Actor Jaalen Best believes Muhammad Ali’s greatest lesson for younger generations goes beyond boxing, championship titles, and fame. In an exclusive interview with Baller Alert, the actor portraying the legendary boxer in Prime Video’s new series “The Greatest” explained why understanding Ali as a human being is just as important as celebrating his accomplishments.
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When asked what he hopes younger viewers take away from watching Ali’s story, Best encouraged them to look beyond the image of a seemingly untouchable icon.“The things that really spoke out to me, you know, and that I think will be helpful for the younger generation is to really think of Muhammad Ali and how they see them,” Best told Baller Alert.
For decades, Muhammad Ali has been remembered as one of the most influential athletes in history. His confidence, incredible boxing skills, and willingness to stand up for his beliefs helped make him a global figure whose impact extended far beyond the ring.
But Best wants viewers to recognize that behind the famous personality was a young man navigating family relationships, personal challenges, and the same imperfections that people experience today.
Describing Ali, Best said, “He’s a larger-than-life figure who seems so untouchable,” before explaining the importance of humanizing him.
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Through “The Greatest,” audiences get a closer look at the person behind the legendary name. The eight-episode series follows Ali’s early years as Cassius Clay, exploring his journey from a promising young boxer to a heavyweight champion while examining the people and experiences that shaped him.
For Jaalen Best, one of the most powerful lessons is that greatness doesn’t require someone to be perfect or come from perfect circumstances.
“We possess the same qualities,” Best said, describing the potential for ordinary people to pursue something meaningful beyond themselves.
He also acknowledged that Ali faced personal difficulties and came from a family with imperfections of its own. Despite those challenges, Best identified love as a central part of the boxer’s story.
“Love was the common denominator,” he explained.
Best’s perspective challenges the idea that extraordinary people live completely different lives from everyone else. Even someone as celebrated as Ali had difficult moments, complicated relationships, and personal lessons to learn.
“He made mistakes,” Best said, emphasizing the humanity behind Ali’s legacy.
The actor believes recognizing those imperfections can make Ali’s accomplishments feel more achievable to younger audiences who may be figuring out their own identities, ambitions, and purpose.
His message also connects with another recent Baller Alert exclusive featuring his co-star Kai Parham, who portrays Ali’s younger brother, Rudy Clay, later known as Rahaman Ali.
During that interview, Parham was similarly asked what he hoped his generation would learn from watching “The Greatest.” His response focused on the responsibility that comes with having a voice, particularly in today’s social media environment.
Parham explained that younger generations have unprecedented access to platforms where they can share their opinions instantly. He hopes Ali’s story encourages people to think more carefully about their words, recognize their influence, and understand that what they say can affect others.
While Parham emphasized the power of speaking with intention, Best focused on the possibility of achieving greatness despite human imperfections. Both actors see lessons in Ali’s life that extend beyond his boxing accomplishments.
“The Greatest” also stars Omari Hardwick as Ali’s father, Cassius Clay Sr., Dana Gourrier as his mother, Odessa Clay, and Michael Ealy as Malcolm X. The series was created by Ben Watkins, with Ali’s widow, Lonnie Ali, serving as an executive producer.
For Best, bringing Ali’s story to a new generation means showing that his legacy was built through more than physical talent or public recognition. His relationships, personal growth, convictions, and ability to push forward all contributed to the man the world remembers.
“To be able to still, you know, possess greatness and to live for something much larger than yourself is obtainable,” Best said.
It’s a lesson he hopes viewers carry with them long after watching the series: A person can have flaws, make mistakes, and still accomplish something extraordinary.
All eight episodes of “The Greatest” are now streaming on Prime Video.
