Mahershala Ali is an American actor known for his powerful performances in film and television. He was born on February 16, 1974, in Oakland, California. Ali gained widespread recognition for his roles in Moonlight and Green Book, both of which earned him Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor. In addition to his film work, Ali has also made a significant impact on television, notably starring in the first season of True Detective. His talent and versatility have made him one of the most respected actors in the industry today.