Musician, producer and occasional actor William Adams, better known through his stage name will.i.am, was born on March 15, 1975 in Los Angeles, California. He is best known as the founder and frontman of hip-hop group Black Eyed Peas, which he founded with other members apl.de.ap and Taboo in 1995. While wide success eluded them in their early years, they were getting some attention from critics (one of their songs was nominated for an Oscar) and listeners alike. Only in 2003 did they break out with the album Elephunk; with new member Fergie, the group, and their two later albums went on to have major success on the charts, as well as critically—they went on to win three Grammys and be nominated for seven more.

Outside the group, will.i.am worked as a record producer, working on BEP albums, as well as collaborations with artists such as Cheryl Cole, Estelle, Justin Timberlake, Flo Rida, Nicole Scherzinger and Alexandra Burke. He’s also used his music as a means to express his political views: he is one of the most vocal supporters of Barack Obama, and he composed songs in support of his successful presidential campaign.

Beyond music, will.i.am is also involved in fashion, having studied at the Fashion Institute of Design and Marketing before he explored his music career. He released his own fashion line, i.am, in 2005, as well as designing outfits for the Black Eyed Peas.

will.i.am made his acting debut in 2005, appearing in an episode of Joan of Arcadia. He made his film debut in 2008, voicing a character in Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa; it was followed by a supporting role in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. (Most of his prior screen appearances were with the Black Eyes Peas, often performing a song.)