Mon Jan 19 03:40:00 UTC 2026: Headline: London Tube Driver, Turned Will Smith Lookalike, Meets His Idol on Set of National Geographic Series

The Story:
Shad Ellis, a 47-year-old London Underground train driver, has spent nearly three decades working as a Will Smith lookalike and tribute artist. His uncanny resemblance to the actor, first noticed in 1997 when Men in Black posters adorned the London tube, led him to a career performing at corporate events, weddings, and even magazine covers. Ellis’s unique path culminated in a personal meeting with Will Smith himself on the set of National Geographic’s “Pole to Pole,” where Ellis served as a body double.

Ellis and Smith finally met on the beaches of Papua New Guinea, where Ellis took the opportunity to express his gratitude to Smith for unknowingly shaping his life. Smith responded with genuine appreciation, even joking about the disruption they would cause if he were to join Ellis in one of his tribute performances. Despite his brush with fame, Ellis continues to work as a train driver, finding contentment in his unique dual career.

Key Points:

  • Shad Ellis, a London tube driver, has worked as a Will Smith lookalike since 1997.
  • Ellis was hired as a body double for Will Smith in the National Geographic series “Pole to Pole,” filmed across seven continents.
  • The two men met on a remote beach in Papua New Guinea, where Ellis expressed his gratitude to Smith.
  • Smith praised Ellis’s work and joked about joining him on stage during a performance.
  • Ellis continues to work as a train driver despite his success as a Will Smith lookalike.
  • Ellis turned down work after the Chris Rock slap in 2022 in order to protect the Will Smith brand.

Key Takeaways:

  • Unforeseen opportunities can arise from unexpected sources, as demonstrated by Ellis’s career as a lookalike.
  • The power of gratitude and personal connection, even between strangers, can create meaningful moments.
  • Maintaining a balanced life with diverse pursuits can provide fulfillment.
  • Protecting brands and having a moral compass can lead to opportunity.
  • Being humble and showing gratitude can lead to positive outcomes.

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