London Tube Driver's Journey as Will Smith's Lookalike
Shad Ellis, a London Underground driver, has built a parallel career as a Will Smith lookalike and tribute artist over nearly three decades.
In 1997, while working as a station assistant at Shadwell station in East London, commuters began noting Shad Ellis's striking resemblance to actor Will Smith. Encouraged by a stranger to explore lookalike work, Ellis submitted photos to an agency and soon secured his first job on the cover of an electrical magazine.
Over the years, Ellis expanded his repertoire to include performances as a tribute artist, singing Smith's hits like "Miami" at various events. His work has taken him to locations such as Dubai and Singapore for magazine covers and marketing campaigns. He remains selective about his engagements, declining offers that could be seen as disrespectful to Smith's brand.
In 2022, Ellis was hired as Smith's body double for the National Geographic series "Pole to Pole," traveling to countries including Botswana, Norway, and Papua New Guinea to assist with shot preparations. During filming, he met Smith, who expressed appreciation for Ellis's work. On the final day of shooting, Ellis conveyed his gratitude to Smith for the opportunities his resemblance had provided.
Despite his international experiences, Ellis continues his role as a driver on the London Underground, balancing his regular job with his work as a lookalike and tribute artist.
