I've lost track of the amount of times Will Smith has saved the world. To think he made his name in sitcoms and child-friendly hip hop. Watching endless re-runs of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air is like time travelling back to the '90s. It's warm and fuzzy and harmless, but it's important not just for that catchy theme song: it also proved to be the starting point for the most successful career in Hollywood. Forbes has named Will Smith its most bankable star, because (After Earth aside) his films sell. It's partly because Smith tugs at heartstrings so well (see Seven Pounds and The Pursuit of Happyness), but it's also because he's a legitimate action star. The Fresh Prince has stepped out of the playground and punched an alien in the face. He's battled zombies and beat down drug dealers. And through it all, Will Smith has maintained his undeniable cool factor. Go on. Admit it. If you could be one action star, it would totally be him. He's become the kind of man girls love for his smile and charm and the kind of man all guys want to be friends with. Whether it's delivering a cool catchphrase or a well-timed killshot, there aren't many other heroes you'd rather have on your side. Welcome to the list, Will.
Mike Revell is the author of STONEBIRD (Quercus, 2015), and is an award-winning journalist. He has written for the Mirror and NFL UK. He lives near Cambridge, and has an unhealthy obsession with American football, Doctor Who, and Game of Thrones.
