logo
Philadelphia renames city street after Will Smith near Philly icon's alma mater

Philadelphia renames city street after Will Smith near Philly icon's alma mater

USA Today28-03-2025
Philadelphia renames city street after Will Smith near Philly icon's alma mater
Show Caption
Hide Caption
Will Smith performs 'Miami' on a double-decker bus in Hollywood
Will Smith rocked up to the "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" premiere atop a double-decker bus. He and Martin Lawrence "might have one more in us," he said.
Philadelphia renamed 2000 N. 59th St. to Will Smith Way on Wednesday.
The street is just a block away from Overbrook High School, where Smith graduated in 1986.
In time for his first album release in 20 years, Philadelphia has renamed a street after its local icon, Will Smith.
On Wednesday, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker sang a few lines from The Fresh Prince's "Brand New Funk" before gifting Smith a key to the city and a replica of the street sign that now bears his name, Will Smith Way.
The new street name replaces 2000 N. 59th St., just a short jaunt away from Overbrook High School, from which Smith graduated in 1986.
"The name 'The Fresh Prince' was coined in that building," Smith said at Wednesday's ceremony, pointing back to his alma mater. "I added the 'Fresh,' because it was hip-hop slang," he continued with a laugh.
According to Smith, it was a teacher by the name of Mrs. Brown who began calling him "Prince Charming" when he was in the 10th grade. It was from there that he deemed himself "The Fresh Prince," which would carry over to his 1990s sitcom, "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air."
On Friday, Smith released his new album, "Based on a True Story." It is his first album since "Lost and Found" in 2005.
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Bill Cosby speaks out on his 'Cosby Show' costar Malcolm-Jamal Warner's death
Bill Cosby speaks out on his 'Cosby Show' costar Malcolm-Jamal Warner's death

USA Today

time6 hours ago

  • USA Today

Bill Cosby speaks out on his 'Cosby Show' costar Malcolm-Jamal Warner's death

Bill Cosby is paying tribute to his TV son Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Warner, who starred alongside Cosby on the beloved family sitcom "The Cosby Show," reportedly died on Sunday, July 20, following an accidental drowning off the coast of Costa Rica, according to ABC News and The Associated Press. Costa Rican National Police confirmed to ABC News that Warner died after being caught by a high current in the water while swimming near Cocles, a beach in Limon, Costa Rica. Warner was 54 at the time of his death. USA TODAY reached out to the late actor's representatives for comment. Warner played Theo Huxtable opposite Cosby's Dr. Heathcliff Huxtable for eight seasons on the iconic NBC series, which earned Warner a Primetime Emmy nomination for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy. In an interview with ABC News published Monday, July 21, Cosby reflected on his relationship with Warner. "He was always a great studier, and I enjoyed working with him very much," Cosby, 88, told the outlet. "He always knew his part. ... He always knew his lines, and he always knew where to go." Warner was a 5-foot-5-inch, 13-year-old and "literally the last person" to audition for the role of Theo for "The Cosby Show," following a nationwide search, he told NPR in 2014. Show producers were looking for a taller Theo. However, Warner's audition, overseen by creator and star Cosby, led to the successful casting as the only son and middle child of five children in the famed TV family. Malcolm-Jamal Warner dies in drowning: 'The Cosby Show' star was 54 Bill Cosby recalls final conversation with Malcolm-Jamal Warner Cosby, who served nearly three years in prison following a 2018 conviction on sexual assault charges, told ABC News he kept in touch with Warner over the years, adding, "Malcolm calls here regularly." The disgraced actor-comedian last spoke to Warner three weeks before his death, Cosby's representative Andrew Wyatt confirmed to USA TODAY. Wyatt said Cosby caught up with an ecstatic Warner following a musical performance in Minneapolis (Warner also dabbled in music and poetry, winning a Grammy Award for best traditional R&B performance in 2015.) Additionally, Wyatt said Warner's tragic death reminded Cosby of the 1997 death of his son, Ennis Cosby. Ennis, who was 27 at the time, was murdered near Interstate 405 in Los Angeles after being shot in the head by 18-year-old Mikhail Markhasev in a failed robbery attempt. Malcolm-Jamal Warner tributes: Jennifer Love Hewitt, Beyoncé, more stars mourn actor's death Aside from his starring role on "The Cosby Show," Warner was also known for his performances as Malcolm McGee in the 1990s UPN sitcom "Malcolm & Eddie" and as Dr. AJ Austin on the Fox medical drama "The Resident" from 2018 to 2023. Per Wyatt, Cosby said Warner's body of work as a performer will maintain his legacy and "continue to humanize" him to fans. Contributing: Taijuan Moorman, Bryan Alexander and Maria Puente, USA TODAY

