Will Smith's dating history: Actor was romantically involved with several Hollywood stars
For over two decades, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith have been a symbol of a power couple in Hollywood. The two accomplished actors have reportedly navigated the highs and lows of their marriage, adapting along the way to ensure its success. In her recent memoir, 'Worthy' Jada candidly discusses her split from Will. She even stated, "I needed time for emotional maturity." Also, recently, she addressed the incident at the Oscars, stating, "I left that night as his wife. And as I sit here today, I am going to be by his side always," per CBS Mornings. Prior to his enduring union with Jada, Will was romantically involved with several other Hollywood actresses. Although there might have been occasional dates, only a few were apparently officially acknowledged. Let's take a look at Will's romantic journey, emphasizing his enduring bond with Jada and his past romantic affiliations.
Garcelle Beauvais
During the early phase of Will Smith's career, he frequently collaborated with Garcelle Beauvais who appeared in multiple episodes of 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' and 'Wild Wild West'. In a 2020 episode of 'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills', Beauvais admitted to a brief romantic relationship with Will, whom she described as "hot." She playfully revealed to Will’s ex-wife, Sheree Zampino, that she had dated Will before Zampino, leading to a light-hearted joke about them being a throuple, per ET. Even after their breakup, Beauvais and Will continued their professional association and seemed to share a friendly rapport. Beauvais stirred up controversy among fans when she posted a picture of their onscreen kiss from 'Wild Wild West' on social media to celebrate Will's 50th birthday in 2018. Given Will's marital status, the post was allegedly met with backlash, prompting Beauvais to remove it and clarify that it was meant to be fun.
Sheree Zampino
Will Smith encountered actress Sheree Zampino in 1991, on the set of 'A Different World,' although his initial intention was to meet Jada. In a 2018 episode of Jada’s show 'Red Table Talk', he confessed that he met Zampino instead but didn't immediately ask for her number, per Hollywood Unlocked. The couple reportedly tied the knot in 1992 and welcomed their son, Trey, in November of the same year. A few years later, Will realized his love for Jada, leading to an emotional breakdown in a public restroom. Zampino eventually filed for divorce, which was finalized in 1995. Despite the pain of divorce, which Will described as the worst experience of his adult life and a "failure," they remained committed to co-parenting Trey. Over time, Will, Zampino, and Jada have nurtured their relationship, forming a blended family that suits their needs. They've openly discussed their co-parenting journey, with Zampino even sharing co-parenting advice during one of Jada's live Q&A sessions.
Jada Pinkett Smith
Will Smith crossed paths with Jada Pinkett for the first time in 1994 on the set of his popular TV show, 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.' Jada was auditioning for the role of his on-screen girlfriend. Despite not landing the role, their connection was palpable. The duo started dating and exchanging vows at The Cloisters on December 31, 1997. Their relationship has been under the media spotlight, weathering rumors and public scrutiny. Yet, their bond remains strong, spanning over two decades, and they are proud parents to two children, Jaden and Willow Smith. Will and Jada's relationship has seen its share of highs and lows. In a 2020 episode of 'Red Table Talk', Will revealed that they had chosen to separate for a while. During this period, Jada was rumored to have had a brief romantic involvement with singer August Alsina. However, the couple ultimately chose to reconcile and continue their journey together. Jada disclosed in October 2023 that she and Will have been living separately since 2016, per People. "We had been living separate lives and were there as family, not as husband and wife," she said. Jada confessed to contemplating a formal divorce, but she's never managed to proceed. "I made a promise that there will never be a reason for us to get a divorce. We will work through ... whatever," she stated. "I just haven't been able to break that promise," per Today.
Tyra Banks
Prior to his marriage to Jada Pinkett Smith, Will Smith was reportedly romantically involved with supermodel Tyra Banks from 1993 to 1994. Their paths first crossed when Banks guest-starred on Smith's show, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, portraying his on-screen girlfriend. Despite their palpable on-screen chemistry, their real-life romance was short-lived. Banks, renowned for her role as the host and creator of the reality TV show 'America’s Next Top Model,' holds the distinction of being the first African American woman to grace the covers of GQ and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
Karrine Steffans
Speculation has been rife about the nature of the relationship between Will Smith and American author Karrine Steffans, best known for her Vixen series of books. The exact timeline, however, remains ambiguous. In her book, 'Confessions of a Video Vixen,' Steffans claims to have had a fleeting affair with Smith while he was still wedded to his first wife, Sheree Zampino. Nonetheless, she asserts that their relationship was devoid of any romantic undertones, per Ranker.
