“A mentor, a father and a friend”

Will Smith shared a touching tribute to Quincy Jones after confirming his death.

On social media, the 56-year-old spoke from his heart and wrote about what the legendary founder of VIBE Magazine means to him on a personal level.

“Quincy Jones is the true definition of a mentor, a father and a friend,” the post began. The image Smith uploaded to the digital memorial is a black and white image of the two men on the set of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Airone of Jones' many iconic productions. Not only did he executive produce the series and cast Smith as the lead, but he is also the taxi driver in the opening credits and had a guest appearance in the fourth season.

“He made me aware of the biggest parts of myself. He defended me. He encouraged me. He gave me courage. He inspired me. He checked on me when necessary. He let me use his wings until mine were strong enough to fly.”

In 2021 Vanity Fair In this piece, Smith reflected on his unorthodox audition for the role during a party hosted by Jones at his Bel-Air mansion.

“It all felt surreal, a little dizzying. I had been flying alone, which was unusual and uncomfortable, and now, with traffic backing up on the 405, I had a moment to think: Why the hell am I going to Quincy Jones' house?“, he wrote.

After explaining that he was a Philadelphia native, the acclaimed actor recalled a loud Jones, who had “obviously had a bit of a taste,” calling for then-NBC boss Brandon Tartikoff to “come on in (and) the fresh one.” Meet Princes” and announcement: “We will have an audition.” Remove the furniture from the living room!”

Smith further explained that he didn't realize he was in the spotlight.

“Reality has set in. Quincy Jones asked me to do an impromptu audition in front of some of the biggest present and past icons in all of entertainment, not to mention the top brass in the industry The National Broadcasting Company, home of The Cosby Show, Cheers, The Golden Girls, LA LawAnd Seinfeld. My knees gave way. Couches were moved and someone gave me a script.”

Jones' publicist Arnold Robinson confirmed that the 91-year-old died on Sunday (November 3).

“Tonight it is with full but broken hearts that we share the news of the passing of our father and brother Quincy Jones,” the family said. “And while this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life he led and know there will never be another like him.”

Watch Will Smith's tribute below.

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