Are Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith Separated? What Happened to Them? Are They Still Married?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Oct 12, 2023
Are Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith Separated?
On October 11, 2023, Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith confirmed that they have been living separately and effectively separated since 2016. Jada Pinkett Smith made this revelation during a promotional interview for her memoir, Worthy. For seven years, the couple had been leading separate lives, but they chose not to publicly announce their separation until now. According to Jada Pinkett Smith, they were "exhausted with trying" to maintain their relationship. Despite living apart, they currently do not have plans for a divorce.
In the interview, Jada Pinkett Smith expressed her commitment to not getting a divorce, explaining that she had made a promise to herself and her husband, Will Smith, that they would never divorce. She mentioned that both of them were stuck in a fantasy of what they thought the other person should be, which contributed to their decision to separate.
This announcement comes as a prelude to the release of Jada Pinkett Smith's memoir, "Worthy." It sheds light on their relationship and the challenges they've faced over the years. The couple's decision to go public about their separation marks a significant development in their marriage.
In recent years, their relationship had already been in the spotlight due to various incidents, including an incident at the Oscars where Will Smith confronted and slapped host Chris Rock for making a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith's hair loss condition (alopecia). It was a moment that garnered significant media attention.
Additionally, in a separate interview, Jada Pinkett Smith mentioned that she initially thought Will's reaction at the Oscars was part of a planned joke. She expressed her support for her husband, stating that she would be by his side while allowing him to navigate the situation.
Their relationship also faced speculation in 2020 when they appeared on Jada Pinkett Smith's Facebook show, "Red Table Talk," and discussed her "entanglement" with artist August Alsina. The couple's decision to open up about their relationship struggles has been met with public interest and has sparked conversations about the challenges faced by high-profile couples.
Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith Relationship
Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith's love story began in the early 1990s. They first crossed paths in 1994 on the set of "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," where Jada auditioned for the role of his onscreen girlfriend, Lisa Wilkes. While she didn't secure the part at the time, they later embarked on a romantic relationship following Will's separation from his first wife, Sheree Zampino. In 1995, they made their first public appearance as a couple, marking the beginning of their journey together.
The couple's relationship deepened, and they decided to take their commitment to the next level. Will Smith proposed to Jada in November 1997, and on December 31 of the same year, they exchanged vows in a memorable wedding in Baltimore, Maryland. Their marriage endured over the years, and they reached their 20th anniversary in December 2017, a significant milestone.
Throughout their relationship, Jada and Will have been known for their openness about the various ups and downs they've faced. In April 2013, Jada Pinkett Smith addressed rumors of an open marriage, emphasizing their dedication to honesty and communication. In August 2015, they confronted divorce rumors, reaffirming the strength of their partnership.
A major incident occurred in their relationship in March 2022 when Will Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock at the Oscars in response to a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith's hair. This incident generated considerable media attention. In the aftermath, on March 28, 2022, Will Smith issued an apology for his actions, acknowledging the controversy and expressing remorse. Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith's relationship has been a compelling and often candid journey, marked by significant moments and a commitment to facing challenges with honesty and resilience.
Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith Children
Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith are parents to three children: Trey, Jaden, and Willow. Each of their children has unique personalities and has made their mark in various fields:
Trey Smith (Willard Carroll "Trey" Smith III), 30
Trey is the eldest of Will Smith's children, born on November 11, 1992, to Will Smith and his first wife, Sheree Zampino. Will and Sheree divorced in 1995 but later developed an amicable co-parenting relationship. Despite a challenging period in their relationship, they eventually reconnected. Trey has pursued a career as a DJ and released his first album, "Best Wishes," in 2020.
Jaden Smith, 25
Jaden was born on July 8, 1998, in Malibu, California. He made his early appearances in Hollywood alongside his father and brother on the TV series "All of Us." He gained widespread recognition for his role in "The Pursuit of Happyness" (2006) and later for "The Karate Kid." Jaden ventured into music and is known for his debut studio album "Syre" (2017) and his collaboration with Justin Bieber on the album "Justice." His career includes acting, music, and more.
Willow Smith, 22
Willow, born on October 31, 2000, in Los Angeles, has followed in the footsteps of both her parents. She began her acting career with a role in "I Am Legend" (2007) alongside her father and voiced a character in "Madagascar 2." At a young age, she released the viral hit "Whip My Hair" and signed with JAY-Z's label Roc Nation. Willow has explored different musical genres and is known for her candid discussions on the talk show "Red Table Talk," where she has openly discussed her love and sex life, revealing herself as polyamorous.
