. [We] always talked about, if she did win, how fun it would be for us all to get together and have barbecues and laugh about it. Her and I would be friends and I would be part of their life. Does your hot dog condiment theory need to be reworked after this experience? I stand by my theory. It is more complicated than I initially thought but Jason might be having some hot dog topping denial. He has a little bit of a ketchup/mustard and I need a little bit of a sauerkraut/mustard. Has your dating life changed? Have you been flooded with offers since returning home? I have not been dating at all. It is overwhelming. I needed time to get back to my head screwed back on straight and figure out what happened back there. Would you do The Bachelorette? I haven’t thought too seriously about it and I haven’t been approached … I don’t want to be famous. I don’t want to be an actress. Part of me wants to stop while I am ahead because I did a great job of presenting myself last time. But the other part of me really wants to find somebody and maybe my prince is just around the corner. I would have to think hard about it.

Jennifer Lopez Starstruck by Barack Obama

Even celebrities get starstruck. Just ask Jennifer Lopez.

At the Latino Inaugural Gala in Washington, D.C. on Sunday evening, the singer-actress said even with all of Hollywood flocking to the city for the inauguration, President-elect Barack Obama was undeniably the biggest A-lister.

"He is the biggest star here, even though it's chock-full of celebrities," said Jennifer Lopez. "The night he won the election, you could feel it in the air. I was … watching him with tears in my eyes, thinking, 'Yes. Something is different. Something is happening.' We're very excited."

"Washington's never had a bigger rock star at the helm," her husband Marc Anthony agreed.

At the event, Rosario Dawson – whose Voto Latino organization worked to register young Latino voters – said her pinch-me moment was meeting the Obama family Sunday afternoon at the We Are One concert event at the Lincoln Memorial.

"It was really incredible. They're really poised and incredible and just magnificent people," the actress told PEOPLE at the Latino Inaugural Gala. "I'm sort of, like, freaking out right now."

Throughout the evening, guests milled about the vast marble ballroom in Washington D.C.'s Union station, noshing on quesadillas and egg-salad sandwiches on mini-croisssants as a mariachi band played in the background. Other celebrities in attendance included George Lopez, David Archuleta and CNN's Soledad O'Brien. Shakira, the last celebrity to walk the red carpet, arrived sheathed in a green Oscar de la Renta gown in time to perform close to midnight. The pop singer was also pumped up about meeting the President-elect earlier in the day at the Lincoln Monument. "He said that he had my music (on his) iPod," she told PEOPLE. "I hope he was not being just nice."

Oscar's Big Boys..Slumdog Millionaire

Benjamin Button, Slumdog Millionaire Are Oscar's Big Boys

Hollywood's biggest battle will pit a time-challenged hero, a political war of wits, a gay activist icon, a woman with a Nazi past and a rags-to-riches survivor.

With The Curious Case of Benjamin Button vying for Best Picture along with Frost/Nixon, Milk, The Reader and Slumdog Millionaire, the 81st annual Academy Award nominations were announced Thursday morning – two days later than usual, on account of a little historical pageant that occurred in Washington, D.C., Tuesday.

Benjamin Button led the field, with a total of 13 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Supporting Actress, Director and Screenplay.

It was followed by Slumdog Millionaire, with 10.

Brad Pitt received his second-ever nomination, Best Actor for Benjamin Button. He was previously cited for his supporting role in 1995's Twelve Monkeys, but the Oscar went to Kevin Spacey in The Usual Suspects.

The other leading men singled out this year were previous Oscar winner Sean Penn for Milk, and Golden Globe winner Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler). The Visitor's Richard Jenkins and Frost/Nixon's Frank Langella round out the list.

Web Buzzing Over Shocking Photo

Web Buzzing Over Shocking Photo Reportedly of Rihanna


Los Angeles police launched an internal investigation Thursday night after a graphic photo reportedly of Rihanna with injuries from an alleged assault by Chris Brown surfaced on the Internet.
"The photograph has the appearance of one taken during an official domestic violence investigation," says a police statement. "The Los Angeles Police Department takes seriously its duty to maintain the confidentiality of victims of domestic violence."
The picture is a close-up of a young woman with her eyes closed and bruises and cuts on her forehead, lips and cheeks. PEOPLE has chosen not to post the picture, due to the nature of the case.

"A violation of this type is considered serious misconduct, with penalties up to and including termination," police said.
Brown, 19, who released a statement saying he is "sorry and saddened," was arrested on a felony criminal threat charge Feb. 8. His case has not yet been presented by police to prosecutors.
Rihanna, who has not appeared in public since the alleged attack hours before the Grammy Awards, turns 21 on Friday.

Image of Prity Zinta

Shahrukh's new marketing strategy on latest movie ”Billu”

Shahrukh Khan has said that he would promote his upcoming film "Billu" in his own style and not to imitate anybody else’’s marketing strategy
Khan is extensively promoting "Billu" that was earlier titled “Billu Barber”.
Satirical about use of means like cutting of hair to promote film marketing, Khan said that he would have his own way of film promotion.
“I am happy with the promotion of the film. Every film is promoted in a different way. We promoted Om Shanti Om in a different way; Chak De had a different marketing strategy. I don”t want to be imitate someone the way he or she cuts hair. We don”t copy.
There will be innovative ways and every film will have a different way of marketing. But as far as I am concerned, I wouldn”t go and keep somebody else marketing as my standard. I will have my own way of breathing my film out,” said Khan.

