Will Smith celebrates his 50th birthday by bungee jumping out of helicopter over the Grand Canyon

Will Smith has celebrated his 50^th birthday by bungee jumping out of a helicopter hovering over the Grand Canyon.

The stunt was live-streamed on Tuesday via the actor's Youtube page.

He was watched by his wife and children Jayden, Trey and Willow who looked nervous as the helicopter hovered above the world wonder.

It took some time for the actor to leap out of the helicopter after a perhaps bad decision to have a sneaky peak at the drop below.

After a countdown from five, Smith leapt out of the helicopter and plummeted towards the ground.

As he flew through the air he could be seen cheering and waving to onlookers.

After the jump he said: “I am not going to be able to articulate it thoroughly right now but here's a real relationship between freedom and joy. There's an idea bubbling in my mind, as fear as a cage, fear actually traps you.

"My father passed just little over a year ago and there's something about the confrontation with death that makes you live life more freely. The freedom to just be and do who and what you are is absolutely exhilarating."

He added: "Life is hard. You might get hurt. Your heart might get broken. You might lose your job. But you've still got to commit."

The stunt was in partnership with Omaze, Global Citizen and Youtube and aimed to raise awareness and money for Education Cannot Wait.

Donations will go towards the organisation's education campaigns to help youth who are in desperate need of support.

Smith is undeniably one of the industry's most well-known household names, with almost everyone attempting to rap the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air theme tune at some point during their youth.

The actor, rapper, comedian and songwriter has earned himself four Grammy Awards and been nominated for five Golden Globes and two Academy Awards.