James Lassiter

James Lassiter is an American film producer known for works like the American horror film, I Am Legend (2007), science fiction film, I Robot (2004) and The Pursuit OfHappyness (2006). He is also actor Will Smith “Getting’ Jiggy With It!” This his own song releas >> Read More... ’s long-time business partner. James Lassiter grew up in West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and attended the Overbrook High School. This was the high school that Smith went to, but they hadn’t known each other back then since Smith was a freshman and Lassiter was already a senior at that point. 

After passing out high school, Lassiter also attended the Temple University in Philadelphia and the University of Miami. He had initially planned to be a lawyer and was about to become one until one day when he met his long-time pal Jeffrey ‘Jazzy Jeff’ Townes who was at that time, part of a rap duo called “DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince” with Will Smith. It was through Townes that Lassiter had befriended Smith and at that time since they were on the lookout for a manager, Lassiter took the job. Together they worked for nearly two decades. Before becoming Will Smith’s business partner, Lassiter had toiled briefly with other companies including Handprint and The Firm.

In 1997, Lassiter became the Executive Producer for Booty Call directed by Jeff Pollack. It was also the same year that Lassiter and Smith formed their company, Overbrook Entertainment named after the high school attended. Overbrook Entertainment has produced over twenty films including the 2005 Romantic-Comedy, Hitch directed by Andy Tennant and the 2006 drama film, ATL. Lassiter was also the producer of the film, The Pursuit Of Happyness, an American biographical drama film inspired by entrepreneur Chris Gardner's year long experience living on the streets. It was directed by Gabriele Muccino Gabriele Muccino, born and brought up in Rome, Ita >> Read More... . Will Smith played the protagonist as Gardner and it was also the debut film of Smith’s son, Jaden Smith.

Overbook had previously sought a partnership with Universal Studios to produce films but the outcome wasn’t fruitful, and so the company was handed over to Sony. Will Smith and James Lassiter then decided to market their productions separately to varied overseas market. Apart from producing films, Lassiter likes to unwind by reading non-fictional and historical books. Occasionally, he is known to enjoy some wine and cigars. And he also enjoys playing golf. James Lassiter currently resides with his wife and children in California.