Will Smith has shown support to his SAG-AFTRA colleagues amid the ongoing 2023 Hollywood strikes that have paused the TV and film industries.
The 54-year-old took to his Instagram on Friday with a message regarding the strike, explaining how important it is that this is happening in the business. According to Will, the strikes are "pivotal."
"I wanna talk for a second about ACTING," Smith wrote. "As some of y'all mighta heard, my guild, @SAGAFTRA are on strike along with our writer colleagues in the WGA. It's a pivotal moment for our profession."
Smith also reflected on how far he's come in his acting career and thanked his mentor, Aaron Speiser, for helping him understand that he belonged in the acting world.
"33 years into my career as an actor, and there are still some days when I feel like I'm that kid from Philly who's on borrowed time, even though I know I've been extraordinarily blessed and lucky to have worked as an actor all this time," Smith continued. "It's thanks to my friend, my teacher and my mentor @aaronspeiser whom I fondly refer to as 'coach' that those days when I feel like I don't belong are fewer and further between."
He added, "Coach invited me to an acting class the other day and I met a group of our talented next generation of actors and they amazed and inspired me! I'm grateful to coach for continuing to support these talented hopefuls in this art-form that I love and have been lucky enough to work in for three decades of my life! Thanks COACH!"
Smith is one of many actors who have stood in support of writers and other actors who are calling for negotiations with studios for fairer contracts. Those who have joined the cause include Bette Midler, Bob Odenkirk, Hilary Duff, Jason Sudekis, Alex Edelman, Josh Gad, Rosario Dawson and more. The WGA has been on strike since April, and SAG-AFTRA since July 14.
