The Untold Story of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith's Unbreakable Bond

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith have been married for over 20 years, surpassing the longevity of many other Hollywood relationships. However, their marriage is far from being flawless. The couple initially met when Jada auditioned for the role of Will's girlfriend on "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," though she ultimately did not get the part. Despite this, they eventually began a romantic relationship.

Smith and Pinkett Smith got married in December 1997. They had a son named Jaden in July 1998 and a daughter named Willow in October 2000. Smith already had a son named Trey from his previous marriage with Sheree Zampino. Throughout the years, they have had both happy moments and difficult times. Despite their ups and downs, they remain a constant presence on the red carpet. Take a look at what Smith and Pinkett Smith have said about their marriage over the years.

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Everything Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith Have Said About Their Marriage

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s 20-plus years of marriage have outlasted many Hollywood relationships — but it's far from picture-perfect.

The actor first crossed paths with the cohost of Red Table Talk during her audition for the role of his girlfriend on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Although Pinkett Smith did not land the part, Nia Long took on the role, their connection eventually developed into a romantic relationship.

In December 1997, Smith and Pinkett Smith exchanged vows, and they later became parents to Jaden in July 1998 and Willow in October 2000. Prior to their marriage, Smith already had a son named Trey with his ex-wife, Sheree Zampino. Throughout their relationship, the couple has enjoyed many joyful moments together and can often be seen gracing the red carpet. However, they have also been open about the challenges they have faced, which have resulted in multiple separations.

Scroll through to see what Smith and Pinkett Smith have said about their marriage through the years.

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Everything Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith Have Said About Their Marriage

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith's marriage has surpassed the longevity of numerous Hollywood relationships, although it is not without its flaws. Initially, Pinkett Smith auditioned for the role of Smith's girlfriend on "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," which ultimately went to Nia Long. However, this encounter led to the development of a romantic relationship between Smith and Pinkett Smith.

Smith and Pinkett Smith got married in December 1997. They had their first child, Jaden, in July 1998, and their second child, Willow, in October 2000. Smith was already a father to Trey from his previous marriage with Sheree Zampino. Despite their public appearances on the red carpet, the couple has been open about the challenges they have faced in their relationship, including going through separations. Take a look at what Smith and Pinkett Smith have shared about their marriage over the years.

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Setting the Record Straight

In August 2011, following a tabloid article claiming that the highly regarded couple had covertly separated after nearly 14 years of being married, the duo issued a joint statement to We magazine, stating, "Despite our hesitance to address such media speculations, we want to unequivocally state that the rumors circulating about the state of our relationship are entirely unfounded. We remain together and our marriage remains strong."

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Twisted Words

The actress from the movie Girl's Trip responded to the ongoing speculation about her and her husband having an open marriage by making a controversial statement during an interview with HuffPost Live in April 2013. This statement further perplexed the public: "I believe people have that perception because Will and I have a very easygoing relationship. However, I have always made it clear to Will that he is free to do as he pleases as long as he can maintain his self-respect."

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Marriage, Their Way

Following the controversy surrounding Pinkett Smith's choice of words, she took to Facebook to provide clarity in a lengthy post. In her message, she explained, "To clarify my previous statement, both Will and I have the freedom to pursue our own desires because we have complete trust in each other." She emphasized, "This should not be misconstrued as an open relationship, but rather as a mature and understanding partnership."

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One Condition

In June 2013, the actress from Gotham reaffirmed her devotion to her spouse, emphasizing that there is no circumstance in which she would cease to love or forsake the Fresh Prince of Bel Air actor. However, she added, "If he were to harm the children, then we would encounter a dilemma."

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Hollywood Royalty

In August 2015, rumors spread like wildfire, falsely claiming that the Smiths were going to split up after being married for 17 years. The rapper known for his hit song "Summertime" felt the need to address these rumors on Facebook. He stated, "Normally, I don't respond to nonsense (because it's infectious). However, so many people have expressed their condolences that I thought, 'Why not be foolish as well!' So, just to reiterate, Jada and I are NOT GETTING A DIVORCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!" He assured his fans that if he were to ever divorce his "Queen," he would inform them directly, not through the media. In response, the host of Red Table Talk tweeted, "My King has spoken."

