The Cast of Ali: Will Smith, Jamie Foxx, Jon Voight

Float like a butterfly and sting like a bee.

Released on December 10, 2001
Drama

In the captivating biographical sports drama 'Ali', directed by acclaimed filmmaker Michael Mann, we are introduced to a dynamic cast of characters who bring the iconic story of Muhammad Ali to life. The film boasts an exceptional performance by Will Smith in the lead role as Muhammad Ali, formerly known as Cassius Clay, and is complemented by a powerful portrayal of Drew 'Bundini' Brown by Jamie Foxx.

The movie is primarily set in the pivotal year of 1964 when a bold and brash 22-year-old professional boxer, Cassius Clay, emerges onto the scene with unapologetic confidence and an infectious spirit. Fresh from his Olympic gold medal victory, Clay immediately makes his presence known as he dares to defy societal norms and break free from the stereotypical image of African Americans in sports. With a masterful blend of swagger and charisma, Clay declares himself the greatest boxer of all time, forever redefining the role of race, religion, and politics in the world of sports.

As Ali dominates within the boxing ring, his personal and professional lives face tremendous challenges that test both his mental and physical resilience. His conversion to Islam, subsequently changing his name to Muhammad Ali, ignites controversy and challenges the status quo. Meanwhile, his romantic entanglements add further complexity to his life, as he navigates relationships, love, and heartache. Ali's refusal to serve in the Vietnam War due to his religious beliefs leads to a bitter legal battle that soon threatens his boxing career and upends his entire world. In the face of these mounting pressures, the audience is left in anticipation, wondering if Ali will emerge victorious or succumb to the overwhelming forces set against him.

Full Cast of Ali

Will Smith

as Muhammad Ali / Cassius Clay

Willard Carroll Smith II (born September 25, 1968) is an American actor and rapper. Known for variety of roles, Smith...

Jamie Foxx

as Drew 'Bundini' Brown

Eric Marlon Bishop (born December 13, 1967), professionally known as Jamie Foxx, is an American actor, singer-songwri...

Jon Voight

as Howard Cosell

Jonathan Vincent "Jon" Voight is an American actor. He has received an Academy Award, out of four nominations, and th...

Mario Van Peebles

as Malcolm X

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Mario "Chip" Cain Van Peebles (born January 15, 1957) is an American director...

Ron Silver

as Angelo Dundee

Jeffrey Wright

as Howard Bingham

Jeffrey Wright (born December 7, 1965) is an American actor. He is well known for his Tony, Golden Globe and Emmy win...

Mykelti Williamson

as Don King

Michael T. 'Mykelti' Williamson (born March 4, 1957) is an American actor best known for his role as Benjamin Buford ...

Jada Pinkett Smith

as Sonji Roi

Jada Koren Pinkett Smith is an American actress, singer-songwriter, and businesswoman. She began her career in 1990, ...

Joe Morton is an American stage, television, and film actor. He is best known for his Emmy awarded role as Eli Pope i...

Paul Rodríguez

as Dr. Ferdie Pacheco

Bruce McGill

as Bradley

Bruce Travis McGill (born July 11, 1950) is an American actor who has an extensive list of credits in film and televi...

Barry Shabaka Henley

as Herbert Muhammad

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Barry Shabaka Henley (born Barry Joseph Henley; September 15, 1954) is an Ame...

Giancarlo Esposito

as Cassius Clay, Sr.

Giancarlo Giuseppe Alessandro Esposito (born April 26, 1958) is an American actor. He is best known for portraying Gu...

Laurence Mason

as Luis Sarria

Laurence Mason is an American stage, film and television actor. He is best known for his roles as Lord Nikon in the 1...

LeVar Burton

as Martin Luther King, Jr.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Levardis Robert Martyn Burton, Jr. (born February 16, 1957, height 5' 7" (1,7...

Albert Hall

as Elijah Muhammad

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Albert P. Hall (born November 10, 1937) is an American actor. Born in Bright...

David Cubitt

as Robert Lipsyte

David Cubitt was born on March 18, 1965 and is currently 59 years old.

