Muhammad Ali is one of the best-known and most indelible figures of the 20th century, a three-time heavyweight boxing champion who captivated millions of fans throughout the world with his mesmerizing combination of speed, grace and power in the ring, and charm and playful boasting outside of it. Ali insisted on being himself unconditionally and became a global icon and inspiration.
Don’t miss the upcoming program, City of Ali, and check out this archive of documentaries, interviews and clips about Ali.
Champion of Service: Celebrating Muhammad Ali
In recognition of his 80th birthday, PBS Books, USA TODAY and the Muhammad Ali Center will present “Champion of Service: Celebrating Muhammad Ali,” a live virtual event at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022, on the PBS Books Facebook page.
Stream All Episodes of Muhammad Ali on Passport
Q&A with the Muhammad Ali Filmmakers
Read an exclusive question-and-answer session with filmmakers Sarah Burns and David McMahon.
Connections: Filmmaker Sarah Burns
Renee Shaw talks with filmmaker Sarah Burns about her new documentary Muhammad Ali, a six-year project that offers viewers a multifaceted look at Louisville’s most famous son who went on to become heavyweight champion of the world as well as one of the world’s most charismatic and controversial figures.
Muhammad Ali: A Kentucky Conversation
This event featured a panel discussion moderated by KET’s Renee Shaw, reflecting on Ali’s life and impact. Guests included Carlos Dixon (professional boxer), Alice and Wade Houston (HJI Supply Chain Solutions), and Tori Murden McClure (Spalding University).
The Muhammad Ali filmmakers also shared their excitement about the documentary.
City of Ali instructional videos explore Muhammad Ali’s life story
City of Ali — which explores Ali’s relationship with Louisville, his hometown — is the source for a new series of videos and instructional materials examining how people are shaped by their communities.
The collection is aimed at students in grades 6-12 and includes instructional materials created by two former language-arts teachers in the Jefferson County Public School system.
Stream These Clips and Conversations about Ali
Conversations on Ali: Ali, Celebrity & the Modern Athlete
This hour-long discussion with Ken Burns and special guests features clips from the four-part series, Muhammad Ali.
Conversations on Ali: Ali on the World’s Stage
This hour-long discussion with Ken Burns and special guests features clips from the four-part series, Muhammad Ali.
Conversations on Ali: Ali, Race & Religion
This hour-long discussion with Ken Burns and special guests features clips from the four-part series, Muhammad Ali.
Conversations on Ali: Ali the Man
This hour-long discussion with Ken Burns and special guests features clips from the four-part series, Muhammad Ali.
Connections: “The Ali Center’s Donald Lassere”
Renee discusses Ali’s life and career with Donald Lassere, the president and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center.
In Their Own Words: Muhammad Ali
Follow Ali’s path from a gym in Louisville to his inspirational appearance at the Atlanta Olympics.
Kentucky Collectibles clip: Frazier/Ali Gloves
Check out this appraisal of boxing gloves with some very famous signatures on them.
Louisville Life: 21c, Ali Center, Vintage Fire, and more
In this episode of Louisville Life, learn more about the Muhammad Ali Center.
Louisville Life: Muhammad Ali Tribute
In June 2016, Louisville memorialized Muhammad Ali. KET caught a number of special moments.
Louisville Life: Rudell Stitch – Sparring with “The Greatest”
In this episode of Louisville Life, watch a profile of Rudell Stitch who sparred with Ali in the 60s.
Louisville’s Own Ali
This film explores the life of Muhammad Ali from the perspective of his hometown.
One to One clip: Pearse Lyons on Muhammad Ali
Pearse Lyons talks to host Bill Goodman about the influence of Muhammad Ali.
Corporate funding for MUHAMMAD ALI was provided by Bank of America. Major funding was provided by David M. Rubenstein. Major funding was also provided by The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and by The Better Angels Society and by its members Alan and Marcia Docter; Mr. and Mrs. Paul Tudor Jones; The Fullerton Family Charitable Fund; Gilchrist and Amy Berg; The Brooke Brown Barzun Philanthropic Foundation, The Owsley Brown III Philanthropic Foundation and The Augusta Brown Holland Philanthropic Foundation; Perry and Donna Golkin; John and Leslie McQuown; John and Catherine Debs; Fred and Donna Seigel; Susan and John Wieland; Stuart and Joanna Brown; Diane and Hal Brierley; Fiddlehead Fund; Rocco and Debby Landesman; McCloskey Family Charitable Trust; Mauree Jane and Mark Perry; and Donna and Richard Strong. And by viewers like you.
Muhammad Ali Premiere Week sponsors include Alltech, Brooke Brown Barzun, Owsley Brown III, and Augusta Brown Holland, Cave Hill Cemetery, Nana Lampton, McBrayer PLCC, Steve & Amy Trager, and the University of Louisville. Presentation underwriters for the Muhammad Ali series are Alltech, Kentucky Historical Society and the Kentucky Lottery.