Will Smith pays tribute to late Quincy Jones: 'Mentor, Father, Friend'

Will Smith is remembering his mentor Quincy Jones following his recent passing at 91 years old on November 4, 2024.

In an emotional Instagram tribute, the Oscar-winning actor reflected on the pivotal role Jones played in shaping his career and life, including landing him his breakthrough role in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

“He pointed me toward the greatest parts of myself. He defended me. He nurtured me. He encouraged me. He inspired me,” Smith, 56, wrote, calling Jones “the true definition of a Mentor, a Father and a Friend.”

Smith also shared how Jones guided him during his early days, even “letting me use his wings until mine were strong enough to fly.” Accompanying the post was a black-and-white photo of the two on the set of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, the show that launched Smith’s career and which Jones helped bring to life as a producer.

Back in 1989, Smith experienced a life-changing moment at Jones’ Los Angeles home. After being invited to a party, Smith found himself auditioning for The Fresh Prince after Jones spontaneously handed him a script for a failed pilot and suggested he take a shot right then and there.

“He said, ‘Take 10 minutes right now and you could change your life forever,’” Smith recalled in a 2018 video. With that leap of faith, Smith secured the role that would transform him into a household name.

Jones, ever the visionary, had a lawyer draft up the contract on the spot, sealing Smith’s fate as the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.