Willard Carroll Smith II is an American actor, rapper and film producer. He has received multiple accolades, including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, a BAFTA Award, and four Grammy Awards. As of 2024, his films have grossed over $9.3 billion globally, making him one of Hollywood's most bankable stars.
Smith in 2019
Smith at the Emmy Awards 1993
Smith in 1999
Smith hosting the 2011 Walmart Shareholders Meeting
In the film industry, a bankable star is an actor "capable of guaranteeing box-office success simply by showing up in a movie". The bankability of an actor includes their films' box office track record, professional demeanor, and other factors. Hiring a bankable star helps a film company to secure investment, distribution, and garner media attention. Some bankable stars have so much star power that even films without a strong concept or "hook"―such as star vehicle films―are feasible to make.
Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, and Leonardo DiCaprio are examples of "bankable stars".