Will Smith, who earned an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Muhammad Ali in director Michael Mann‘s 2001 biopic, recalled the legacy of the boxing legend last December just months before his death on Friday at age 74.
“When we think about the legacy of Muhammad Ali, what he did in the ring is not what we think about,” the actor said at a ceremony for Sports Illustrated’s Sportsperson of the Year award on December 16, 2015.
“What I learned about the word ‘legacy’ is that it extends far beyond our professional accomplishments, it extends far beyond accolades,” Smith said.
“Muhammad Ali is a champion for civil rights, he’s a champion in the fight against injustice, he’s a champion for utilizing whatever tools he has to make the world a better place,” he added.
“I have a very unique connection with the champ,” he noted. “We all know the stats, we know the records inside the ring. There’s no doubt that he was a great boxer, he was the greatest of all time.”
The actor noted the lengths to which he went for his memorable onscreen performance for than a decade ago. “For nearly two years, I worked to transform myself into the man who changed his name from Cassius Clay into Muhammad Ali and shook up the world,” he said.
“I got to wear Muhammad Ali’s greatness. I got to study and feel and embody the soul of the man, from the foundations of Islam and the strength of his Muslim faith in his life to the beautiful wake he always leaves in his magnificent path,” he added.
Muhammad Ali's 11 Most Memorable TV Appearances (Videos)
Muhammad Ali appeared on British talk show host Michael Parkinson's show four times. His first visit was in 1971, where he famously asked "Why is Jesus white?" Ali was one of the first black celebrities to openly debate race.
Ali visited "The Tonight Show" in 1972 to promote his match with Bob Foster. He ended up charming Johnny Carson, demonstrating his wit was as fast as his fists.
Ali returned to Parkinson's show in 1974, where he again articulated his thoughts on race and religion. Decades later, Parkinson would remember Ali his most "remarkable" guest.
Ali surprised Sylvester Stallone during the 1976 Oscars, even jokingly boxing with the "Rocky" star.
Ali was visibly surprised (and emotional) when he was the subject of the BBC hit "This Is Your Life," which featured appearances by Tom Jones, his parents, and Joe Frazier in 1978.
Ali showed off his comedic chops in 1979 episode of "Diff'rent Strokes," where he granted a (non)-dying Arnold his final wish.
Mike Tyson surprised Ali on "The Arsenio Hall Show" and paid homage to the heavyweight in 1989.
Ali lit the Olympic torch during the Opening Ceremony of the 1996 Summer Games. His shaking was due to his Parkinson's, which he was diagnosed with in 1984.
During the 1996 Olympics, Ali was awarded a replacement gold medal for the one he lost from the 1960 Games of Rome from IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch.
Ali appeared on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" in 2000, saying he was humbled by Will Smith's portrayal of him on the big screen.
Ali reunited with Will Smith shortly after 9/11 to share the message about Islam and non-violence.
1 of 11
The boxer proved he could verbally spar with some of the greatest talk-show hosts
Muhammad Ali appeared on British talk show host Michael Parkinson's show four times. His first visit was in 1971, where he famously asked "Why is Jesus white?" Ali was one of the first black celebrities to openly debate race.
