Mahershala Ali

Cast

Born

February 16, 1974 · Oakland, California, USA

Birth name

Mahershalalhashbaz Gilmore

“Cultures and races are mixing in a very organic way in the world, and that should be reflected in film and television” Mahershala Ali is an American actor known for his versatility in film and television. He studied communication at Saint Mary's College and earned a master's degree in acting from New York University (NYU). He began his career with roles in series such as Crossing Jordan and The 4400, and had a notable appearance in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008). He gained greater recognition playing Remy Danton in House of Cards and Cottonmouth in Luke Cage. He won two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor for Moonlight (2016) and Green Book (2018), becoming the first Muslim actor to receive an Oscar and the first African American actor to win twice in that category. His other credits include The Hunger Games: Mockingjay (2014 and 2015), Hidden Figures (2016), the third season of True Detective, the voice of Aaron Davis in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018), and Leave the World Behind (2023). In addition to his Oscars, he has received several SAG Awards, a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, and an Emmy. Ali converted to Islam in 2000, shortened his professional name, and has spoken publicly about how his faith has influenced his life and career.