Subscribe

* indicates required
Okayplayer News

To continue reading

Create a free account or sign in to unlock more free articles.

By continuing, you agree to the Terms of Service and acknowledge our Privacy Policy

Mahershala Ali's Dream Role Is To Play Marvin Gaye
Mahershala Ali's Dream Role Is To Play Marvin Gaye

Mahershala Ali's Dream Role — To Play Marvin Gaye

Mahershala Ali's Dream Role Is To Play Marvin Gaye

Mahershala Ali has become a much more recognized name recently, thanks to his contributions in films such as Moonlight and Hidden Figures (as well as his portrayal of Cornell Cottonmouth in Luke Cage). But there is one particular person Ali hopes to play at some point in his career that he considers a dream role — Marvin Gaye.

In an interview with the Associated Press, when asked about his desire to portray the iconic singer, Ali said:

"I would love to be able to connect with the family about that and, first and foremost, to have their blessing. Because that would be a dream role. I am such a fan and admirer of Marvin Gaye: the man and the musician and the artist...I would love dearly to do that project and bring some aspect of Marvin Gaye's life to the screen and to assist and participate in that. That would be a dream come true."

Such a portrayal would be a sight to see, especially considering no one has taken on a biopic about Gaye.

Also in the interview Ali talks about fatherhood. The actor announced back in December that he, and wife Amatus Sami-Karim, were expecting their first child.

"Having a child requires you to nest, to be in your home, and to create and make your home and environment that is one that is potentially very welcoming and nurturing for a child," Ali said. "...The pregnancy has been a real anchor for me to be able to check in."

At this year's Screen Actors Guild Awards, Ali won the award for Male Actor in a Supporting Role for his performance as Juan in Moonlight. Upon taking the stage to accept his award, he also used his role to speak about the importance of acceptance for others.

"What I learned from Moonlight is, we see what happens when we persecute people: they fold into themselves," Ali said. "What I was so grateful about, in having the opportunity to play Juan, was playing a gentleman who saw a young man folding into himself as a result of the persecution from his community. Taking that opportunity to tell him that he mattered, and that he was OK, and accept him. I hope that we do a better job of that."