Mahershala Ali

Mahershala Ali, celebrated for his roles in “Moonlight” and “Green Book,” initially pursued a career on the basketball court. He stood tall at St. Mary’s College as a six-foot-three Division I guard.

Despite his athletic potential, Ali discovered a passion for acting, particularly drawn to the world of Shakespearean theatre. This passion, coupled with the demanding sports culture and a personal loss, ultimately led him to leave basketball behind. Ali’s decision to transition to acting proved to be a golden one. He has earned critical acclaim, including two Oscars for Best Supporting Actor. Furthermore, his performances in “Moonlight” and “Green Book” helped the movies win Best Picture at the Oscars.