Laila Ali once revealed how and why she admired Will Smith playing the role of her father in the 2016 movie Ali.

“I was surprised” &#8211; Muhammad Ali’s Daughter Laila Ali Once Revealed What She Felt About Will Smith Playing the Boxer in the 2001 Movie &#8216;Ali&#8217;

When Will Smith told the story of Muhammad Ali in his movie, Ali, it was none
other than the boxer’s daughter who praised him. Ali is considered to be one of
the greatest sportsmen and certainly the greatest boxer of all time. Gaining not
only a fan following but also respect from around the world, he was a character
so intense that must have been a challenge to portray even for Smith.

Ali turned out to be a big success, but the cherry on top was getting praised by
the legend’s family members.


HOW LAILA ALI SAW WILL SMITH PLAYING HER FATHER IN ALI

While fans have seen and admired Ali from a distance, his daughter Laila Ali
perhaps knows him the best. So when she was asked about Smith playing her
father’s role, she revealed how happy the retired boxer was to see the film. “I
was surprised that he did so well,” she said after watching the movie. She also
admitted to getting so engrossed in the movie that she would even forget that it
was not her own father but an actor playing the part.



When the boxing legend passed away in June 2016, the actor participated in the
funeral by being the pallbearer. She believed that the film and the Ali name
will always remain a part of Smith’s life. The American TV personality wanted
everyone to hear her father’s story through time. With the movie, he now remains
eternal and can be introduced to new generations.

ALSO READ: “Will became a fighter” – When Michael Man Transformed Will Smith
Into a Convincing Boxer In ‘Ali’
[https://netflixjunkie.com/netflix-news-will-became-a-fighter-when-michael-man-transformed-will-smith-into-a-convincing-boxer-in-ali/]

Now, fitting the long and amazing life of Ali in one movie is not possible. But
here is a look at the general plot of the movie.


HOW ALI SUCCEEDED WITH AN AMAZING STORYLINE

The movie primarily focused on the highlighted decade of Ali’s life. His birth
name was Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., before he converted to Islam. His criticism
of the Vietnam War and his struggle for both personal and social justice were
highlighted with intensity and perfection throughout the movie.



Will Smith got nominated
[https://netflixjunkie.com/netflix-news-throwback-to-will-smith-addressing-diversity-in-oscar-nominations-and-winning-awards/]
for the 74th Academy Award for his role. Although he did not win that one, the
Outstanding Actor Award of NAACP Image Awards went to him. Considering the heavy
amount spent on the movie, Universal Studios faced a loss of $100 million. But
for fans and Ali’s lovers, it was a success.

ALSO READ: “I am a human viagra”- When Will Smith Revealed What It Felt Like to
Train for His Movie ‘Ali’
[https://netflixjunkie.com/netflix-news-i-am-a-human-viagra-when-will-smith-revealed-what-it-felt-like-to-train-for-his-movie-ali/]

What did you think of Laila Ali’s thoughts on Smith’s portrayal of her father?
Put your thoughts in the comments.

Neha Subhash

Comment

“I was surprised” &#8211; Muhammad Ali’s Daughter Laila Ali Once Revealed What She Felt About Will Smith Playing the Boxer in the 2001 Movie &#8216;Ali&#8217; - Netflix Junkie

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Neha Ghag is a prime-time entertainment writer for Netflix Junkie, who has written nearly 1000 articles, immersing herself in pop culture. Writing was not her first choice, but she has now found solace in unraveling the fascinating stories of public figures' personal and professional lives. Neha is a fan of classic hip-hop and psycho thrillers, and she can talk endlessly about Kanye West. Her contribution to NJ's live coverage of big events such as Oscars 2023 has been invaluable. Neha firmly believes in the art of storytelling and aspires to become a renowned columnist. When she's not writing, she indulges in her love for travel and exploring new places.

