Thursday, January 1, 2026
ADVT 
Hollywood

Will Smith to be pallbearer for Muhammad Ali's funeral

Darpan News Desk IANS, 07 Jun, 2016 01:26 PM
  • Will Smith to be pallbearer for Muhammad Ali's funeral
Actor Will Smith and former professional boxer Lennox Lewis have been named as pallbearers at late boxing legend Muhammad Ali's funeral, which will take place on Friday.
 
Smith, who portrayed the boxer in the 2001 film about his life called "Ali", and Lennox will be among the 15,000 people who are expected to attend the funeral service in Louisville, reports express.co.uk. 
 
A spokesman for the Ali family confirmed his cousins John Grady, Jan Wadell, Jerry Ellis, nephew Ibn Ali, former brother-in-law Kowali Ali, boxer Jimmy Ellis and family friend John Ramsay will also be pallbearers.
 
Ali, a three-time world heavyweight champion, died in hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, on June 3. He was 74.
 
His funeral at the KFC Yum! Centre in Louisville, will be open to the public. Those who unable to attend will be able to watch the service online.
 
It will be preceded by a Jenazah -- an Islamic funeral prayer programme -- which will also be open to the public at the Freedom Hall, where Ali made his professional debut with a victory over Tunney Hunsaker in 1960.
 
Speaking about the service, family spokesman Bob Gunnell said: "Everything that we are doing here was blessed by Muhammad Ali, and was requested. 
 
"He wanted the memorial service to reflect his life, and how he lived. He wanted everyone to be able to attend. He was the people's champ, and he wanted the memorial service to reflect that." 

MORE Hollywood ARTICLES

Caitlyn Jenner Talks About Her Transition, Reese Witherspoon Says Ambition Isn't A Dirty Word

Caitlyn Jenner Talks About Her Transition, Reese Witherspoon Says Ambition Isn't A Dirty Word
Caitlyn Jenner took the stage at Glamour magazine's Women of the Year awards and told an admiring crowd that the six months since she came out as a woman have been "the most eye-opening experience of my life."

Caitlyn Jenner Talks About Her Transition, Reese Witherspoon Says Ambition Isn't A Dirty Word

Woody Allen Called Me Awful: Cate Blanchett

Woody Allen Called Me Awful: Cate Blanchett
Actress Cate Blanchett said that her "Blue Jasmine" director Woody Allen told her she was "awful" while working together.

Woody Allen Called Me Awful: Cate Blanchett

'Spectre' Mints Nearly $300 Million Since Release

'Spectre' Mints Nearly $300 Million Since Release
In the US, the film dominated the box office by taking in $73 million for the weekend. 

'Spectre' Mints Nearly $300 Million Since Release

Tiger Shroff's 'inspiring' act at Akshay's Kudo Tournament

Action star Akshay Kumar has thanked "Heropanti" actor Tiger Shroff for not only attending his Kudo Tournament, but also inspiring others with his talent.

Tiger Shroff's 'inspiring' act at Akshay's Kudo Tournament

Oprah Winfrey defends Kardashians, Jenners

Talk show queen Oprah Winfrey has expressed disagreement with people who put down the Jenner-Kardashian family for being "famous for nothing".

Oprah Winfrey defends Kardashians, Jenners

Big B Praises Cyrus Broacha For Funny Antics

Big B Praises Cyrus Broacha For Funny Antics
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan says he admires the “spontaneity” of Bollywood's funny man Cyrus Broacha and lauds him for spreading smiles.

Big B Praises Cyrus Broacha For Funny Antics