onApril 21, 2019
Mahershala Ali has faced a challenging life journey. Living as a Black man in America is far from easy, given the persistent racism there. He was born Mahershalalhasbaz Gilmore—a name derived from the Bible—to a Christian minister mother. Another factor adding complexity to his career as an actor is his faith: he is a Muslim. A spiritual calling led him to convert to Islam and join the Ahmadiyya Community in 2000. This year, *Time* magazine named him one of the "100 Most Influential People of 2019." He holds the distinction of being the first Black actor to win two Oscars in the same category, and his acting prowess is increasingly acclaimed. For years, Mahershala primarily landed minor or supporting roles. His work spans various films and television series, including *Moonlight* (2016), *House of Cards*, *Luke Cage* (2016), *Alita: Battle Angel* (2019), *The Hunger Games: Mockingjay*, *The Curious Case of Benjamin Button* (2008), and *Predators*. He earned a bachelor's degree in mass communication before pursuing a master's degree in acting. Beyond the screen, Mahershala has been active in theater and has even ventured into the world of rap music. Despite not always playing the lead and facing a long struggle to gain recognition for his talent, Mahershala has successfully won two Oscars. The first was for his role in *Moonlight*, playing a criminal who becomes a father figure to a young gay boy. He expressed gratitude for the role, hoping it would encourage self-reflection and inspire people to treat one another with greater kindness; he believes no one should be judged negatively based on their sexual orientation. Mahershala secured his second Oscar following his acclaimed performance in the true-story-based film *Green Book* (2018), in which he portrayed the Black pianist Don Shirley. The role of Don Shirley truly put Mahershala’s acting abilities to the test. Shirley is depicted as a deeply complex individual who holds his dignity in high regard. As a Black man who was not "Black enough" to be accepted by his own community—yet not part of the white world—Don Shirley seemed to have lost his sense of identity. Furthermore, his sexual orientation made him a target for criminalization. He struggled to define who he was; he had no family and lived in isolation, while the clients who hired him to perform often looked down on him because of his race. In one particular scene, Don Shirley stepped out of his shell; shedding his haughty and rigid demeanor, he revealed a vulnerable, lonely side. Mahershala’s performance in *Green Book* was truly Oscar-worthy.
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Categories: America, COUNCIL ON AMERICAN ISLAMIC RELATION, Muslims, United States, USA