When you think about Oscar-winning actors, Mahershala Ali stands out—not just for his incredible talent but for his down-to-earth personality. In a world where fame can change people, Mahershala has remained refreshingly humble. A close friend of his exclusively told Closer that Mahershala is building a reputation as one of the most grounded stars in Hollywood. Let me tell you why.
Why Mahershala Ali Stands Out in Hollywood
Here’s the thing about Mahershala: he’s stayed exactly the same person he was before fame hit. According to a source close to the actor, “Mahershala’s personality and the way he lives his life haven’t changed one bit over the last five years, even though he’s become a household name.” This isn’t just talk; it’s his reality. Despite rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, like Julia Roberts and the Obamas, Mahershala continues to live in the same neighborhood he did when he was just starting out. His group of friends hasn’t changed either.
Respect and Humility Define His Career
Here’s the kicker: winning an Oscar hasn’t gone to his head. That’s right, folks. This guy treats everyone with respect, no matter their role. Whether it’s someone running a film set or a server at a local coffee shop, Mahershala gives them the same level of attention and respect. “He’s incredibly open-minded and genuinely values every person he meets,” the source shares. While his humility might not be the sole reason for his success—because let’s face it, the man is an amazing actor—it certainly hasn’t hurt. In fact, it’s probably made it easier for him to collaborate with co-stars and crew members who have larger-than-life personalities.
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Let’s talk about his achievements for a moment. Mahershala has had a stellar career, racking up awards left and right. He’s won an Oscar twice—first for his unforgettable performance in Moonlight in 2017, and then again for Green Book in 2019. On top of that, he’s earned a Golden Globe, an Emmy, and three Screen Actors Guild Awards. Recently, he starred in Netflix’s thriller Leave the World Behind and lent his voice to the animated superhero film Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. And guess what? He’s got even more projects in the works. This guy just keeps going!
Staying Calm Amid Challenges
Even with all his success, Mahershala hasn’t been immune to challenges. Take the Marvel reboot of Blade, for example. It’s been almost five years since he was announced as the lead, and the project has faced its fair share of behind-the-scenes issues. Despite all the setbacks, Mahershala has remained patient and committed. “He’s not someone you can rattle easily,” the source explains. “He’s been incredibly understanding about the delays and changes, and he’s sticking with the project.”
Just recently, the original Blade star, Wesley Snipes, commented on the reboot’s challenges after losing its second director. “Blade, lordylordylordy 👀 folks still lookin for the secret sauce, ridin snowmobiles in traffic, kinda rough,” Wesley, 61, wrote on X on June 15. “Daywalkers make it look easy, don’t they? 😊,” he added, using hashtags like “#DaywalkerKlique,” “#Blade,” and “#Marvel.”
Things haven’t been smooth sailing for the reboot. Earlier this month, it was announced that the second director, Yann Demange, had stepped down from the project. The original director, Bassam Tariq, left in 2022. But Mahershala, now 50, remains optimistic about the film’s future. “We’re working on it. That’s the best I could tell you,” he told Entertainment Weekly in December 2023. “I’m really encouraged with the direction of the project. I think we’ll be back at it relatively soon.”
He went on to say, “I’m sincerely encouraged in terms of where things are at and who’s on board and who’s leading the way as far as the writing of the script and the directing and all that. So that’s the extent of what I can tell you.”
