Will Smith breaks down in tears as he reflects on the ‘terrifying’ birth of his son

Will Smith breaks down in tears as he reflects on the 'terrifying' birth of his son

As a lifestyle expert with years of personal and professional experience under my belt, I can deeply empathize with Will Smith’s heartfelt emotions regarding his complex relationship with his father. It takes immense courage to confront one’s past and find healing, which is evident in Will’s journey towards self-discovery and growth.


Will Smith broke down in tears as he reflected on the immense fears he felt after the birth of his first son – admitting that becoming a dad ‘shook him to his core.’

On Thursday evening at the Grammy Museum, the 56-year-old actor and musician paid a heartfelt homage to his oldest son, Willard Carroll ‘Trey’ Smith III, during his event, “An Evening with Will Smith.

Prior to performing his 1997 hit “Just the Two of Us”, the rapper shared that the song’s inspiration stemmed from the nerve-wracking experience of his son Trey’s birth, who is now 31 and was born to his first wife Sheree Zampino.

As he shared his feelings with the crowd, the former Men in Black actor found himself overcome with emotion, recalling the fear he felt when he first brought Trey home from the hospital in 1992.

He mentioned that he composed the song during what was likely one of the scariest periods in his life, according to People.

Will Smith breaks down in tears as he reflects on the 'terrifying' birth of his son

Will Smith breaks down in tears as he reflects on the 'terrifying' birth of his son
Will Smith breaks down in tears as he reflects on the 'terrifying' birth of his son

When my son Trey was born, I can’t describe the feeling of bringing him home for the very first time and understanding that I was now his caretaker.

One of the earliest experiences in my life that deeply impacted me was the challenge of parenthood. It touched me at a fundamental level.

In simpler terms, Will shared that his intricate bond with his father, Willard Carroll Smith Sr., often made him feel the need to excel as a father figure, placing considerable stress upon himself.

‘I remember that first night. I can’t even talk about it,’ he continued as he began to cry. 

After babbling endlessly about everything my dad hadn’t accomplished, a sudden realization struck me: ‘Oh dear, it’s now my time in the spotlight.’

The movie star recalled making a ‘promise’ to Trey to do ‘everything he could to be a good dad.’ 

Speaking directly to Trey, I found myself kneeling on the spot and vowed with all my heart, promising an unwavering commitment to be the best father I possibly can for you. This pledge is not taken lightly, it’s a promise of utmost dedication and love.

Will added, ‘He’s cool now, thank God – he’s going to be 32 this year.’

Will Smith breaks down in tears as he reflects on the 'terrifying' birth of his son
Will Smith breaks down in tears as he reflects on the 'terrifying' birth of his son

As a follower dedicated to sharing, let me recount my personal experience from my memoir: I, the actor who played The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, discussed my past with a father who struggled with violence and alcoholism. This man is the parent of Jaden, 26, and Willow, 23, whom I was blessed to have with my second wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.

In his writing, it was noted that although he had a drinking problem, he was always present for every single one of my games, plays, and recitals. Similarly, despite his struggle with alcoholism, he managed to stay sober during the premieres of each and every film I made.

1) He played through every single album, and toured every recording studio. The relentless pursuit of perfection that often caused friction at home was what consistently provided for our daily meals.

Apart from sharing other details, he disclosed an incident where, at the age of nine, he witnessed his father deliver a severe blow to his mother’s temple, causing her to fall unconscious.

He stated, “In that bedroom, I witnessed her spitting out blood. That instance, above all others, may have had the greatest impact on shaping who I’ve become.

Since that day, regardless of all the achievements, recognition, limelight, and moments of joy and laughter, there’s been a quiet thread of apologizing to my mom for not acting sooner hidden within it all.

‘For failing her in the moment. For failing to stand up to my father. For being a coward.’ 

Will Smith breaks down in tears as he reflects on the 'terrifying' birth of his son
Will Smith breaks down in tears as he reflects on the 'terrifying' birth of his son

He admitted that he once contemplated pushing his drunken father down the stairs as retribution for the ‘decades of pain, anger, and resentment’ he had caused.

‘As a child I’d always told myself that I would one day avenge my mother,’ he explained. 

When I had grown large and strong, when fear no longer held me back, I would defeat him.

‘I paused at the top of the stairs [one evening]. 

‘I could shove him down, and easily get away with it.

Over time, waves of distress, frustration, and bitterness ebbed and flowed, and with a shake of my head, I guided Dad towards the bathroom.

Will Sr. died of cancer at age 76 in 2016. 

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2024-10-04 18:04

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