Hollywood star Will Smith recently had fans laughing when he joked about adopting a new name after finding out about his family’s unexpected ties to Wales. During a lively chat on BBC Radio Wales, the award-winning actor was introduced to his hidden Welsh heritage by host Lucy Owen, who pointed out intriguing connections between Smith’s Pennsylvania hometown and Welsh culture.
Smith’s old neighborhood, Wynnefield, was named after Thomas Wynne, a Welsh physician who immigrated to the US. To add to the fun discovery, Smith’s mother’s hometown, Bryn Mawr, also shares its name with a Welsh village — and amusingly means “big hill” in Welsh.
The Fresh Prince star was clearly tickled by the revelation, exclaiming, “So I’m Welsh! I’m Welsh, basically!” Lucy Owen playfully confirmed, “Yes, Will! You are Welsh and we’re claiming you.” Smith quipped back that he might just switch up his name, saying, “That might be my new name. Welsh Smith. I’m gonna be Welsh Smith.”
Taking the joke even further, Owen pointed out that his home’s name translates to “big hill”, to which Smith rapped, “Big hill, big Will, big still!” showing he’s still got his iconic lyrical flow.
The conversation comes as Smith is back on the road, touring with his first studio album in nearly 20 years, Based on a True Story, which dropped in March. His tour, which kicked off in Morocco in June, will make stops in five UK cities between August 24 and August 30, including a special show in Cardiff — perfectly timed for the newly minted “Welsh Smith” to connect with his fans in Wales.
Smith also shared that he and longtime collaborator DJ Jazzy Jeff recorded early music tracks in the UK, adding another layer to his bond with British and Welsh audiences. It seems the actor-turned-rapper might now carry a little piece of Wales with him wherever he goes — even if it’s just in his playful new nickname.