Mahershala Ali Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters | GQ

Mahershala Ali breaks down his most iconic characters, including his roles in 'Moonlight,' 'Green Book,' 'True Detective,' 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button' and 'Swan Song.'
“Swan Song,” starring and produced by two-time Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali, is out now in theaters and available globally on Apple TV+
Still haven’t subscribed to GQ on KZbin? ►► bit.ly/2iij5wt
Subscribe to GQ magazine and get rare swag: bit.ly/2xNBH3i
Join the GQ Discord to talk men's fashion, watches, and more: / discord
ABOUT GQ
For more than 50 years, GQ has been the premier men’s magazine, providing definitive coverage of style, culture, politics and more. In that tradition, GQ’s video channel covers every part of a man’s life, from entertainment and sports to fashion and grooming advice. Welcome to the modern guide to style advice, dating tips, celebrity videos, music, sports and more.
/ gqvideos

[@tangerinesarebetterthanora7060]

It's a shame how low the view count is on this video compared to most of the other breakdown videos. He's one of the best actors around.

[@bosk129]

I was thinking the same thing

[@OJrB100]

Wait til blade comes out

[@libbiehorn3546]

Stop and look at how there are almost none of these videos of women actors. I’ve seen two.

[@tangerinesarebetterthanora7060]

@@libbiehorn3546 to be fair gq is a magazine that was designed for men.

[@abigailgarcia3090]

@@OJrB100 omg is he playing blade!?! 😍

[@hunterhawk5400]

His role in moonlight moved me in so many ways probably one of my favorite movies ever made

[@kareem2457]

Oh yeah for sure but green book was just breath taking

[@frankywilliam8073]

Unbelievably underrated actor

[@Cocolatine1111]

Well he does have 2 Oscars ;)

[@ftuT]

I wouldn't say that. 2 oscars, many lead and supporting roles, an upcoming MCU project in the lead. He doesn't seem interested in doing many big budget blockbusters.

[@frankywilliam8073]

Good points

[@hklegomaster]

First Muslim to win two Oscars

[@hectorhusselby2504]

Wtf he aint underrated his like an A list actor 😂

[@yuniorreyes.130]

I don’t think the producers knew how good Mahershala was gonna be on Luke Cage season 1. But I’m happy he’s blade now.

[@MrJeter32]

Yea his character was killed off too soon, I think he could have made for a great villain for at least 3 or 4 seasons.

[@RustyX2010]

Yes he was a good tragic villain that was killed off way too son in the series

[@georgefotisdramesiotis9061]

Luckily his character was killed not causing to many problems now that he is blade

[@JonahIsrael]

Man cottonmouth made the first season

[@Christ_club]

Hes gonna crush it as BLADE.

[@BD-zs5zd]

"Are you sure you're ready for that Mr. Whitman?"

[@obmarte3803]

Disagree. He's too soft-edged. But, I'll take it.

[@djuanbenjamin9149]

He gave me Blade vibes in Alita Battle Angel.

[@obmarte3803]

@@djuanbenjamin9149 Ew. I'm sorry you saw that.

[@kharideal62]

@@obmarte3803 soft edged? He played cottonmouth on Luke cage

[@mypal1990]

The most down to earth actor to ever grace the screen. He's such a humble guy.

[@2gatsuuga]

I LOVE his voice. Can’t wait to see him as Blade. He’s going to kill it. Fantastic casting.

[@cusescholar3582]

His performance as Juan was a masterclass in subtlety.

[@stefjames95]

This is my first time hearing his natural voice. After watching green book and his persona and voice in that role, I’m so shocked! Phenomenal performance as Dr Shirley!

[@bobbyomari5500]

Love Mahershala... such a talented and kind human being. One of the best actors of our generation right now. He was excellent in Rami and Moonlight was one of my favorite films I've seen. Such an impactful actor.

[@jazminsapienza5123]

In order to pay him the attention that he deserves I first had to get over the outfit. The stylist CRUSHED it. Mahershala breathing life onto pink. Having said that.. what a wonderful person.

[@josepha133]

I don't think it's a stylist's doing, I think Mahershala actually just has an insane fashion sense.

[@candyapu3]

He should’ve gotten the Emmy for True Detective

[@newagain9964]

I don’t care about awards. But he he was stellar in that role.

[@TheRamsberg]

Yes!!!

[@MalibongweNombande]

His perfomance on Luke Cage was amazing. Great actor!

[@Trashious12345]

There is a grace to his roles that I do not think can be replicated by anyone else.

