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

On social media, the 56-year-old spoke from the heart and wrote down 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 into the digital memorial is a black and white image of the two men on set The fresh prince of Bel-Airone of Jones’ many iconic productions. In addition to producing the series and starring in Smith, he is also the taxi driver in the opening credits and made a cameo appearance in season four.

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

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

“It all felt surreal, a bit dizzy. I had been flying alone, which was unusual and uncomfortable, and now, as traffic backed up on the 405, I had a moment to think: Why the hell am I driving to Quincy Jones’ house?he wrote.

After explaining himself as a Philadelphia native, the acclaimed actor recalled a loud Jones who had “obviously had a little taste,” calling Brandon Tartikoff, then head of NBC, to “come (and) meet the Fresh Prince” , and the announcement of “We’re going to audition. Clear the living room furniture!”

Smith continued to explain that he didn’t realize the spotlight was on him.

“Reality took hold. Quincy Jones asked me to do an impromptu audition in front of some of the biggest icons, past and present, in entertainment, not to mention the entertainment industry’s top audiences. the National Broadcasting Company, home of The Cosby Show, Cheers, The Golden Girls, LA LawAnd Seinfeld. My knees buckled. Benches were moved and someone handed 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 amazing life he lived and know there will never be another like him.”

Watch Will Smith’s tribute below.

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