Key Takeaways
• Hollywood actor, Will Smith reconnected with his ailing father, leading to deep conversations.
• Will Smith, Sr.'s terminal cancer diagnosis allowed the father-son duo to mend their strained relationship.
• The ‘Men in Black' star learnt about the unpredictability of life, emphasizing the importance of meaningful interaction.
• Despite his violent nature and alcohol addiction, Smith's father was always present at his performances and movie premieres.
• Acting in the film ‘Collateral Beauty' helped Will Smith cope with his father's grim diagnosis.
Will Smith's Challenging Childhood Relationship
Will Smith is known globally for his acting finesse. Beyond his Hollywood life however, he had a rocky relationship with his father, Willard Carroll Smith, Sr, due to the latter's violent tendencies. This challenging parent-child relationship often kept the father and son distant.
An Unexpected Reconciliation
Nonetheless, life's unpredictability brought them closer when Willard Smith Sr. was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease. Will Smith was informed that his father had only six weeks to live following his cancer diagnosis. The situation paved the way for deep father-son chats and heartfelt goodbyes that had never happened before. They savored every moment together, and despite his prognosis, Smith's father survived for three months.
“Every Goodbye Should Be Good”
Remembering the experience, Will Smith stressed the importance of never taking for granted both hellos and goodbyes. The uncertainty of life and death had taught him that no interaction should be casual, given that we can never be sure if the current goodbye is the last. So, making each meeting worthwhile should be the way we live every day.
Presence Amidst Imperfection
Despite his less-than-ideal behavior, Will Smith paid tribute to his father's support at all his games, plays and recitals. Willard Smith Sr. had struggles with alcohol, but ensured sobriety at every premiere of his son's films — a gesture of commitment toward his son's accomplishments.
‘Collateral Beauty' and Emotional Healing
Will Smith found solace in his role in the movie ‘Collateral Beauty' while dealing with his father's life-threatening diagnosis. Despite the film's lukewarm reception among critics, it was personally significant for Smith. The plot echoed his personal tragedy and resonated strongly with him. The concurrent timing of the film's script being presented to him and his father's diagnosis made the experience deeply emotional and therapeutically cathartic.
In conclusion, Will Smith's journey to reconcile with his father and navigate his illness not only led to mended bonds but also imparted valuable life lessons about cherishing every moment and person. It is a reminder that every goodbye might be the last one, reinforcing the need to invest in every interaction. Also importantly, it highlights that the bond between a father and son can evolve and strengthen, even amidst the trials of life.
