Queen Latifah Reveals the Secret to Her Enduring Friendship with Will Smith: A 30-Year Bond Built on Support

Queen Latifah and Will Smith have a friendship that spans over 30 years, rooted in shared beginnings, mutual respect, and a profound influence on each other’s careers. In numerous interviews, Latifah has reflected on how Smith gave her one of her earliest acting breaks and how their connection has grown beyond the professional into a deeply personal bond.

A Career-Altering Connection

Their friendship began in the early 1990s, when Smith, then the star of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, cast Latifah in guest roles on the show. Latifah, primarily known as a rapper at the time, had no previous television acting experience. In a 2022 interview with PeopleTV, she credited Smith for helping her take the first step into acting. “Will, of course, and Jada, have been there, like, my entire career,” she said. Smith’s support not only opened the door to acting but also gave Latifah the confidence to take on more substantial roles, including her own sitcom, Living Single, which premiered in 1993.

Their early collaboration laid the groundwork for Latifah’s transition into a multi-hyphenate entertainer—an actress, producer, and cultural icon. In a 2021 interview with The List, Latifah again acknowledged that her initial acting opportunity came directly from Smith’s willingness to give her a chance.

Evolving Friendship

As their careers progressed, so did their friendship. More than just colleagues, Smith and Latifah developed a lasting bond that transcended professional milestones. According to a 2020 Goalcast article, Latifah first met Jada Pinkett Smith, Will’s wife, as a teenager. Over the years, the three formed a close-knit circle of friends. This support system proved crucial, with Latifah crediting Will and Jada’s influence for shaping her career and personal outlook.

Even as their professional paths diverged, the bond remained. The two often spoke highly of each other in interviews, and their collaborative spirit was reignited in a significant way with the announcement of a Queen Latifah biopic.

A Collaboration Decades in the Making

In September 2024, it was revealed that Smith and Latifah would co-produce a biopic chronicling her life and career. The project, spearheaded by Latifah’s Flavor Unit Entertainment, Smith’s Westbrook Studios, and Jesse Collins Entertainment, became a highly anticipated venture. Latifah’s enthusiasm was evident. “It is a dream to be able to collaborate with friends and colleagues that have not only a shared understanding but are able to tell these stories that were the backdrop of our lives,” she said in a statement to Billboard. The film would be part of a larger slate of hip-hop biopics, with Latifah’s story leading the charge.

The announcement underscored the depth of their friendship and the mutual respect they have for one another’s artistry. By working together on a project that celebrates Latifah’s journey, the duo demonstrated how their relationship has come full circle—from Smith giving Latifah her first acting break to collaborating on a film about her life.

A Bond That Continues to Inspire

Their enduring friendship also serves as a testament to the supportive nature of their relationship. In a 2024 interview with People, Latifah reiterated, “Will and Jada have been there my entire career.” This consistency, despite the ups and downs of Hollywood, highlights a rare kind of professional and personal loyalty.

As Queen Latifah and Will Smith continue to celebrate each other’s achievements and collaborate on meaningful projects, their friendship stands as a powerful example of the lasting impact of mentorship, mutual respect, and a shared history.