18 July 2025 – Hollywood legend Will Smith has just found out he’s got a surprising connection to Wales — and he’s absolutely loving it!
The 56-year-old actor and rapper made the discovery during a lively chat with BBC Radio Walespresenter Lucy Owen, who revealed that Wynnefield, Smith’s hometown in Pennsylvania, was named after Welsh physician Dr. Thomas Wynne.
Shocked and thrilled by the revelation, Will exclaimed:
“So I’m Welsh! I’m Welsh, basically. That’s what we’re saying.”
Lucy confirmed it playfully, adding:
“Yes, Will! You are Welsh, and we are claiming you.”
Will responded with his signature charm, joking:
“That might be my new name: Welsh Smith. I’m gonna be Welsh Smith.”
The fun didn’t stop there. Lucy went on to tell him that Bryn Mawr, where his mother lives, is also Welsh. The name literally means “Big Hill” in Welsh — with “Bryn” meaning hill and “Mawr”meaning big.
Will was visibly amused:
“Big Hill! Big Will lives in Big Hill. This is crazy! Big hill. Big Will. Big still.”
Fans won’t have to wait long to see “Welsh Smith” in action. Will is set to perform at Cardiff Castle on August 25 as part of his upcoming UK tour. The date will follow a performance by Sir Tom Jones, prompting Lucy to tease Will:
“He’s effectively your warm-up act.”
Will laughed and shared memories of working with Tom Jones on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air:
“It was magnificent… When someone with that kind of iconic status walks into the room… you get that [gasp]. It was one of the classic moments on The Fresh Prince.”
Will Smith’s UK tour kicks off in Scarborough on August 24 and wraps up in Wolverhampton on August 30.
Looks like Big Will is ready to go full Welsh Smith – and Wales is more than happy to claim him!
