„I just want to say how thankful I am and how grateful I am to you just for being you,“ said Shad Ellis, reflecting on his unique journey as a Will Smith lookalike.
During a memorable stroll on a secluded beach in Papua New Guinea, Ellis, a Tube driver from London, expressed his gratitude to one of the most recognizable figures in the world. The 47-year-old has spent his career as a tribute artist since the age of 18, with Will Smith’s likeness playing a pivotal role in shaping his life.
From London Underground to Global Stages
Although currently residing in Bedford, Ellis’s story began in the heart of London. The remarkable resemblance he shares with the Hollywood superstar first drew attention in 1997, when Men In Black posters were prominently displayed throughout the Tube network.
Commuters at the Shadwell station began to notice the similarities, with many affectionately calling him „Will.“ Initially downplaying the comments, Ellis recalls, „I thought nothing of it. OK, there’s a little similarity, that’s all it is.“ However, a chance encounter would soon change everything.
A stranger’s suggestion to pursue a career as a lookalike propelled him into a new world. At a time devoid of social media and selfies, Ellis used a film camera to recreate iconic Will Smith magazine poses, securing his first job on the cover of an electrical magazine just a week after contacting an agency he discovered.
Building a Career Through Networking
From that initial opportunity, Ellis’s network expanded significantly. He began performing at tribute shows and events across the UK, stating, „I do anything that you want Will Smith to do that you couldn’t afford to get Will Smith to do.“ His engagements spanned corporate events, weddings, and other celebrations, along with involvement in magazine covers and international marketing campaigns that took him from Dubai to Singapore.
Despite receiving various offers, Ellis remains selective, turning down those that would misrepresent his connection to Smith. He explicitly declined opportunities that could exploit the actor’s image, especially following the 2022 Oscars incident.
A Life-Changing Role
In 2022, Ellis’s career reached new heights when he was chosen to serve as a body double in the National Geographic series Pole To Pole, where Smith explores seven continents in 100 days. Traveling to diverse locations such as Botswana and Norway, Ellis prepared scenes in advance of Smith’s arrival.
Eventually, the two crossed paths, with Ellis describing Smith as „very humble and very appreciative“ of his contributions. Their interactions, including a birthday wish from the actor, solidified a bond rooted in mutual respect.
A Moment of Gratitude
On the last day of filming, Ellis seized the opportunity to thank Smith personally. He expressed his long-held appreciation for being an inspiration throughout his life, prompting a heartfelt response from the actor, who called the lookalike’s work „genius“ and embraced him warmly.
Ellis also humorously noted that if both were to perform a show together, it would „shut down the internet.“ Despite this brush with fame, he continues his day job as a Tube driver, insisting, „I’m going to keep doing this until I don’t look like him or all my hair falls out.“ With aspirations to work with Smith again, he remains connected to the production teams he met during his global adventures.
