During the show, Smith recalled that the two hours Venus and Serena Williams were watching the film were the worst couple of hours for him. He said he had hoped for them to like it and revealed that the sisters were crying through the course of the film.
The actor, who was nominated for Best Actor at the Academy Awards for his film The Pursuit of Happyness (2007) revealed that it was “terrifying” for him to portray a real person who is still alive on screen. He said the sisters were excited at the prospect of a film being based on their story and that they would possibly assume the role of executive producers. Smith added that the tennis champions only decided to add their names to the film only after watching it.
“He aligned with what they wanted for themselves more than demanding what he wanted for them”– Will Smith on Richard Williams
Will Smith went on to talk about how people have often assumed Richard Williams to be a stern and “overbearing” father, but after working in the film and hearing about him from the Williams family, Smith says he realized that the 79-year-old is actually a loving and doting parent.
Smith went on to share a “mind trick” Mr. Williams used on his young daughters to get them to play tennis. Their father would forbid the Williams sisters from playing tennis whenever they got into trouble. This made them beg for his permission to play.
The actor highlighted how Richard Williams “aligned” himself with his daughters’ interests rather than ordering them to pursue a certain path.
0 votes
