Venus Williams and Serena Williams had a dramatic life growing up. From poverty to affluence, the sisters went through all stages a successful person goes through. Richard Williams, the father of the two, left no stone unturned as he geared up his daughters to become the best in the world. He went through several trials but came out on top on each occasion. The results of hard work were so spectacular that his life was adapted into a major Hollywood movie, with Will Smith playing the titular role.

Will Smith also won the Oscar for his portrayal of Richard Williams in the movie. However, the incident of Smith slapping famous comedian Chris Rock took the limelight away from both him and the Williams sisters. After the event, a hashtag was launched called ‘Slapgate’. Smith eventually apologized for it, but the effects were far and wide.

Serena Williams and Venus Williams’ relationship with Will Smith

While the relationship between the Williams sisters and Will Smith is not clear, they are at least amicable to each other. They have interviewed for the movie together. The Williams sisters shared their experiences while being a part of the production of the movie.

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Venus was surprised when she knew that Smith would be cast in the movie, which made her feel that the movie would be a big deal. In the interview they had with Entertainment Weekly, the conversation flowed naturally between the three and they looked relaxed to be around each other.

Serena Williams stunned after Will Smith slapped Chris Rock

The infamous live ‘Slapgate’ incident, when the King Richard’s lead actor, slapped Chris Rock for cracking a joke at the expense of his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, at the Academy Awards last year. Everyone was stunned at first, but Smith’s comment after he returned to his seat raised the tension through the roof.

Will Smith Starring ‘King Richard’ Achieves a New Zenith, Serena Williams Reacts

However, the American tennis legend had just one thing to say about the night. She felt that Will Smith should be forgiven for his mistake. Her father took a different approach during his interview with the Mirror. Richard hit out at the Academy Awards for banning Will Smith from the Oscars for a decade, saying that it’s a very harsh punishment for what Smith did. Though Richard Williams made it amply clear that he does not condone violence in any form.

Will Smith’s thoughts on Serena Williams’ father

Richard Williams made the impossible, possible! He wrote a 78 page plan when his daughters were toddlers, followed it to the T, and built a strong foundation for them to rise as legends. While accepting the SAG award for his performance as King Richard, Smith paid tribute to the father of the Williams sisters. He said that Richard is a dreamer, like no one he has ever known. In his acceptance speech, he encapsulated what Richard achieved was considered unachievable.

Smith displayed huge respect for the Williams sister’s father, as he could relate his father’s life to that of Richard’s. He recalled an incident of Richard snapping at a reporter for Venus, which left a huge impression on Smith. Ever since then, the ‘I am Legend’ actor has had immense respect for the Louisiana native.

Why was Will Smith chosen to play Serena Williams’ father’s role in the movie ‘King Richard’?

Why wouldn’t a director want to work with Will Smith? The actor has shown his skills to adapt to the story of a particular movie throughout his acting career. However, there were more reasons why Smith was chosen to play Richard in the movie. Smith had a father who was similar to Richard Williams.

Smith’s father had the passion to help his child reach the stars. Hence, drawing the relatability factor, Smith starred as Richard Williams.

Will Smith’s thoughts about the Williams family

The Oscar winner has nothing but immense respect for the Williams family. Since Richard and his daughters were public figures, Smith was aware of their achievements. While Richard came into the limelight for being aggressive several times, Smith felt that his actions were agreeable given the situation on many occasions.

Did you enjoy the movie that won Will Smith his first Oscar?

Watch this story – Venus and Serena Williams’ Father ‘King’ Richard’s Inner Feeling About a Wrestling Match Between Their Daughters Revealed