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“I was surprised” &#8211; Muhammad Ali’s Daughter Laila Ali Once Revealed What She Felt About Will Smith Playing the Boxer in the 2001 Movie &#8216;Ali&#8217; - netflix-junkie

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<p>When Will Smith told the story of Muhammad Ali in his movie, Ali, it was none other than the boxer&#8217;s daughter who praised him. Ali is considered to be one of the greatest sportsmen and certainly the greatest boxer of all time. Gaining not only a fan following but also respect from around the world, he was a character so intense that must have been a challenge to portray even for Smith.</p>
<p><em>Ali</em> turned out to be a big success, but the cherry on top was <strong>getting praised by the legend&#8217;s family members</strong>.</p>
<h2>How Laila Ali saw Will Smith playing her father in Ali</h2>
<p>While fans have seen and admired Ali from a distance, his daughter Laila Ali perhaps knows him the best. So when she was asked about Smith playing her father&#8217;s role, she revealed how happy the retired boxer was to see the film<em>. &#8220;I was surprised that he did so well,</em>&#8221; she said after watching the movie. <strong>She also admitted to getting so engrossed in the movie that she would even forget that it was not her own father</strong> but an actor playing the part.</p>
<div class="flex-video widescreen youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="EXCLUSIVE: Laila Ali Reflects on Bond With Dad, Muhammad: &#039;I Was Touched By an Angel&#039;" width="1170" height="658" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-xmIVqaqBko?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>When the boxing legend passed away in June 2016, the actor participated in the funeral by being the pallbearer. She believed that the film and the Ali name will always remain a part of Smith&#8217;s life. The American TV personality wanted everyone to hear her father&#8217;s story through time. With the movie, he now remains eternal and can be introduced to new generations.</p>
<p><strong>ALSO READ: </strong><a href="https://netflixjunkie.com/netflix-news-will-became-a-fighter-when-michael-man-transformed-will-smith-into-a-convincing-boxer-in-ali/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“Will became a fighter” – When Michael Man Transformed Will Smith Into a Convincing Boxer In ‘Ali’</a></p>
<p>Now, fitting the long and amazing life of <em>Ali</em> in one movie is not possible. But here is a look at the general plot of the movie.</p>
<h2>How Ali succeeded with an amazing storyline</h2>
<p>The movie primarily focused on the highlighted decade of Ali&#8217;s life. His birth name was Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., before he converted to Islam. His criticism of the Vietnam War and his struggle for both personal and social justice were highlighted with intensity and perfection throughout the movie.</p>
<div class="flex-video widescreen youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="ALI Trailer" width="1170" height="658" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/STuHQ5HpmEE?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p><a href="https://netflixjunkie.com/netflix-news-throwback-to-will-smith-addressing-diversity-in-oscar-nominations-and-winning-awards/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Will Smith got nominated</a> for the 74th Academy Award for his role. Although he did not win that one, the Outstanding Actor Award of NAACP Image Awards went to him. Considering the heavy amount spent on the movie, Universal Studios faced a loss of $100 million. But for fans and Ali&#8217;s lovers, it was a success.</p>
<p><strong>ALSO READ</strong>: <a href="https://netflixjunkie.com/netflix-news-i-am-a-human-viagra-when-will-smith-revealed-what-it-felt-like-to-train-for-his-movie-ali/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“I am a human viagra”- When Will Smith Revealed What It Felt Like to Train for His Movie ‘Ali’</a></p>
<p>What did you think of Laila Ali&#8217;s thoughts on Smith&#8217;s portrayal of her father? Put your thoughts in the comments.</p>


“I am a human viagra”- When Will Smith Revealed What It Felt Like to Train for
His Movie ‘Ali’

“Will became a fighter” – When Michael Man Transformed Will Smith Into a
Convincing Boxer In ‘Ali’

Will Smith at 19th Annual Hollywood Film Awards

<p>BEVERLY HILLS, CA &#8211; NOVEMBER 01:  Actor Will Smith attends the 19th Annual Hollywood Film Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on November 1, 2015 in Beverly Hills, California.  (Photo by Mark Davis/Getty Images)</p>


19th Annual Hollywood Film Awards &#8211; Arrivals

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“I was surprised” - Muhammad Ali’s Daughter Laila Ali Once Revealed What She Felt About Will Smith Playing the Boxer in the 2001 Movie &#039;Ali&#039; - Netflix Junkie

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“I was surprised” – Muhammad Ali’s Daughter Laila Ali Once Revealed What She Felt About Will Smith Playing the Boxer in the 2001 Movie ‘Ali’

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