An Ali makes own name

Monday, June 19, 2006 | 7:03 a.m.

Her father is "the Greatest of All Time" - the former heavyweight champion of the world, a poetic athlete and spokesman for political and social change. His name defined much of her identity growing up in a Chicago suburb - whether she liked it or not. Her half-sister Laila followed their father's footsteps into the ring.

Now Rasheda Ali, daughter of the legendary Muhammad Ali, is trying to carve her own path toward the limelight.

The 30-something actress moved to Las Vegas almost two years ago with her husband, who is a chef, and their two children. After years of stage and commercial work in the Midwest, she is studying in UNLV's Acting for the Camera program. Professor Nate Bynum helped her land her first feature, "Red Tide Rising," a low-budget horror film directed by Mitchell Cohen, who starred in "Toxic Avenger" and "Clerks."

Before heading to Los Angeles for filming, Ali sat outside the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at the District and talked about her pursuit of acting, her children's guide to Parkinson's disease and her dream of someday playing a vampire on film.

Yes, a vampire.

Why a vampire?

I like the unpredictability of vampires. Most vampires are complex. They have a lot of drama going on. They don't like being who they are. They're good and they're bad. They're constantly struggling.

What has been your struggle?

I was very shy as a child. I was quiet, almost nonexistent.

You obviously overcame that. How?

Life experiences. And my mom (Khalilah) was an actress. She had the personality I always wanted: secure, outgoing, fun.

Did you grow up with your father?

No. I grew up with my grandparents - my mother's parents. My dad wanted us to have a stable upbringing. He didn't want us to have a superstar upbringing or be celebrity children. He wanted us to be normal.

And?

I grew up thinking that my accomplishments are mine and mine alone. I would tell few friends about my dad. People didn't realize it could be a huge disadvantage. You'd never know the truth, like, "Why are people being nice to me. Is it because of my dad?" I didn't want the pressure. I just wanted to be who I am. With my husband, I didn't tell him for a year.

What prompted you to write, "I'll Hold Your Hand So You Won't Fall: A Child's Guide to Parkinson's Disease"?

When my son was 4, he asked, "Why is Poppy shaking?" I started researching and there was nothing out there for kids. So I created my own handbook.

You were 11 when you learned about his disease. How did you react?

I wasn't alarmed because Daddy was still the same. He didn't change as a person. He still took us out for ice cream. He still does everything he's always wanted to do.

Do you follow Laila's career?

I do. I think she's very good at it, but she had to try 10 times harder. She had to show that she wasn't just a name, that she could deliver.

And you?

I worked really hard for this role. I know I didn't get the job because of Muhammad Ali. I got it because I worked my butt off.

Do you talk about your career with your dad?

Every time I go to an audition, I call him because he has moxie. He gives me the idea that I can conquer the world.

What does he say?

Believe in yourself.

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