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Counting the Ways

On Pinkett Smith's birthday in September 2015, the actor from Independence Day shared a throwback photo of the couple on Facebook along with a heartfelt message about their relationship. "This picture was taken at your mother's house two decades ago. That's quite a long time ago! I have sung happy birthday to you a total of 20 times and have given you 19 birthday presents (except for that one year when I was upset). I have witnessed you blow out 693 candles on your birthday cake (737 after tonight). I have expressed my love for you at least 8,285 times," Smith expressed. "And out of the nearly 3.96 billion women on this planet, there is only one person whom I want to spend the rest of my life with. Happy Birthday, my Love!"

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Keeping It Real

The Bad Boys actor opened up in a November 2015 interview with Entertainment Tonight, two months after the previous event. He spoke honestly about his relationship, emphasizing that marriage had been an incredibly challenging and demanding endeavor. He stressed that they were determined not to give up, stating, "We're just not quitters." Furthermore, he shared a valuable piece of advice: rather than focusing solely on their relationship, they prioritized working on themselves individually. Through personal growth, they aimed to present themselves to each other as improved versions of their former selves.

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Still in Sync

During an appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen in July 2017, the actress from Set It Off addressed ongoing rumors about her and the Focus star being swingers. Dubbed as the craziest rumor, she expressed, "That Will and I are swingers. That's the craziest one. It's constant." Adding a playful remark, she jokingly exclaimed, "And I'm like, 'Yo, I wish!'" Shedding light on their long-lasting relationship, which spans over two decades, she shared, "I truly believe that Will and I have an incredible chemistry on various levels. We enjoy laughing together, growing together, and simply loving each other. We have a great time together. Yeah, I suppose that's the secret. Yeah, we genuinely like each other!"

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Lessons in Love

In January 2018, the star of Pursuit of Happiness paid tribute to his wife on their wedding anniversary, expressing all the valuable lessons he has learned throughout their marriage. He mentioned, "Love is like gardening...I have learned the importance of supporting your personal growth and allowing you to become who you truly desire to be (fulfilling your purpose)...instead of demanding that you conform to my fragile ego's expectations." He further explained, "I have discovered the joy of nourishing your dreams rather than struggling to satisfy my own selfish desires and insecurities." Smith added, "Love is about listening and giving." He concluded by saying, "Happy Anniversary, My Queen! I am wholeheartedly committed to nurturing your deepest truths."

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Wave ‘Em Off

In May 2018, Smith unveiled a preview of fresh tunes he had been crafting, with one track titled "To the Clique," in which he delivers the line, "Cease perpetuating divorce speculations and attend to your own affairs."

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Unbreakable

Pinkett Smith emphasized the unwavering strength of her bond with the Bright actor in June 2018. During an appearance on Sway's Universe, she boldly declared, "Will and I are family, and that will never change. No matter what challenges we face in our marriage or relationship, at the core, we are family. It transcends all the societal expectations and norms of a husband and wife. I will always be there for him, without hesitation. He can count on me for a lifetime."

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Just the Two of Us

During an interview on TIDAL’s Rap Radar podcast in July 2018, the star of Hitch disclosed that he and the alum of A Different World no longer refer to themselves as "married." Instead, they now describe themselves as "life partners," acknowledging the lifelong commitment they have for each other. The depth of their bond is such that there are no deal breakers or actions that could ever jeopardize their relationship. He expressed unwavering support for her until death, and reaching this level of emotional connection brings immense satisfaction.

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Wise Words

In August 2018, Pinkett Smith opened up about marriage and relationships in a heartfelt Instagram post. Reflecting on the dissolution of marriages she has witnessed, she shared a touching family photo with her husband, Will Smith. Expressing the pain she has felt, she acknowledged that marriages go through changes, sometimes requiring a reimagining or transformation, and in some cases, they come to an end. However, she encouraged those experiencing this difficult transition to find patience and love within themselves, so as not to disregard the precious aspects of their relationships. #family

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A Rough Patch

In an episode of his wife's Facebook Watch series, Red Table Talk, in October 2018, Smith openly confessed that there had been a time in their marriage when Pinkett Smith experienced a consecutive 45-day period of waking up in tears. Looking back, Smith admitted that this phase was the lowest he had ever felt in their relationship, acknowledging his own failure at that time.