Despite the challenges and public scrutiny that come with being part of the Smith family, Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith have been supportive of their children's diverse talents and endeavors. Their family has been open about both the highs and lows, making them a notable presence in the world of entertainment and public discourse.
Jada Pinkett Smith Biography
Jada Pinkett Smith was born on September 18, 1971, in Baltimore, Maryland. She was named after her mother's favorite soap opera actress, Jada Rowland. Her heritage is a blend of Jamaican and Bajan (Barbadian) on her mother's side and African-American on her father's side. Her parents are Adrienne Banfield-Norris, a head nurse at a Baltimore inner-city clinic, and Robsol Pinkett Jr., who operated a construction company.
Jada's parents married due to her mother's pregnancy but divorced after a short time. She was primarily raised by her mother and grandmother, Marion Martin Banfield, a Jamaican-born social worker who instilled in Jada a sense of community and the arts. Jada Pinkett's grandmother recognized her passion for the performing arts, prompting her to enroll in piano, tap dance, and ballet lessons. Her upbringing was in an environment where she was encouraged to pursue her interests and contribute positively to her community.
She attended the Baltimore School for the Arts, where she formed a close friendship with her classmate, the legendary rapper Tupac Shakur. It's notable that at the time they met, Jada Pinkett was involved in drug dealing, and her mother had struggled with heroin addiction. Despite these challenges, she majored in dance and theatre and successfully graduated in 1989. Following her high school graduation, she continued her education for a year at the North Carolina School of the Arts.
Jada Pinkett Smith's life and career have been marked by her resilience and pursuit of her artistic passions. She has not only made a name for herself in the entertainment world but has also used her platform to discuss important social and personal issues through her talk show, "Red Table Talk." Her impact has extended beyond her career, making her one of the most influential figures in the world, as recognized by Time magazine in 2021.
Name
Jada Koren Pinkett
Gender
Female
Born Date
September 18, 1971
Birthplace
Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
Age
52
Education
Baltimore School for the Arts and North Carolina School of the Arts
Occupations
Actress, talk show host, singer, and businesswoman
Years Active
1990–present
Organizations
Westbrook Inc., 100% Woman Productions
Agent
WME
Spouse
Will Smith
Children
Jaden and Willow
Net Worth
Around $ 50 million
Jada Pinkett Smith Career
Jada Pinkett Smith has had a diverse and successful career in the entertainment industry, spanning acting, music, writing, and production. Here's a summary of her career:
Acting Career
Jada Pinkett Smith's acting career took off with her breakthrough role on the sitcom "A Different World" in 1991. She then established herself as a talented actress with roles in various notable films, including "Menace II Society" (1993), "The Nutty Professor" (1996), "Set It Off" (1996), and "Scream 2" (1997). Her significant contributions to "The Matrix Reloaded" (2003), "The Matrix Revolutions" (2003), and the animated "Madagascar" film series further solidified her status in the film industry. She also had starring roles in TV series like "Hawthorne" (2009–2011) and "Gotham" (2014–2017). Notable recent films include "Magic Mike XXL" (2015), "Bad Moms" (2016), "Girls Trip" (2017), and "The Matrix Resurrections" (2021).
Music Career
In 2002, Jada Pinkett Smith embarked on a music career as the lead singer and songwriter for the nu-metal band Wicked Wisdom. Her foray into music showcased her versatility as an artist.
Writing and Publishing
Jada Pinkett Smith is also an accomplished writer. In 2004, she published a children's book titled "Girls Hold Up This World," which achieved success by reaching the number two spot on The New York Times Best Seller list.
Production
Alongside her husband, Will Smith, Jada is actively involved in the production side of the entertainment industry. Their production company has produced various films, documentaries, and television series, contributing to their influence behind the scenes.
Theater Production
Jada Pinkett Smith received a Tony Award nomination for Best Musical as a producer for the Broadway musical "Fela!" in 2010, showcasing her involvement in theater production as well.
Jada Pinkett Smith's career is a testament to her versatility and her ability to excel in various aspects of the entertainment world. Her influence extends beyond acting, making her a multifaceted figure in the industry.
Will Smith Biography
Will Smith was born on September 25, 1968, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Caroline Bright, a school board administrator, and Willard Carroll Smith Sr., a US Air Force veteran and refrigeration engineer. His mother holds a degree from Carnegie Mellon University. He grew up in the Wynnefield neighborhood of West Philadelphia, and his family practiced the Baptist faith. Will has an elder sister, Pamela, and two younger siblings, twins Harry and Ellen. He attended Our Lady of Lourdes, a private Catholic elementary school, and later, Overbrook High School.
