Will Smith Gets a Street Named After Him in West Philadelphia

The actor-rapper's first album in 20 years arrives this week.

Mar 27, 2025 - 19:21

Will Smith Gets a Street Named After Him in West Philadelphia

From “In West Philadelphia born and raised” to now having a street named after him in his hometown, Will Smith will forever be synonymous with Philadelphia.

Smith was honored on Wednesday (March 26) during a ceremony celebrating the 56-year-old artist having a street named after him in West Philadelphia. From here on out, 59th Street in West Philly will now be known as Will Smith Way.

“When I thought about the Will Smith Way, the Will Smith Way was encompassed in the lessons I got from my father, my mother and my grandmother,” Smith said. “I think about them as a triangle that represents the Will Smith Way. I think about my father as the base of that triangle.”

He continued while rocking an Overbrook High School class of 1986 varsity jacket: “My father taught me that you don’t get anything without discipline and hard work. You can’t make a life if you’re not willing to suffer and work for your dreams.”

Smith went on to highlight his mother’s emphasis on education and his grandmother’s love for God while living completely in service.

The Academy Award-winning actor also pointed out a teacher from his sophomore year of high school who gave him the nickname “Prince Charming,” which led to The Fresh Prince being born in the classic ’90s sitcom.

“The name ‘The Fresh Prince’ was coined in that building,” Smith said about Overbrook High School. “I added the fresh because it was hip-hop slang.”

Smith is returning with his first album in 20 years on Friday (March 28), when Based On a True Story hits streaming services.

Watch him accept his Will Smith Way street honor in Philly below.