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Ann Waymire
Harvard Foundation Communications
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Robert Mitchell
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Jada Pinkett-Smith
Named the 2005 Artist of the Year at Harvard
Cambridge, Mass. - February 23, 2005 - Distinguished actor and singer Jada Pinkett-Smith has been named the 2005 Artist of the Year by the Harvard Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations of Harvard University. Pinkett-Smith, the unanimous choice of the selection committee, will be awarded the Foundation's most prestigious medal at Harvard's annual Cultural Rhythms ceremony on Sat., Feb. 26, 2005 in Sanders Auditorium on the Harvard campus.
"We are thrilled that Jada Pinkett-Smith will be the guest of honor at Harvard to receive this very special recognition," said Harvard College Dean Benedict Gross, Leverett Professor of Mathematics. "Because of her superb artistic work in film and music, and her humanitarian efforts in youth education and family welfare nationally and internationally, Harvard is proud to honor her achievements and acknowledge her fine example."
Pinkett-Smith is one of the premier talents in the entertainment industry today. Her recent film credits include the box-office hits The Matrix trilogy, Collateral, and The Nutty Professor. Off screen, her career endeavors include producer, and touring as lead singer of the popular R&B rock fusion band Wicked Wisdom.
A native of Baltimore, Pinkett-Smith studied acting and dance at the Baltimore School of Arts and the North Carolina School of the Arts. Her big break came when she landed a role on the long-running NBC series A Different World, directed by dancer and actress, Debbie Allen.
Pinkett-Smith and her husband Will Smith are the creators and executive producers of All of Us, UPN's hit television show that is heading into its second successful season. Her numerous television credits include appearances on The Late Show With David Letterman, This Morning, Primetime Live, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, and Tavis Smiley. She has been nominated for several awards including outstanding supporting actress in a motion picture for the award-winning Matrix Revolutions, Collateral and Ali.
Pinkett-Smith is passionate about her work in communities where she and her husband focus on community development and underprivileged youth through The Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation, as well as significant charitable work to support and aid suffering children and families in South Africa. Their Foundation funds charitable organizations in Baltimore, Philadelphia, and other cities nationwide
"Jada Pinkett-Smith is one of the most gifted talents in American performing arts today," said Dr. Allen Counter, director of the Harvard Foundation. "In addition to her brilliant acting accomplishments, she is also an enlightened and compassionate supporter of social and educational programs for youth and families at risk. She has been for many years one of the most widely admired television and film artists in America, and an inspiration for young people of all backgrounds. Everyone loves Jada."
The Harvard Foundation, Harvard's pre-eminent center for intercultural arts and sciences initiatives, honors the nation's most acclaimed artists and scientists each year. The Harvard Foundation's Artist of the Year award bears the signatures of Harvard's President and the Dean of Harvard College and Harvard Foundation Director Dr. S. Allen Counter. Previous Artist of the Year recipients have included Denzel Washington, Andy Garcia, Will Smith, Matt Damon, Jimmy Smits, Jackie Chan, Queen Latifah and Halle Berry.
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