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Rebuilding Their Relationship

Smith confessed during a discussion on “Red Table Talk” in October 2018 that his wife had once expressed discontent with the life he had created for them. “It was heartbreaking to have to let go of our ideal vision and shatter our marriage,” he admitted. Despite the challenges they faced, both Smith and Pinkett Smith emphasized that divorce was never a consideration for them.

"Having experienced a previous divorce, I was determined to avoid going through it again. Divorce was simply not an option," the actor solemnly admitted. "The devastation I felt was even more profound than that of a divorce. We endured a tumultuous period of separation within our marriage, only to ultimately reconcile and embark on a journey of rebuilding. We had to establish new rules and embrace an entirely different approach."

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New Ideas

Pinkett Smith acknowledged in a February 2019 episode of Red Table Talk that she had high expectations before marrying Smith. She admitted that Smith wasn't initially the person she envisioned, but she recognized the need to change her perspective. She realized that she couldn't expect Smith to be everything for her if she wasn't willing to be the same for him. Throughout their partnership, they went through difficult times where they contemplated leaving, but they ultimately chose to stay, believing that their union was meant to be. They understood the importance of redefining, reforming, and evolving their relationship in various ways.

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Parental Intervention

Pinkett Smith revealed in May 2019 that her mother had the strong desire for her to get married and have a wedding, despite her own reluctance. She recalled her mother insisting on the idea, stating that she had to get married and that they needed to have a wedding.

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Strangers

In April 2020, the star of Angel Has Fallen admitted that she had limited knowledge of Will. She acknowledged the need to address this and shared her perspective on how busy lives can lead to misconceptions about one's partner. She emphasized the importance of letting go of preconceived notions and building a friendship instead. She also reflected on the societal expectations surrounding intimate relationships and marriages.

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Rumor Mill

Rumors about Smith and Pinkett Smith's relationship resurfaced in June 2020. August Alsina alleged that he had a long-standing affair with the Bad Moms actress, which her rep vehemently denied, stating it was completely false and without any basis.

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Break Up and Make Up

In a July 2020 episode of Facebook Watch's Red Table Talk, the couple opened up about a previous breakup they had experienced. Following August Alsina's claim in June 2020 that he had been involved in a romantic relationship with Pinkett Smith in the past, she decided to address the rumors. Pinkett Smith clarified that she had met Alsina four and a half years earlier and they were simply friends. Around the same time, she disclosed that she and Smith had made the decision to separate. Smith explained, "We decided that we were going to take a break for a while. I genuinely felt that our relationship could be over."

The actress confirmed that she and Alsina were no longer together, which led to a different romantic involvement. She described their relationship as brief and acknowledged her pain and brokenness. Throughout the course of their relationship, she learned that true happiness cannot be found externally. Pinkett Smith revealed that once she and her husband started working on their own relationship, Alsina stopped communicating with her, and they have not spoken since.

She then expressed that she and her husband have reached a new level of unconditional love. Pinkett Smith admitted that there was a point where she doubted they would ever speak again, emphasizing that marriage requires strength. She went on to say that neither of them expected to reconcile, adding a light-hearted remark about their commitment to their "bad marriage for life."

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Not the Only One

In a candid interview about his memoir, Will, Smith opened up about his experiences, both positive and negative, with the Daytime Emmy winner. Reflecting on their unconventional relationship, Smith revealed that Jada's upbringing and family dynamics shaped her beliefs about marriage, differing from his own. They engaged in countless discussions about defining the ideal couple dynamic and, while monogamy was their choice for a significant period of their relationship, they did not view it as the sole definition of perfection in a partnership.

The Aladdin actor expressed that he and his partner have placed trust and freedom in each other, recognizing that everyone must find their own path. They choose not to view marriage as a confinement but rather as a space to nurture individual growth. While he acknowledges that their approach may not be suitable for everyone, he believes that the mutual freedom and unwavering support they provide each other reflect the true essence of love.

Smith also addressed his wife's public statements regarding her brief involvement with Alsina. He noted that once the public forms a perception, it becomes challenging to change their preconceived notions. He chose not to elaborate on Pinkett Smith's past affair but emphasized that she was not the sole participant in extramarital relationships. This revelation, delicately shared with Lowery, challenges the misconceptions that viewers may have held about their dynamic.

