Will Smith Reveals , His Joyful Image Was Intended , To Hide a Painful Past.<br />Smith, in addition to being a musician, is one of the most prominent movie stars today.<br />But NPR reports that in his new memoir, 'Will,' Smith speaks of what he believes to have fueled his relentless work ethic: cowardice.<br />But NPR reports that in his new memoir, 'Will,' Smith speaks of what he believes to have fueled his relentless work ethic: cowardice.<br />Smith told NPR that as a young boy, <br />he helplessly stood by as his father <br />physically abused his mother. .<br />The actor says this moment greatly impacted his identity.<br />The actor says this moment greatly impacted his identity.<br />I couldn't shake the idea that <br />I had failed my mother and <br />I was somehow unworthy of <br />love and care because <br />of my cowardice, Will Smith, via NPR.<br />I couldn't shake the idea that <br />I had failed my mother and <br />I was somehow unworthy of <br />love and care because <br />of my cowardice, Will Smith, via NPR.<br />And that [was] the beginnings of... wanting to build an <br />external life that could somehow <br />and hopefully cover the pain. , Will Smith, via NPR.<br />Smith says his 'Fresh Prince' persona was a way to cover up the pain in his heart.<br />That buoyant, happy, joyful image was painted over a core of a real lack of self-esteem and self-respect. , Will Smith, via NPR.<br />That buoyant, happy, joyful image was painted over a core of a real lack of self-esteem and self-respect. , Will Smith, via NPR.<br />That buoyant, happy, joyful image was painted over a core of a real lack of self-esteem and self-respect. , Will Smith, via NPR.<br />In retrospect, Smith claims he wouldn't change the adversities of his childhood.<br />Those traumas and the mental anguish that I had to overcome was a big part of me growing into the person I am today, Will Smith, via NPR
