Who is Mahershala Ali?
Mahershala Ali is a critically acclaimed American actor known for his powerful performances in film and television. He is a two-time Academy Award winner for Best Supporting Actor, making history as the first Muslim actor to win an Oscar and the first Black actor to win two Oscars in the same category. His roles in Moonlight and Green Book cemented his reputation as one of the most versatile and respected actors of his generation.
Mahershala Ali Biography
Born Mahershalalhashbaz Gilmore on February 16, 1974, in Oakland, California, Ali was raised in Hayward by his mother, Willicia Goines, a Christian minister. His father, Phillip Gilmore, was a Broadway actor who left the family when Ali was a toddler. Initially pursuing sports, Ali earned a basketball scholarship to Saint Mary’s College of California, where he later shifted his focus to acting. He earned an MFA from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and began his career in television before transitioning to film.
Mahershala Ali Age
Ali is 51 years old as of 2025.
Mahershala Ali Family
Ali is married to Amatus Sami-Karim, a conceptual artist and musician. The couple has one daughter, Bari Najma Ali, born in 2017. His family life is deeply private, but he often credits his wife and daughter as grounding forces in his life.
Mahershala Ali Net Worth
As of 2025, Mahershala Ali’s estimated net worth is approximately $12.5 million. His wealth stems from his successful acting career, including roles in blockbuster films and critically acclaimed series.
Mahershala Ali Height
Mahershala Ali stands at approximately 6 feet 2 inches (1.87 meters) tall. His commanding presence and stature have contributed to his powerful on-screen performances, especially in roles like Green Book, Moonlight, and True Detective.
Mahershala Ali Birthday
Ali was born on February 16, 1974, in Oakland, California. He celebrates his birthday every year on February 16th, under the zodiac sign Aquarius.
Mahershala Ali Wife
Ali’s wife, Amatus Sami-Karim, is a multi-disciplinary artist with a background in music, theater, and sound design. The couple met while studying at NYU and married in 2013. Sami-Karim has been a strong influence on Ali’s spiritual and artistic journey.
Mahershala Ali Children
Mahershala Ali has one child, a daughter named Bari Najma Ali, born in February 2017. He often shares heartfelt reflections on fatherhood and has posted touching tributes to Bari on social media.
Mahershala Ali Education
Ali graduated from Saint Mary’s College of California in 1996 with a degree in mass communication. He later earned a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts in 2000.
Mahershala Ali Instagram
Mahershala Ali’s Instagram (@mahershalaali) features a mix of personal reflections, artistic collaborations, and tributes to his family. His most liked posts include heartfelt captions and behind-the-scenes glimpses of his life and career.
Mahershala Ali Parents
Ali’s mother, Willicia Goines, is an ordained Christian minister. His father, Phillip Gilmore, was a Broadway actor who passed away in 1994. Ali was raised in a Christian household before converting to Islam as an adult.
Mahershala Ali Siblings
Ali has one sibling, an older sister named Jamila Gilmore, who holds a Ph.D. in sociology and works in academia. Their relationship reflects a shared commitment to intellectual and cultural pursuits.
Mahershala Ali Ethnicity
Mahershala Ali is of African-American and Afro-Caribbean descent. His father had roots in Trinidad and Tobago, and his mother is African-American. This rich heritage has influenced both his personal identity and his artistic expression.
Mahershala Ali Nationality
Mahershala Ali is American. He was born in Oakland, California, and has built a distinguished career in Hollywood, becoming one of the most respected actors of his generation.
Mahershala Ali Birthday
(Repeated heading) Mahershala Ali celebrates his birthday on February 16 each year.
Mahershala Ali Movies
| Title | Release Year | Genre | Role / Recognition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moonlight | 2016 | Drama | Juan – Won Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor |
| Green Book | 2018 | Drama / Biography | Dr. Don Shirley – Won Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor |
| Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse | 2018 | Animation / Superhero | Voice of Aaron Davis |
| Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse | 2023 | Animation / Superhero | Voice of Aaron Davis |
| Leave the World Behind | 2023 | Thriller / Drama | G.H. Scott |
| Eternals | 2021 (voice cameo) | Superhero / Fantasy | Blade (voice cameo) |
| Swan Song | 2021 | Sci-fi / Drama | Cameron Turner |
| Hidden Figures | 2016 | Historical / Drama | Colonel Jim Johnson |
| Free State of Jones | 2016 | War / Historical Drama | Moses |
| The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Pt. 1 | 2014 | Sci-fi / Action | Boggs |
| The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Pt. 2 | 2015 | Sci-fi / Action | Boggs |
| The Place Beyond the Pines | 2012 | Crime / Drama | Kofi |
| The Curious Case of Benjamin Button | 2008 | Fantasy / Drama | Tizzy |
| Alita: Battle Angel | 2019 | Sci-fi / Action | Vector |
| Blade (upcoming) | In development | Superhero / Action | Blade |