Ted Levine

as Joe Smiley

Frank Theodore "Ted" Levine (born May 29, 1957) is an American actor. He is known for his roles as Buffalo Bill in Th...

Candy Ann Brown

as Odessa

Shari Watson

as Woman Singer

Malick Bowens

as Joseph Mobutu

Michael Bentt

as Sonny Liston

James Toney

as 'Smokin' Joe Frazier

Charles Shufford

as George Foreman

Rufus Dorsey

as Floyd Paterson

David Haines

as Rudy Clay / Rahaman Ali

Victoria Dillard

as Betty Shabazz

Brad Greenquist

as Marlin Thomas

Brad Greenquist was born on October 8, 1959 and is currently 65 years old.

Maestro Harrell

as Young Cassius Clay

Maestro Harrell was born on July 29, 1991 and is currently 33 years old.

Kim Robillard

as Jimmy Cannon

David Purdham

as Madison Square Garden Announcer

Gailard Sartain

as Gordon Davidson

Graduated from the University of Tulsa with a BFA. A successful illustrator, Sartain's artistic credits range from re...

Wade Williams

as Lieutenant Jerome Claridge

Wade Williams is an American actor, best known for his role as Brad Bellick in Prison Break.

Guy Van Swearingen

as Induction FBI Man

Marc Grapey

as Bob Arum

Marc Grapey was born on April 5, 1964. He is an actor.

Eddie Bo Smith Jr.

as Malcolm's Bodyguard

Alexandra Bokyun Chun

as Asian Cosmetologist

Alexandra Bokyun Chun was born on February 11, 1967 and is currently 57 years old.

John Gleeson Connolly

as Assistant Director

Jack Reiss

as Referee Arthur Mercante

Chico Benymon

as Hampton House Announcer

Ronald A. DiNicola

as Prosecutor

Steven Randazzo

as Reporter

Ray Bokhour

as Reporter

Leonard Termo

as Madison Square Garden Reporter

Leonard Termo (March 6, 1935 – October 30, 2012) was an American character actor whose numerous film and television r...

Johnny Ortiz

as Madison Square Garden Reporter

Reginald Footman

as Harlem Neighbor

Christian Stolte

as Miami Cop

Christian Stolte is an American actor known for his starring role as Randall 'Mouch' McHolland on NBC's Chicago Fire....

Carol Hatchett

as Pointer Sister

Graham Hopkins

as London Banker

Daniel Janks

as CIA Man

Michael Dorn

as Black Pilot

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Michael Dorn (born December 9, 1952, height 6' 2½" (1,89 m)) is an American a...

Graham Clarke

as Reporter in Zaire

Ron Madoff

as Cameraman (uncredited)

Deborah Smith Ford

as Party Guest (uncredited)

Donald Dowd

as News Reporter (uncredited)

Donald Dowd is an American filmmaker with movies that range from independent cinema to mainstream motion pictures. He...

Matisha Baldwin

as Club Patron (uncredited)

Greg Bronson

as Upscale Fight Fan (uncredited)

Greg Bronson (September 2, 1954 – January 7, 2017) was an American actor.

Lionel D. Carson

as Dr. King's Driver (uncredited)

Ralph Cole Jr.

as Harlem Resident (uncredited)

Vincent De Paul

as Roving Reporter (uncredited)

Vincent De Paul (born September 2, 1968) is an American actor and model.

Trish Dempsey

as Diplomat's Wife (uncredited)

Richard Fitzpatrick

as Sparring Partner (uncredited)

Edward C. Gillow

as Foreman-Frazier Fight Judge (uncredited)

Brandon T. Jackson

as Club Goer (uncredited)

Michael Keyes

as Dumbfounded Spectator (uncredited)

Leon

as Brother 'Joe' (uncredited)

Valentine Miele

as Liston Fight Reporter (uncredited)

Jermaine Montell

as Dancer (uncredited)

John O. Nelson

as Louis Rodriguez (uncredited)

Hunter F. Roberts

as Angry Fight Fan (uncredited)

Sheldon Robins

as Heckler (uncredited)

Prince Shah