Khan has invited selected barbers and hairstylists along with their spouses to the premiere of the film.
“The story is about hairdressers. So we want the hairdressers to watch the film with their spouses. Premieres are thronged by stars generally. We want the real stars (hairdressers) to come and watch the film,” said Khan.
Khan plays a popular Bollywood actor in `the film, which is about a village hairdresser and his friendship with a movie star.
“Billu Barber””, directed by Priyadarshan and produced by Khan, is all set for release around Valentine’’s Day.

Shah Rukh Khan | Press Conference for his new movie 'Billu Barber"'??

King khan in Hospital

Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan has undergone surgery on his shoulder at a Mumbai hospital for an injury which he suffered during filming last year.

The 43-year-old, popularly known as King Khan, was hurt while acting in the movie Dulha Mil Gaya (I Found my Groom) in December 2008. Surgeon Sanjay Desai said the "He is out of anaesthesia and is a bit groggy, but otherwise the situation is under control,"

Desai, who led a team of doctors operating on Khan, told reporters after the 90-minute operation. Khan injured his shoulder a while ago, but the condition was aggravated in December. His surgery had been postponed due to his movie commitments and he underwent physiotherapy sessions. "If he were to lead a sedentary life, there would be no need of the surgery," the actor's physiotherapist Ali Irani said.
Speaking before he went into hospital, Khan said: "I think when you are working in this kind of field where you have to run, jump and fall, after 20 years it's just natural to get these ailments."

Shahrukh Khan's Biography

Birth Name: Shahrukh Khan

Birthdate: 2 November 1965

Birth location: Delhi ,India

Height: 5' 8"

Profession : Actor/Model


Shahrukh Khan : (born 2 November 1965), sometimes credited as Shah Rukh Khan, is an India actor and a leading star of films, as well as a film producer and television host.

Khan began his career appearing in several television serials in the late 1980s. He made his film debut in Deewana (1992). Since then, he has been part of many other commercially successful films and has earned critical acclaim for many of his performances. During his years in the Indian film industry, he has won thirteen Filmfare Awards, seven of which are in the Best Actor category.

While some of Khan's best-known films: Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (1995), Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), Chak De India (2007) and Om Shanti Om (2007), remain some of Bollywood's biggest hits, films like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001), Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003), Veer-Zaara (2004) and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006) have been top-grossing productions in the overseas market, making Khan one of the most successful actors of Hindi cinema. Since 2000, Khan branched out into film production and television presenting as well. He is the founder-owner of two production companies, Dreamz Unlimited and Red Chillies Entertainment. In 2008, Newsweek named him one of the 50 most powerful people in the world.

Will Smith's Biography

Born: 25 September 1968
Where: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Awards: 2 Oscar nominations, 4 Golden Globe nominations
Height: 6' 2"


The history of pop icons attempting to make it in Hollywood is a long and often sad one. Cher was a big success, with Jon Bon Jovi looking good for the future, while the likes of David Bowie and Mick Jagger have made many a sorry attempt to cut it. The world of rap has a far better record of producing film stars. Tupac caused a major stir before his untimely death, LL Cool J's star is rising, as is Queen Latifah's. And then there's the biggest of them all - Will Smith, formerly known as The Fresh Prince, surely the most successful crossover star of the modern era.

Born Willard Christopher Smith Jr on October 25th, 1968, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Smith grew up amidst the middle-classes, his mother serving on the school board and his father owning a refrigeration company, installing and maintaining freezer cabinets in supermarkets. The second of four children (the youhe history of pop icons attempting to make it in Hollywood is a long and often sad one. Cher was a big success, with Jon Bon Jovi looking good for the future, while the likes of David Bowie and Mick Jagger have made many a sorry attempt to cut it. The world of rap has a far better record of producing film stars. Tupac caused a major stir before his untimely death, LL Cool J's star is rising, as is Queen Latifah's. And then there's the biggest of them all - Will Smith, formerly known as The Fresh Prince, surely the most successful crossover star of the modern era.

Will Smith's Biography

Born: 25 September 1968
Where: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Awards: 2 Oscar nominations, 4 Golden Globe nominations
Height: 6' 2"

The history of pop icons attempting to make it in Hollywood is a long and often sad one. Cher was a big success, with Jon Bon Jovi looking good for the future, while the likes of David Bowie and Mick Jagger have made many a sorry attempt to cut it. The world of rap has a far better record of producing film stars. Tupac caused a major stir before his untimely death, LL Cool J's star is rising, as is Queen Latifah's. And then there's the biggest of them all - Will Smith, formerly known as The Fresh Prince, surely the most successful crossover star of the modern era. Born Willard Christopher Smith Jr on October 25th, 1968, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Smith grew up amidst the middle-classes, his mother serving on the school board and his father owning a refrigeration company, installing and maintaining freezer cabinets in supermarkets. The second of four children (the youhe history of pop icons attempting to make it in Hollywood is a long and often sad one. Cher was a big success, with Jon Bon Jovi looking good for the future, while the likes of David Bowie and Mick Jagger have made many a sorry attempt to cut it. The world of rap has a far better record of producing film stars. Tupac caused a major stir before his untimely death, LL Cool J's star is rising, as is Queen Latifah's. And then there's the biggest of them all - Will Smith, formerly known as The Fresh Prince, surely the most successful crossover star of the modern era.