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Getty Images | Instagram.com/willsmith
Getty Images | Instagram.com/willsmith

Will Smith Celebrates Mom's 85th B-Day after Saying He Felt Guilty for Not Protecting Her from His Abusive Father

Esther NJeri
Jan 18, 2022
10:40 A.M.

"The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" star Will Smith celebrated his mother's birthday in style! Will and his mother danced the day away, showcasing their moves on an Instagram post.

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Will Smith's mother, Caroline Bright, looked stunning in a white skirt with black embroideries around the hem, paired with a white lace top. She matched the outfit with black sandals, while her beautiful head full of grays matched the attire to perfection.

She accessorized the look with gold rings, bracelets, earrings, and a necklace. On the other hand, Smith rocked a pink polo shirt with a white collar and sleeves, white khaki pants, and white sneakers.

Left: Actor Will Smith and his mother Caroline Smith attend the "Lakeview Terrace" premiere at the AMC Lincoln Square on September 15, 2008 in New York City. | Photo: Getty Images. Right: Smith and his mother celebrating her 85th birthday | Photo: Instagram.com/willsmith

Left: Actor Will Smith and his mother Caroline Smith attend the "Lakeview Terrace" premiere at the AMC Lincoln Square on September 15, 2008 in New York City. | Photo: Getty Images. Right: Smith and his mother celebrating her 85th birthday | Photo: Instagram.com/willsmith

Shot in what appeared to be an outdoor patio, the duo held hands as they danced beautifully to Whitney's Houston's "I Wanna Dance With Somebody(Who Loves Me).

The mother and son duo appeared to be having a blast, swaying to the music as the onlookers cheered in the background. Smith posted the video to his Instagram on Monday, captioning it:

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"85 Today! Happy Bday, Mom-Mom. Let's dance our way to 100."

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OPENING UP ABOUT HIS CHILDHOOD

The "I Am A Legend" star has always been forthright about his life. Still, in his recently released memoir, "Will," the star tells his readers about his most vulnerable experiences, including childhood traumas.

Despite being a world-renowned star today, Smith's life wasn't always as sparkly. He experienced childhood traumas so bad that he almost took his own life.

Will Smith posing for a portrait in Los Angeles in 1996 | Photo: Getty Images

Will Smith posing for a portrait in Los Angeles in 1996 | Photo: Getty Images

Smith reveals that he first thought of taking his own life when his mother left his abusive father. Smith says he grew up seeing his father, Willard Carroll Smith Sr., abuse his mother.

But when Smith was 13, his mother had had enough. She went to work as she would any other day but did not return home. Even though she was only a few blocks away, her absence was unbearable.

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Will Smith at Variety's Creative Impact Awards on January 3, 2016 in Palm Springs | Photo: Getty Images

Will Smith at Variety's Creative Impact Awards on January 3, 2016 in Palm Springs | Photo: Getty Images

He says he felt so lonely and guilty that he contemplated suicide. However, thoughts of his grandmother kept him away from the self-destructive path.

Even with the years that have passed, "The Pursuit Of Happyness" star still carries guilt from his childhood. He says he feels guilty:

"For failing her at that moment. For failing to stand up to my father. For being a coward."

In retrospection, Smith says he became the comedian and entertainer to please his father. He says he thought as long as his father was happy and laughing, he would not harm them.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. Other international suicide helplines can be found at befrienders.org.

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