[@BobbyKeim]

Mahershala Ali is so completely under-rated. This man's ability is taken for granted, BECAUSE he absolutely disappears into his character to such a degree, it's completely overlooked. And to top it off, he's just such a cool laid-back dude. Someone you'd really like to sit down and knock back a few with, and uniquely would be down-to-Earth enough to appreciate the interaction.

[@xDJCORRUPTx]

U can tell he loves what he does for a living

[@lickmyloafbruh]

And now he’s to play Blade. I’m super hyped.

[@nathanbaumer2224]

No rami? That was one of my favorite roles of his.

[@Cocolatine1111]

Yes! This comment! His character made me realize he is a true force to be reckoned with

[@Partizan145]

One of the most underrated actors

[@Chris24_]

He’s a 2 time Oscar winner 😂

[@Partizan145]

@@Chris24_ that's right. He doesn't get talked enough

[@Chris24_]

@@Partizan145 I think that’s cause he isn’t a “movie star” per say(this will change when Blade comes out) but he’s definitely one of the most celebrated actors of this generation.

[@missVmilne]

Such a joy to have his processes and insights, challenges, goals and triumphs explained so frankly is wonderful. Thank you for sharing such a compelling talent.

[@muireannmc1056]

He seems so humble and thoughtful what a wonderful actor and man

[@keithwoodcrest]

Man, I did not realize how many productions this man was a part of that I was a fan of. The 4400? Benjamin Button? I really need to go back and watch these again.

[@avengedsevenfold998]

man, pink looks so good on dark skin tones.

[@Christ_club]

Him and Yahya Abdul Mateen are slowly becoming my favorites.

[@kaschmir3]

Same! I'm especially looking forward to Abdul Mateen's future

[@Antwannnn]

dont forget lakeith stanfield!

[@tlars515]

@@Antwannnn dude is absolutely crushing it

[@michelenichele294]

Mahershala Ali one of the greatest actors of our time! 🤗👏🤸🏼💝

[@myajt]

He has a soothing voice.

[@roberthart6117]

Watching this man act in Green Book with Viggo Mortensen was such an experience 🔥

[@Djaybird]

His performance in season 3 of True Detective is criminally underrated, as is season 3 imo.

[@EarPlugTV]

Incredible talent, humble and kind person on top of it.

[@zimfefetanda6913]

Moonlight is one of the best stories I have ever seen in film 😭

[@arifiandyarifian5150]

he is really calm and humble

[@kim3221]

I just finished his season of True Detective and I knew I had to find an interview of him talking about this role. He disappeared in Wayne! Absolutely blown away by him.

[@BabyPlease00]

This is a beautiful black man.

[@DMalltheway]

He was amazing in True Detective and House of Cards, and also The Place Beyond the Pines!

[@gabriel.visita]

He's a tremendous actor. Will be reminded for being one of the greatest in the Future.

[@_all_around_us]

He was so good in the role I stopped watching Luke Cage when they killed his character

[@blonded5299]

_moonlight_ & _green book_ are crazy good movies.

[@kareem2457]

Probably an easy top 50 movies all time in the future. Green book was so good

[@staciegibson6863]

He is so passionate about what he does! I love and appreciate that passion, that's what makes him the best!

[@tontonj97]

he’s gonna be an icon oh my god

[@guidoguido2245]

Hearing him talk about acting is on par with hearing Tarantino talk about directing, only less hyperactive. You can practically feel the passion ooze out of the screen.

[@ckelly6313]

He makes my heart happy. Most beautiful eyes

[@samanthal133]

One of the best actors around, my bf gets super excited when we see his name in films or series.

[@drlamonicajames]

This is my Muslim husband. I love him to pieces. Such an amazing actor!!!!

[@mariahgunn7101]

Such a brilliant, talented and beautiful actor. Love watching him on tv and hearing him speak

[@gartacusthebold715]

S3 of True Detective is a masterpiece imo. I am so excited to see this man as Blade!!!

[@walidathomas2605]

This was really great! I enjoyed watching and listening. I was actually intrigued by this interview.

[@ZaidSalaria]

He was perfect in The Green Book

[@tombystander]

Thank u for true detective season 3. Absolutely crushed it sir

[@um52]

Best actor of the past decade. Pure talent. He’ll certainly win more awards.

