High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Pursuit of Happyness is a 2006 American biographical drama film based on Chris Gardner`s nearly one-year struggle with homelessness. Directed by Gabriele Muccino, the film features Will Smith as Gardner, an on-and-off-homeless salesman-turned stockbroker. Smith`s real-life son Jaden Smith co-stars, making his film debut as Gardner`s son Christopher Jr.