Many would argue that Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith are probably Hollywood’s most beloved celebrity couple of all time.
Despite following their careers all this time, not many people know the story of how Will and Jada first met. Thanks to Jade’s Facebook talk show, “Red Table Talk”, we now have a better insight on their backstory. The 1st guest on its 2nd season was none other than husband Will, and his was joined by Jada’s mother Adrienne and daughter Willow.
The 47-year-old actress and 50-year-old actor tied the knot more than 2 decades ago. Back then, Will was the “Fresh Prince”. Although Jada auditioned for a role in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” at 19 years old and didn’t get the part, she was filming for the show “A Different World” nearby.
Will saw Jada on “A Different World” and was immediately smitten by her. Luckily, fellow “Fresh Prince” costar Alfonso Ribeiro knew someone who could set them up. Things didn’t go as plan though. Turns out the person brought different girl to meet Will. It ended up being Sheree Zampino, whom Will married in 1992. They also had a son (who is now 25) that same year.
When Will and Jada finally met in person during a gathering at an L.A. jazz club, sparks flew and had a “really unique, beautiful power” connection. The actor realised his initial hunch about Jada was spot on. However, they didn’t pursue each other as he was already married at the time and had no intention of getting a divorce.
“I had a realisation that I wasn’t with the person I was supposed to be with. I went in the bathroom at The Palm and I broke down in tears. I was sitting in a stall in the restaurant, and I was crying uncontrollably, and then laughing. Like, what the heck is wrong with me? I was crying and laughing and it’s like, I knew that was the woman I was supposed to be with, but I was never getting divorced,” Will recalled.
Sheree eventually filed for divorce in 1995 on Valentine’s Day. Will was reluctant to sign the documents, but Sheree insisted it was for the best because she knew he didn’t love her. Minutes after signing the papers, Will immediately called Jada. “I said, ‘Hey Jada, what’s up, it’s Will.’ She said, ‘Hey, how you doing?’ I said, ‘Good. Are you seeing anybody?’ And she said, ‘Uhhh, no?’ I said, ‘Cool, you’re seeing me now’,” said the actor.
The famous couple walked down the aisle in 1997. Jada revealed that she was “crying down the freaking aisle, getting married” mainly because she was 3 months pregnant and feeling unwell. The lovebirds have 2 children together – son Jaden, 20, and daughter Willow, 17.
Check out behind-the-scenes clip and the full interview below:
Source: Buzzfeed.
