Will Smith is in London for the celebration of Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday, as well as for the promotion of his upcoming movie, “Hancock.”  In an interview with the BBC, he discussed his support Barack Obama for President, and compared him to Nelson Mandela.  This story serves to illustrate the continuing convergence of Barack Obama’s historic campaign with celebrity, pop culture and, in this case, a Nobel Laureate, revered stateman and living legend.

He chooses carefully the people he gives his support to, with Obama one of the few people who falls into that category.

Smith goes as far as to compare him to one of the great political figures of the last 50 years.

 Nelson Mandela in London, June 26, 2008 (Photo credit: Getty Images)

‘Pretty good judge’

“Nelson Mandela is kind of the one person I’ve said yes to. And Barack Obama was probably only the second person that I’ve really to this level said yes to.

“And that’s because I believe I what he believes in.

[…]

“Individuals have to decide what they want to do,” he says.

“I think I’m a pretty good judge if someone’s a good person. So I just lend my support to people that I believe are good people.”

Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, June 3, 2008, as Obama becomes the presumptive Democratic nominee (Photo credit: Reuters)

He is not the only Hollywood star in the Hancock cast who feels this way.

South African-born Charlize Theron, who can vote in the US for the first time this year, is also a big supporter.

Charlize Theron and Will Smith at the Hancock Moscow premiere, June 19, 2008 (Photo credit: Getty Images)

“I’m very excited because what a really historical moment to be voting this year with someone like Barack Obama in the running.

“He’s my man, definitely. Whatever happens [I’ve] just been really, really inspired by him.”

Source: Will Smith gives backing to Obama

Top photo, Will Smith in London, June 26, 2008 (Photo credit: Getty Images)

See related posts:

• Photos: Nelson Mandela 90th Birthday Dinner in London Brings Out the Stars
• Video: Will Smith on “The Today Show” 6-23-08
• Video: Will Smith on “The Colbert Report” 6-24-08
• Video: Will Smith on “Late Show with David Letterman” 6-23-08
• Photos: “Hancock” Moscow Premiere, Will Smith, Charlize Theron 6-19-08
• Photos: “Hancock” Paris Premiere, Will Smith, Charlize Theron 6-16-08
• Photos: “Hancock” UK Premiere, Will Smith, Charlize Theron 6-18-08
• Video: Will Smith’s New “Hancock” Trailer and Behind the Scenes Interviews
• Video: Will Smith on The Ellen DeGeneres Show 5-26-08
• Video: New TV Spots and Scene from “Hancock”

Will Smith, in London, Compares Barack Obama to Nelson Mandela