Robin Williams' son Zak Williams honors late actor on 74th birthday: 'Love you forever'
Robin Williams' son Zak Williams honors late actor on 74th birthday: 'Love you forever'

USA Today

time9 hours ago

  • USA Today

Robin Williams' son Zak Williams honors late actor on 74th birthday: 'Love you forever'

Birthdays have become a bittersweet occasion for Zak Williams. The mental health advocate and entrepreneur, son of actor-comedian Robin Williams, paid tribute to the iconic performer on social media in honor of his birthday on Monday, July 21. Robin, who died in August 2014 at the age of 63, would have turned 74. "Every year, this season arrives with gravity," Williams, 42, wrote on Instagram alongside a throwback photo of Robin. "In just 60 days, we pass through Father's Day, his birthday, and the anniversary of his death. It's a tender and complicated stretch of time. One that asks a lot of the heart." He added: "For me, grief isn't linear. It loops and echoes. It softens, then crescendos. But alongside it lives a legacy, the kind built not from fame or recognition, but from generosity and relentless kindness." Robin Williams died by suicide following a battle with Lewy body dementia. The Oscar-winning actor also struggled with substance abuse for decades. His 2006 relapse, which he tried unsuccessfully to hide from his wife Marsha Garces, led to the unraveling of his second marriage. He later took up a stint at the Hazelden Foundation center, a rehab facility in Oregon. "My father lived to make people feel seen," Williams continued. "He gave permission to feel deeply and to laugh through the pain. In his absence, that mission continues. So today, I hold close the idea that the best way to honor those we love is to live the values they stood for. To lead with service and compassion. To lift others when they're down. And to find paths of light, even in the dark corners." He concluded: "Happy birthday, Dad. Love you forever." Matthew Lawrence reveals Robin Williams warned him against substance abuse as child Zak Williams opens up about childhood with dad Robin Williams In an August 2024 interview for USA TODAY's "The Excerpt" podcast, Williams reflected on his father's legacy in the entertainment industry, as well as his childhood memories with the eccentric actor-comedian. "He was very funny. But he also was very introspective," said Williams of Robin's off-screen demeanor. "He loved playing video games and collecting toys and comic books. I mean, he was a big kid at heart. "And the memories I'm most fond of, in terms of our private family life, relate to my siblings and spending time with him basically being a big kid." 'He was a big kid at heart': Zak Williams reflects on dad Robin Williams Williams, who appeared on the podcast ahead of the 10th anniversary of Robin's death, said he preserves his father's memory by focusing on his positive contributions as a public figure. "I think of my father fondly all year, but around this time of year, I think about his good works, his philanthropic focus," Williams said. "I tend to spend time with my family. ... It comes down to remembering him fondly for his incredible heart and love for humanity." If you or someone you know needs mental health resources and support, please call, text or chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit for 24/7 access to free and confidential services. If you or someone you know needs help battling a substance abuse addiction, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Contributing: Taylor Wilson and Marco della Cava, USA TODAY

Virgin Voyages launches a true-crime-themed cruise
Virgin Voyages launches a true-crime-themed cruise

Travel Weekly

time11 hours ago

  • Travel Weekly

Virgin Voyages launches a true-crime-themed cruise

Virgin Voyages is a debuting a themed voyage for fans of true crime podcasts. On Oct. 10, it will host a five-night true crime voyage with podcasters onboard from the shows "Stuff They Don't Want You to Know," "Betrayal" and "Buried Bones." The Valiant Lady sailing will feature live podcast recordings, meet and greets and podcasting lessons. Guests will travel round trip from Miami with stops at Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, and Virgin's Beach Club on Bimini in the Bahamas. Virgin Voyages has previously hosted themed cruises for holidays including Halloween, Valentine's Day, New Year's and Christmas. It has also hosted Nicky Jam, who will return in December for a sailing dubbed "Olas de Fuego," which will include a lineup of Latino and Caribbean artists. The true crime sailing will also feature Virgin's Halloween-themed events, including a costume contest and a Halloween show.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store