interview by JANA LETONJA
Stepping into the shoes of one of the most influential figures in sporting and cultural history is no small undertaking, but Jaalen Best is embracing the challenge with remarkable dedication and determination. The rising actor takes on the iconic role of Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Clay, in Prime Video’s highly anticipated limited series The Greatest, premiering globally on November 4. With Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society and Roc Nation among the production’s creative forces, the series marks a defining moment in Jaalen’s career. As he prepares to introduce his interpretation of Ali to audiences worldwide, he reflects on the responsibility of portraying a cultural icon, the discipline behind his transformation, his own journey in Hollywood, and the importance of authenticity, ambition, and personal style.
You’re stepping into the spotlight with one of the most significant roles a young actor could imagine. Looking back at your journey so far, what first inspired you to pursue acting, and what has kept you motivated along the way?
One of my first inspirations came in 2019, at the end of my junior year, when I auditioned for and landed the lead role in my first musical theatre production, Pocahontas. The process of rehearsing, opening myself up, and allowing myself the freedom to simply play was something I had never experienced before. It was my first acting opportunity, and I had never had so much fun doing something in my life. I grew up as an athlete, so I was familiar with discipline, competition, and the pursuit of excellence. But acting challenged me in a completely different way. It presented obstacles that I had to navigate in real time, and there was an incredible feeling of overcoming them in the moment. That feeling, that high, was something I hadn't experienced in sports in quite the same way.
What keeps me motivated is remembering the little boy I once was. Remembering to remain curious, to keep exploring life, and to live for something greater than myself. I want to tell stories that matter, stories that challenge me to grow mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. As long as I can continue growing through this work, I know I'm on the right path.
Muhammad Ali was known for his extraordinary confidence and unwavering belief in himself. How much do you relate to that mindset, and what role has self-belief played in your own journey as an actor?
I believe one of the strongest parallels between Muhammad Ali and myself is that unwavering belief in who we are and what we're capable of becoming. A big part of why I'm where I am today is that I made a conscious decision to believe in myself, even before I had the evidence to prove that belief right. I truly believe that if I had never had those conversations with myself, if I had never decided that I was capable of more and that there was something greater ahead of me, my life and career might look very different today.
That kind of self-belief isn't just about confidence in the moment. It's about trusting the person you're becoming, especially when the outcome is uncertain. I want to look back 10 or 20 years from now and feel proud not only of what I've accomplished, but of the man I've become along the way. For me, that belief is something I'll continue to carry throughout my life.
top KING AND TUCKFIELD
trousers AMIRI
shoes JIMMY CHOO
Your career is entering a new chapter with a project of this scale and international visibility. How are you navigating the expectations and attention that come with such a defining opportunity?
For me, it comes down to remembering who I am and where I come from. I want to bring that person into every room I walk into. I remind myself that I was born for this, that I prayed for this, and that I have to trust who God has called me to be in this world, far beyond my acting career. Acting is something I do, it's not who I am. Keeping that distinction allows me to stay grounded and remain present in the real world, with the real people and real challenges around me. There's so much more to life than what happens on a screen, and I never want to lose sight of that.
At the end of the day, I can only control what I bring to work. If I show up with intention, give my best every single day, and continue striving to become a better version of myself, then I trust that everything else will unfold as it should.
The Greatest explores Muhammad Ali’s rise from the 1960 Rome Olympics to his first heavyweight world championship in 1964. What fascinated you most about this particular period of his life?
What fascinates me most about this period is the realization that even someone as extraordinary as Muhammad Ali started somewhere. He was once a young man figuring out who he was, facing uncertainty, making mistakes, and working toward something he believed in, just like the rest of us. This series gives us the opportunity to humanize him in a way that makes his journey feel more accessible. Even someone who calls himself "The Greatest" experiences sadness, anger, doubt, adversity, and failure. He has to work, sacrifice, and show up every day just like anyone else.
Through this process, I've come to understand that greatness isn't simply something you claim for yourself. It's something your life has to reflect through your courage, your service to others, and your willingness to sacrifice for what you believe in. That, to me, is what makes this period of his life so compelling.
suit VALENTINO
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shoes JIMMY CHOO
Portraying someone as recognisable and culturally significant as Muhammad Ali comes with enormous responsibility. How did you approach capturing his personality, charisma, and emotional complexity without simply imitating the public figure audiences already know?
