Muhammad Ali changed my life: Will Smith

Hollywood star Will Smith has credited Muhammad Ali with changing his life after portraying the boxing champion in the 2001 biopic Ali.

Hollywood star Will Smith has credited Muhammad Ali with changing his life after portraying the boxing champion in the 2001 biopic Ali.

“You shook up the World! My Mentor & My Friend. You changed my Life. Rest in Peace,” the 47-year-old actor wrote.

Ali died on June 3 at the age of 74, following a 32-year battle with Parkinson’s disease. His passing emerged days after he was admitted to a medical centre in Phoenix, Arizona, for respiratory complications.

Smith, who earned his first ever Oscar nomination for his role as the outspoken sports star in Ali, took to Facebook to honour the man he had come to call a friend.

Read RIP Muhammad Ali: The Greatest films on the boxing legend

“You shook up the World! My Mentor & My Friend. You changed my Life. Rest in Peace,” the 47-year-old actor wrote.

Will Smith played Ali in the 2001 biopic titled Ali. (Facebook)

Smith also shared two photos of himself with the late legend, including one behind-the-scenes shot from the making of Ali.

Muhammad Ali and Will Smith, who was nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal of the boxer in Michael Mann’s Ali. (Facebook)

Read: Liam Neeson fondly remembers his 2 meetings with ‘hero’ Muhammad Ali

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