Hollywood actor Will Smith’s father, Willard Carroll Smith Sr, has died. His death was confirmed by his ex-wife, Sheree Fletcher.
Willard was a refrigeration engineer and a former member of the US Air Force. In the book, ‘Will Smith: A Biography’, it claims Will’s dad put him off doing drugs when he was younger by driving him to tough neighbourhoods in Philadelphia to show him what it was like for people on such substances.
On the fear of his father if he ever took drugs, he is quoted as saying: ‘I felt my father would kill me. Literally.’ Will has also previously praised his dad as a ‘steady and positive figure’ in his life. He once said: ‘Dad was tough but not tyrannical.
‘He kept me in line. He’d get this look that said, ‘One more step, Will, and it’ll get ugly. ‘He was an independent businessman – he set up refrigeration in supermarkets – and he always provided for us. He’s a steady and positive figure in my life.’