Smith backs Obama for president

Updated 22.45 Sat Jan 12 2008

Actor Will Smith has pledged his support for presidential hopeful Barack Obama.

The star said he and his actress wife Jada Pinkett Smith were backing Obama after having "extensive conversations" with the Democrat nomination candidate.

Smith spoke out while promoting his new movie I Am Legend in Mexico

Smith spoke out while promoting his new movie I Am Legend in Mexico.

He described Barack, who is taking on Hillary Clinton in a bid to stand for the White House, as "a great man".

The actor told reporters the dream of a black president was "part of what makes America great".

He added: "I think that it is a beautiful time for America."

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