[@florennietingz314]

no cause the way i'm obsessed with him! LOVE ME SIR! PLS

[@AngryAsianOG]

He was actually great in the 4400 and was one of the best characters… probably was channeling his grandfather as his character was a Korean War pilot… underrated for actor for sure

[@ljthirtyfiver]

Moonlight was actually why I didn’t catch on to this amazing actor at first. Until I saw his other roles . Now when I see him I watch

[@tonylancer7367]

Mahershala Ali, Lakeith Stanfield and Yahya Abdul Mateen in one movie is what I ask, please and thank you.

[@desfoley6335]

There's a man who has the aura of a middle aged man when he's on screen and then energy and vitality of a man in his late 20's off screen. Great Actor

[@jrodrigocsilva]

Never clicked on something this fast! 🔥🔥

[@theo.rsmrvlo]

Everytime he played in a movie, the movie was great

[@daddyrauc57]

My favourite actor, so versatile

[@darkapocalypse653]

This guy is such a good actor🔥

[@global_tummy1394]

I LOVE his voice, ever since i've seen him in Green Book as Dr Shirley and I've been so obsessed with him ❤❤

[@bekofie2714]

His performance in Green Book is phenomenal

[@Froxdj]

Love to this actor!! The green book is one of my favourite films!! He's awesome and such a cool dude!!!

[@Capellaism]

I love and admire this guy, he's such a great Actor. If I am to choose a favorite movie he's done, it will be Green Book

[@MultiJames236]

Viggo should have gotten the Oscar

[@user-zo5zf5km4q]

Love him he is like Oscar man 😍

[@darkapocalypse653]

Great actor and a great man❤

[@alstarspass]

One of my favorite actors working right now👏🏾

[@sleepdeprived7780]

I can’t believe Mahershali Ali made a movie with David Fincher… absolute legendary duo. I hope they do more collaborations.

[@oken6325]

Just watched Swan Song, the apple movie. He is up there amongst the best of the best. Hope he gets the mass recognition he deserves while he is still in his prime.

[@jackieo.8719]

adore this man. forever and always.

[@SRKIM-gz9wp]

I really like Mahershala! [ Moonlight ] & [ Green Book ] is the best!

[@sebastianreyes4839]

I love him so much. Cottonmouth and blade

[@soufian2733]

Cast him as the Emperor in Dune Part Two

[@mpistana]

he is the most talented actor out there. incredible!

[@rju8411]

Beautiful guy 😍

[@josephj1973]

I thought the way he sounded in House of Cards and True Detective was his real voice lol. Great actor

[@chanelhenderson8460]

Excellent actor one of my faves

[@AB-gn5yl]

that Cameron pink going hard

[@DetectiveTrupo203]

Range look like Laffy taffy

[@peterzwegat5380]

Green Book is such a great piece!

[@jackwitcombe765]

Incredible actor. He will kill it as blade.

[@Turk_39_]

Love this guy.. fr ‼️

[@KellyK387]

Love him Never heard of him before green book but he’s one of the greats

[@ozzyisthirsty8105]

He's just fantastic

[@Silvercharm5555]

He was great in Green book, and of course in my favorite film of all time The curious case of Benjamin Button he is a phenomenal actor !

[@koladedavid7393]

Swan Song was beautiful

[@NikhilSharma-ul8ur]

I'm so excited to see what he does with Blade!!!!!

[@jamesmarie]

Swan Song Swan Song Swan Song so beautiful.

[@liemaj]

Legend. Future blade🔥🔥

[@shawnthompson940]

THIS MAN!!! 😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@jenday1231]

How is this the best, most empathetic, most thought out behind the character that I have ever seen? By far… I feel like I’ve grown just watching this. He has a new mega fan!

[@harjisinghmalhotra6627]

His most iconic?! This man's whole career is iconic! Pick any character...

[@YouCallThataKnife253]

What a charming man

[@steve_santiago]

He crushed it on House of Cards.

[@samg7712]

Legendary

[@damaniqphillip2756]

Awesome

[@maxdondada]

Amazing actor I've been a fan since House of Cards.

[@helgageraldine513]

I hope Mahershala and Viggo do another movie together. Their chemistry in green book was amazing and they formed genuine friendship while making this movie as well.

[@KatieKamala]

Very intelligent actor devoted to his craft.

[@geoafe66]

Great actor

[@UltraNurture]

He’s a great actor! He’s gonna play Blade wonderfully!

[@ZaidSalaria]

He is so phenomenal in the green book

[@PJ20091000]

Marshall Ali is Denzel Washington and James Earl Jones if they fused together

[@TerenceThomas-vd4rl]

I'd say Denzel , Wesley and hint of Paul Robenson , he was a division 1 baller and rapper named Prince Ali