Will's parents separated when he was just 13 years old, eventually leading to their divorce around the year 2000. Will Smith's journey in music began at a young age. He started rapping at the age of 12. However, a significant moment in his life was when his grandmother discovered a notebook of his lyrics, which contained what he described as "all [his] little curse words." In response, his grandmother wrote a note in the notebook, encouraging him to express himself without using profanity. This message had a profound impact on him and influenced his decision not to incorporate profanity into his music.
Will Smith's career has been marked by remarkable achievements. He is not only a celebrated actor but has also made a name for himself as a rapper. He has received numerous prestigious awards, including an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, and four Grammy Awards. His films have collectively grossed over $9.3 billion globally, establishing him as one of Hollywood's most bankable stars.
Name
Willard Carroll Smith II (Other names: The Fresh Prince)
Gender
Male
Born Date
September 25, 1968
Birthplace
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Age
55
Occupations
Actor, rapper, film producer
Years Active
1985–present
Works
Filmography, discography
Spouses
Sheree Zampino (married in 1992, divorced in 1995), Jada Pinkett (married in 1997, separated in 2016)
Children
3
Music career Genres
Pop-rap
Labels
Interscope, Columbia, RCA and Jive
Net Worth
$350 million
Specification
Details
Will Smith Career
Will Smith's career is a remarkable journey that encompasses acting, music, and numerous accomplishments. Here's an overview of his career:
Early Career and Music
Will Smith initially gained recognition as part of the hip hop duo with DJ Jazzy Jeff, with whom he released five studio albums and several hit singles in the 1980s and 1990s, including "Parents Just Don't Understand," "Summertime," and "Boom! Shake the Room." His success in the music industry earned him four Grammy Awards for his rap performances. Smith released solo albums such as "Big Willie Style," "Willennium," "Born to Reign," and "Lost and Found," featuring chart-topping tracks like "Gettin' Jiggy wit It" and "Wild Wild West."
Acting Breakthrough
Will Smith's acting career took off with his portrayal of a fictionalized version of himself on the popular NBC sitcom "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" (1990–1996). This role introduced him to a wider audience and showcased his charismatic and comedic talents.
Film Career
Smith's transition to the film industry was marked by successful roles in action films like "Bad Boys" (1995) and "Men in Black" (1997), which he reprised in subsequent sequels. He also starred in blockbusters such as "Independence Day" (1996) and "Enemy of the State" (1998). His versatility as an actor was evident when he received Academy Award nominations for his portrayals of Muhammad Ali in "Ali" (2001) and Chris Gardner in "The Pursuit of Happyness" (2006).
Continued Success
Will Smith's filmography includes a wide range of commercially successful movies, including "I, Robot" (2004), "Shark Tale" (2004), "Hitch" (2005), "I Am Legend" (2007), "Hancock" (2008), "Seven Pounds" (2008), "Suicide Squad" (2016), and "Aladdin" (2019).
Academy Award Win
Smith's portrayal of Richard Williams in the biographical sports drama "King Richard" (2021) earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor, marking a significant achievement in his acting career.
Will Smith's career is a testament to his incredible versatility and success in both music and acting, making him one of the most influential and bankable stars in Hollywood.
Are Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith Still Married?
As of October 11, 2023, Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith have confirmed their separation, but they are still legally married. They have been living separately since 2016 and have chosen not to divorce, with Jada expressing her commitment to not breaking her promise to avoid divorce. While they function as divorced individuals, they remain married, and their separation was publicly disclosed during the promotion of Jada Pinkett Smith's memoir, "Worthy." Their relationship has faced challenges and media attention, including an incident at the 2022 Oscars, but they have not pursued a formal divorce.
What Happened to Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith?
Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith confirmed their separation in October 2023, revealing they have been living apart since 2016. They cited exhaustion from trying to maintain their relationship as the reason for their separation.
Are Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith Separated? - FAQs
Yes, Jada Pinkett Smith confirmed in a recent interview that she and Will Smith have been separated since 2016.
According to Jada, by the time they separated, they were "exhausted with trying." She also mentioned that they were stuck in their fantasy of what they thought the other person should be.
As of the latest information available, they are not divorced. They live separately but do not plan on divorcing. Jada Pinkett Smith expressed her commitment to not breaking her promise of never getting a divorce.
The separation appears to be a separate issue from the incident at the Oscars. The Oscars incident occurred in 2022, while they had been living separately since 2016.
No, they had not publicly confirmed their separation before Jada Pinkett Smith's recent interview, where she openly discussed their separation and the reasons behind it.