​From Broadway to Pro Wrestling: 5 Facts About Muhammad Ali You Probably Didn't Know

Anthony Faccenda​

Widely considered the greatest heavyweight boxer in history, Muhammad Ali accomplished many feats in and out of the ring in his 74 years. Aside from his boxing accomplishments--like capturing the heavyweight title three times--Ali was also regarded as an activist, humanitarian, and a devout Muslim.

Despite what's widely known of the former boxing champ, who passed away on Friday at the age of 74, here are five facts about Muhammad Ali that you might not be aware of.

​5. He recorded an album

In addition to being a knockout artist, Muhammad Ali tried his hand as a recording artist in 1963. Recorded for Epic Records, Ali's album I Am The Greatest included a cover of "Stand By Me" and a track called "The Gang's All Here," which was produced by pioneering soul singer Sam Cooke.

Released under his birth name Cassius Clay, the album was released 6 months before Ali defeated Sonny Liston to win his first heavyweight title.

​Interestingly, the songs on the album are listed as "rounds" rather than tracks.

​4. He starred in a period drama

Ali appeared as himself in many films and television series during and after his boxing career, but in 1979, Ali starred alongside Kris Kristofferson in his only dramatic acting role. Based on a true story, Freedom Road, tells the story of an ex-slave (Ali) who gets elected to the United States Senate and tries to bring political order and equality to the post-Civil War South.

Ali also starred as himself in a dramatized autobiographical film entitled The Greatest. In addition to film, Ali appeared as himself in countless television shows including Diff'rent Strokes and Vega$.

3. His persona was inspired by professional wrestling

Ali was not afraid to play a villain throughout his professional boxing career. One of the most eloquent trash talkers in sports history, Ali drew inspiration from one of wrestling's most famous heels Gorgeous George.
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"I saw fifteen thousand people coming to see this man get beat, and his talking did it," said Ali. "I said, this is a goo-o-o-d idea!"  Ali would later credit George for his own art of self promotion and earn the fitting nickname the "Louisville Lip."

​2. He was related to four US Presidents

Believe it or not, Ali was related to four US Presidents thanks to his Anglo-Saxon descent. In addition to being related to Presidents William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, Zachary Taylor, and Benjamin Harrision, Ali also shared lineage with military greats like Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee and Gen. George S. Patton.

In addition to prominent figures of US history, Ali was also related to actors Glenn Close, Laura Dern, and Hilary Duff.

1. He starred in a Broadway musical 
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However brief it may have been, Ali starred in the title role of the musical Buck White in 1969. Ali appeared in the musical during his 43-month hiatus from boxing in which he was banned for refusing to be inducted into the U.S. Army.

Despite closing after just four nights, Ali earned praise for his performance. "He sings with a pleasant slightly impersonal voice, acts without embarrassment and moves with innate dignity," wrote a New York Times reviewer Clive Barnes.