The highly anticipated scripted series on the life of Muhammad Ali by Amazon Prime Video has recently added two more regular cast members. According to Variety, Omari Hardwick and Dana Gourrier will be joining “The Greatest,” marking the first authorized scripted series centered on Ali’s life. These two actors will share the screen with the previously announced series lead Jaalen Best.
Hardwick is set to portray Ali’s father, Cassius “Cash” Clay Sr., while Gourrier will take on the role of Ali’s mother, Odessa “Bird” Clay. The official description of the series promises an intimate exploration of Muhammad Ali’s extraordinary life, delving into the triumphs and tribulations that made him a legend both inside and outside the boxing ring. While the world remembers Ali as an icon, “The Greatest” aims to reveal the man behind the fame—a husband, a father, a brother, and a son.
Omari Hardwick is widely recognized for his starring role in the acclaimed Starz series “Power,” where he portrayed James “Ghost” St. Patrick throughout the show’s six-season run. His television credits also include “Pieces of Her,” while his film roles span projects such as “The Mother,” “Fantasy Football,” and “Army of the Dead.” He is represented by UTA.
Dana Gourrier, known for her appearances in television series like “Interview with the Vampire,” “P-Valley,” and “Evil,” as well as in films such as “The Butler,” “The Hateful Eight,” and “Django Unchained,” will bring her talent to the portrayal of Ali’s mother. She is represented by Paradigm and Principal Entertainment LA.
“The Greatest” will be led by executive producer and showrunner Ben Watkins, under his Blue Monday banner. Michael B. Jordan will also serve as an executive producer on behalf of Outlier Society, with Elizabeth Raposo, Outlier’s president, joining as an executive producer. Lonnie Ali, the widow of Muhammad Ali, along with Corey Salter, Marc Rosen, and Matthew Gross from Authentic Brand Group, will also serve as executive producers on the series. Additional executive producers will include Roc Nation; Michele Anthony, Boyd Muir, and co-executive producer David Blackman for Polygram; as well as Josh Wakely through his Grace: A Storytelling Company. Stefano Agosto, executive vice president of television at Outlier Society, will oversee the project for the company.
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