Throughout my research, I became deeply fascinated by how one man could transcend generations and become such an enduring cultural force. But at a certain point, my focus shifted. I no longer wanted to simply imitate Muhammad Ali, I wanted to understand him. I wanted to get as close as I could to his experience and imagine what it meant to walk in his shoes. That shift was important because it allowed me to move beyond the public image and connect with the human being underneath it. Rather than focusing solely on reproducing his mannerisms, I began trusting my instincts and allowing my understanding of him to guide me.
Ultimately, that process gave me the freedom to find the character from within, rather than simply trying to recreate someone the world already knows.
When audiences watch The Greatest, what do you hope they discover about Muhammad Ali that goes beyond his legendary achievements inside the boxing ring?
I hope audiences walk away understanding that Ali's story is ultimately a story about possibility. His life shows us what one person can become when they believe in themselves, stand firmly in what they believe in, and have the courage to live that out.
You can't watch Ali's journey without being inspired to think differently about your own. I hope people see beyond the championships and the accolades and recognize the human being who dared to imagine something greater for himself, and what that belief ultimately made possible.
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trousers DOLCE GABBANA
tie vintage
How would you describe your personal aesthetic, and what role does fashion play in expressing your identity and confidence outside of acting?
I would describe my personal aesthetic as timeless. That applies not only to the way I dress, but also to the music I listen to and the way I move through life. I like to feel free, grounded, masculine, and balanced, but there's also a hopeless romantic in me. I'm a man who isn't afraid to express his feelings, to receive love, and to give it.
I'm not particularly interested in chasing trends or changing with the times just to fit in. I think there's something powerful about knowing who you are and allowing that to come through in how you present yourself. For me, style is less about making a statement for other people and more about feeling comfortable in my own skin. When you know yourself and aren't afraid to stand out, that confidence naturally extends beyond fashion and into every part of your life.
Away from acting, what are the things that inspire you most? Are there particular artists, musicians, films, or personal experiences that have shaped the person you are today?
Outside of acting, I'm adventurous and love to travel. I live in Hawai’i, so I'm drawn to tropical environments and spending time in nature. The beach, surfing, and playing sports are all big parts of my life. I play beach volleyball, tennis, and basketball whenever I can.
I also play a little baritone ukulele for fun, and I love jazz music, especially anything with a saxophone. There's something about that sound that really speaks to me. I'm also a fan of long drives, reading, and learning about history. I'm always curious about the world and the people who came before us. I think a lot of my inspiration comes from simply experiencing life, whether that's being out in nature, discovering a new place, learning something I didn't know before, or spending time doing the things that keep me connected to myself.
coat THEO
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shorts SOORATTI
shoes MANOLO BLAHNIK
With The Greatest introducing you to an international audience, what kinds of characters, genres, or creative collaborations would you love to explore next?
I'm still discovering what that looks like for me, and I think that's part of the excitement. What I know for certain is that I love telling important stories, particularly stories that feel real, honest, and deeply grounded in the human experience.
I love the opportunity to transform as an actor, to step outside of myself and inhabit a life that is completely different from my own. I'm always looking for ways to challenge myself, discover something new, and continue getting better at the craft. I'm open to different genres, different kinds of characters, and collaborating with people who challenge the way I think and create. More than anything, I'm excited about the longevity of this career and the possibility of continuing to grow through the stories I tell and the people I meet along the way.
jacket and trousers THEO
shirt ARMANI
shoes MAISON MARGIELA
Muhammad Ali famously built his legacy around the belief that greatness begins with courage and conviction. As you stand at the beginning of this exciting new chapter, what does greatness mean to you personally, and what kind of impact do you hope to make through your work?
I think greatness begins with the decision to believe in yourself, even before the world gives you a reason to. That's something I've learned from Muhammad Ali, but it's also something I've tried to live by in my own life. For me, greatness is having the courage to stand in your truth, the discipline to keep working toward what you believe in, and the humility to understand that it's never just about you. Through my work, I hope to tell stories that move people, challenge perspectives, and remind us of our shared humanity. Ultimately, I want the work I leave behind to mean something long after I'm no longer the person standing in front of the camera.
top SOORATTI
trousers DOLCE & GABBANA
shoes JIMMY CHOO
TEAM CREDITS:
talent JAALEN BEST
photographer JESSE VOLK
stylist TIFFANY BRISENO at THE ONLY AGENCY
groomer JANICE KINJO at MADE ARTISTS AGENCY using KIEHLS & THERABODY DEPUFFING WAND
hair JOSHUA PARIS
styling assistant KARLA GARCIA
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial director & interview JANA LETONJA