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Spicing Things Up

Pinkett Smith admitted that maintaining the passion in the bedroom requires effort, even after being married for many years.

"It's a challenge," she confessed on a segment of Red Table Talk in October 2021. "Will and I frequently discuss the importance of the journey. We embarked on this journey at a very young age, just 22 years old ... Sometimes, we tend to assume that our partners should know our desires, especially in the realm of intimacy. We believe that if they truly love us, they should be able to anticipate our needs without us having to explicitly communicate them. However, this mindset can be a significant stumbling block."

The Scream star continues to experience discomfort when it comes to openly expressing her desires to her husband. She emphasizes the importance of open communication by urging him, "Tell me your needs, reveal your wants, and in return, I understand the significance of reciprocation. I genuinely make an effort to fulfill this commitment. Although it may be uncomfortable, it ultimately contributes to a profoundly healthy relationship. This holds particularly true in the context of our intimate moments, as there exists a significant lack of discussion and an abundance of unrealistic ideals surrounding sexuality."

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Early Sex Life

Smith recounted in his memoir, Will, released in November 2021, that he and his partner engaged in daily drinking and had intimate encounters multiple times a day for an uninterrupted four-month period. Reflecting on this experience, he questioned whether it had become a competitive endeavor. Nevertheless, he was determined to either fulfill this woman's sexual desires or go to great lengths trying.

During an Apple TV+ special also aired in the same month, the Grammy winner disclosed that the initial stages of their relationship were exceptionally enjoyable. Despite experiencing both highs and lows, Smith expressed that there has always been a remarkable aspect to their dynamic.

"Even today, whenever Jada and I start talking, it's an engaging conversation that can last for hours. Our ability to communicate and work through issues has been the key to sustaining our relationship. We haven't suffocated each other, but rather, we have grown closer. I have never experienced such a blissful and productive connection with anyone else in conversation like I do with Jada," he revealed in the interview. Although they did not officially separate during their lowest point, the couple did change their approach to their marriage, and now they feel both completely committed and completely free in their relationship."

"What occurred was the recognition that we harbored a misguided misconception, a mere fantasy, believing that we had the power to bestow happiness upon one another," he elucidated. "We reached a mutual understanding that she needed to pursue her own happiness, and I needed to cultivate my own joy. Consequently, we decided to reenter the relationship already content, rather than imposing the responsibility on the other to fulfill our unmet desires."

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Addressing the Past

In March 2022, the King Richard star put an end to speculation, stating that they have never accused each other of cheating in the past. "Never. There's never been any infidelity in our marriage," he affirmed during an interview with Gayle King on CBS Sunday Morning. He emphasized that they openly discuss everything with one another. "And we have never surprised one another with anything ever." Will further shared, "I have come to the conclusion that discussions about my personal life can be beneficial to people. I believe that such conversations are the initial step to engaging in genuine dialogue and truly examining whether the feelings residing within one's heart are loving or toxic."

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'Figuring Out This Thing Called Life'

In a June 2022 episode of her Facebook Watch series, Red Table Talk, Pinkett Smith disclosed her profound desire for Will and Rock to reconcile through open communication and healing. She emphasized that in the meantime, both she and Will are committed to navigating life together, as they have for the past 28 years.

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What Really Happened on Oscars’ Night

Smith took to the screen in a comprehensive video discussing the 2022 Oscars in July. He acknowledged that Rock had been unwilling to engage in conversation with him and refuted any claims that Pinkett Smith had urged him to strike the comedian.

“It’s as if, you know, I independently made a decision, drawing on my personal experiences and my past with Chris. Jada played no part in it. I apologize, sweetheart,” expressed Smith. “I would like to extend my apologies to my children and my family for the turmoil that my actions caused all of us.”

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The Truth About Their Separation

Pinkett Smith openly discussed her relationship status with Smith, sharing that they have been living apart since 2016. "We are still in the process of figuring things out," she stated to People. "We have been engaging in intense soul-searching and growth together. We share a profound love and are committed to finding our unique path forward."

Despite their separation, Pinkett Smith told Today that she and Smith were “not ready” to divorce.

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Jada Pinkett Smith

Will Smith