Ali (1942-2016) was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky and began training as an amateur boxer at age 12. At 18, he won a gold medal in the light heavyweight division at the 1960 Summer Olympics.

He was born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. and in 1964 he changed his name to Cassius X, soon after his fight and win over Sonny Liston. Then when he converted to Islam and became a Muslim he changed it again to Muhammad Ali.

Outside the ring, Ali attained success as a musician, where he received two Grammy nominations. He also was a writer, releasing two autobiographies. In retirement he focused on religion and charity. In 1984, he made public his diagnosis of Parkinson's syndrome, which some reports attribute to his boxing-relating injuries.

He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and is one of only 3 boxers to be named 'Sportsman of the Year' by 'Sports Illustrated'. In 1999, 'Time' magazine named Ali one of the '100 Most Important People of the 20th Century'. In 2001, he was presented with the 'Presidential Citizens Medal' by President Bill Clinton. Four years later, he received the 'Presidential Medal of Freedom' from President George W. Bush.

One final award from the entertainment industry is his inclusion on the 'Hollywood Walk of Fame'. His star is the only one to be mounted on a vertical surface, out of deference to his request that the name Mohammed- a name he shares with the Islamic prophet- not be walked upon.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org