Will Smith Stands Firm Against On-Screen Kiss with Another Man

Will Smith, a renowned Hollywood figure with a Guinness World Record for his work ethic, did not always hold the status of an A-list star.

Transitioning from his earlier career as a rapper, Smith gained recognition through his role in the television series “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” paving his way into the realm of acting.

It was in 1993 when Smith embarked on his first significant movie endeavor and encountered a pivotal moment where he declined to participate in a same-s-* kissing scene.

The cinematic venture that sparked this controversy was “Six Degrees of Separation,” marking Smith's initial foray into Method acting.

While technically his third film appearance following roles in “Where the Day Takes You” (1992) and “Made in America” (1993), it was “Six Degrees of Separation” that provided him with a substantial platform.

Portraying the character of Paul, a young con artist targeting a wealthy couple portrayed by Stockard Channing and Donald Sutherland, Smith delved deep into the intricacies of his role.

In a bid to match the caliber of his seasoned co-stars, Smith fully immersed himself in the Method acting technique to embody Paul's persona authentically.

However, the intensity of this experience left a lasting impact on Smith, prompting him to swear off such extreme methods in subsequent projects.

Despite his dedication to the character, there was one significant deviation Smith made from the script that garnered attention.

The pivotal moment arose during a scene where Paul, a gay character, was scripted to share a kiss with his co-star Anthony Michael Hall.

Smith's refusal to partake in the on-screen kiss led to alterations in the scene to accommodate his stance.

Reflecting on his decision, Smith later acknowledged his immaturity in handling the situation, citing concerns about external perceptions and his emotional readiness to delve into that aspect of the character's portrayal.

Ian McKellen, Smith's co-star in “Six Degrees of Separation” and an openly gay actor, took note of Smith's reluctance to embrace his character's sexuality.

Recalling the incident years later, McKellen shared his perspective on Smith's reservations, particularly regarding the on-screen kiss.

In response to Smith's stance, McKellen orchestrated a bold gesture to address the underlying issue, publicly confronting Smith with a spontaneous kiss outside a cinema after an early screening.

McKellen's unexpected action shed light on the complexities surrounding Smith's decision, offering a unique perspective on the dynamics at play.

By directly engaging with Smith in such a manner, McKellen subtly challenged the underlying reasons behind Smith's hesitation, prompting a reevaluation of the boundaries and considerations influencing artistic choices.

The encounter between Smith and McKellen served as a thought-provoking moment that transcended the confines of traditional on-set dynamics, showcasing the intersection of personal beliefs and professional obligations in the realm of filmmaking.