Will Smith goes bungee jumping in the Grand Canyon to celebrate his 50th birthday

‘This is some of the most beautiful stuff I’ve ever seen in my life,’ the actor says as he dangles from a helicopter

If there’s anyone in the world who’s going to use their 50th birthday to demonstrate just how bold, daring and adventurous they are, it’s Will Smith.

He could have taken his family out for a delicious meal or hosted an intimate dinner party for close friends to celebrate having spent half a century on earth.

But no, in true 'Big Willie Style', Smith decided to take his birthday celebrations to literal new heights by bungee jumping from a helicopter into the Grand Canyon.

Smith had every detail of the jump filmed, from the moments leading up to his jump in the helicopter to the reactions of the anxious onlookers on the ground below.

Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith, his children Trey, Jaden and Willow Smith and his close friend and former Fresh Prince co-star Alfonso Ribeiro were among the spectators watching his every move.

Smith’s decision to go bungee jumping for his 50th birthday all began with a simple challenge that was put forward to the actor earlier this year.

In February, a company called Yes Theory posted a video on YouTube titled: “Will Smith… We challenge you.”

Will Smith prepares to bungee jump for his 50th birthday (YouTube/Will Smith)

In the video, the company issued a challenge to the actor to partake in a heli bungee jump, a form of bungee jumping that involves jumping from a helicopter (as the name suggests).

They said that they had chosen Smith as the subject of their challenge due to his status as a “positive and motivational role model” that has “inspired millions” for years.

“We have one of the best pilots in the US on board and would love nothing more than to share such an amazing experience with you,” they wrote in the video description.

Seven months later, and their challenge was officially carried out by the two-time Academy Award nominee.

In the video of the bungee jump posted on Will Smith’s YouTube channel, he can be seen looking visibly nervous as the helicopter rises into the air with the actor perched on the side.

At one point during the ascent Smith looks down at the ground far below, something that he regrets doing almost immediately.

Will Smith described the view as 'gorgeous' as he dangled from a helicopter in the Grand Canyon (YouTube/Will Smith)

“Never look down!” he repeatedly shouts at the camera. Duly noted.

The moment of truth arrives at long last. After being counted down from five, Smith leaps backwards into the canyon below.

The actor’s family and friends cheer from the sidelines as he drops down and then swiftly springs back up.

“This is gorgeous,” Smith says as he takes in the vast view before him and blows kisses at his loved ones.

“This is some of the most beautiful stuff I’ve ever seen in my life. This is gorgeous, beautiful.

“Goes from pure terror to absolute bliss.”

Smith later posted a photo on Instagram of himself and three members of Yes Theory, captioning the picture: “Six months in the making."