Will Smith Calls Denzel Washington’s Aging Advice ‘Life-Changing’—Here’s Why

Will Smith, the multi-talented actor and musician, recently revisited a piece of advice from fellow Oscar-winner Denzel Washington, sparking both laughter and reflection. As Smith promoted his new album, Based on a True Story, released on March 27, he looked back on Washington’s words about navigating life’s later decades—a topic that resonates not only with Smith’s personal journey but also with his latest introspective musical effort.

The now-famous advice, originally shared by Smith in a 2021 interview with GQ, offered a tongue-in-cheek roadmap for aging. Washington referred to the 40s as the “funky 40s,” describing them as a time when challenges abound, yet everyone goes through it. Then come the “fuck it 50s,” a decade of letting go of societal pressures and embracing newfound freedom. Smith, who had sought Washington’s guidance at age 48, recalled these terms with a smile: “I stopped and I was like, ‘The funky 40s and the f—-it 50s.’ And that’s exactly what happened. It just became the f—-it 50s, and I gave myself the freedom to do whatever I wanted to do.”

Now at age 56, Smith is at the peak of the “fuck it 50s” era, channeling this lighthearted wisdom into his music and outlook on life. He reflected on Washington’s advice during a recent YouTube interview, noting that the humor and candor helped him navigate a tumultuous period in his 40s. For Smith, those years were marked by intense public scrutiny and personal challenges—what Washington might call the “funky” part of life—but they ultimately gave way to a more liberated and self-assured chapter.

Critics have picked up on this sense of personal growth in Based on a True Story, praising its introspection and authenticity. The album’s lyrics, much like Washington’s advice, reveal a man who has come to terms with his past, embraces the present, and isn’t afraid to face the future with humor and honesty. It’s a reflection of the broader appeal of Washington’s words: a humorous yet meaningful take on aging that resonates with anyone moving through life’s milestones.

While not everyone may use the same colorful language to describe their 40s and 50s, Smith’s retelling of Washington’s advice—equal parts amusing and relatable—has struck a chord. It’s a reminder that even in Hollywood, where youth is often prized, there’s room for laughter, growth, and the occasional bit of profane wisdom as the years roll on.