Khalilah Ali Biography: Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Height, Ethnicity, Movies, Children, Ex-Husband, Awards, Books

Khalilah Ali, born Belinda Boyd, gained public recognition primarily through her marriage to boxing legend Muhammad Ali.

Beyond her association with the sports icon, she established herself as an actress, martial artist, and activist.

Her appearance in the 1979 film “The China Syndrome” marked her entry into the entertainment industry.

She has been featured on the cover of Ebony Magazine multiple times, highlighting her prominence in African-American culture.  

Profile

• Full name: Khalilah Camacho Ali
• Nickname: Belinda Boyd
• Date of birth: March 17, 1950
• Age: 75 years old
• Gender: Female
• Place of birth: Chicago, Illinois, United States
• State of origin: Illinois
• Nationality: American
• Profession: Actress, martial artist, author, motivational speaker, aviator, film producer
• Height: 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 m)
• Parents: Father – Raymond Boyd; Mother – Sister Inez Aminah
• Siblings: N/A
• Spouse: Muhammad Ali (m. 1967; div. 1977), Rene Gonzalez Camacho, Antar Ali
• Children: Maryum Ali, Jamillah Ali, Rasheda Ali, Muhammad Ali Jr.
• Relationship status: Divorced
• Religion: Islam
• Ethnicity: African-American
• Net worth: $5 million

Early Life and Education

Khalilah Camacho Ali, originally named Belinda Boyd, was born on March 17, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois. She is now 75 years old. Raised in a devout Muslim household, her father, Raymond Boyd, was a prominent lieutenant under Elijah Muhammad, and her mother, Sister Inez (also known as Aminah), served as a security officer and companion to Sister Clara Muhammad within the Nation of Islam community.  

Growing up in Chicago, she attended Islamic schools and was immersed in the teachings and practices of the Nation of Islam from an early age. Her upbringing emphasized discipline, religious devotion, and community involvement. She graduated from Muhammad University of Islam #2, where she received an education aligned with her spiritual and cultural background.  

Personal Life

At the age of 17, Khalilah married Muhammad Ali on August 18, 1967, in a union arranged by her Muslim parents. Their relationship began when she met Ali at her local mosque at the age of 10, where he predicted his future fame.

During their marriage, they had four children: Maryum “May May” (born 1968), twins Jamillah and Rasheda (born 1970), and Muhammad Ali Jr. (born 1972). However, their marriage faced challenges, notably due to Ali’s infidelities.  

In 1974, Ali began an affair with Veronica Porché, leading to a confrontation between Khalilah and Porché in Manila during the “Thrilla in Manila” fight.

Khalilah filed for divorce in January 1977, citing differences in morals and respect within the family. She later expressed her disapproval of Ali‘s actions, stating, “I left him because he wasn’t what he said he was, because of his lack of morals and disrespect to the family.”  

Career

Khalilah Ali’s career encompasses a diverse range of fields, including acting, martial arts, and activism. She made her acting debut in the 1979 film “The China Syndrome,” which also starred Jane Fonda. Her presence in the entertainment industry was further solidified by appearing on the cover of Ebony Magazine seven times.

A dedicated martial artist, she studied under renowned instructors such as Jim Kelly, Steve Saunders, Bruce Lee, George Dillman, and James W. DeMille, eventually earning a ninth-degree black belt in karate.

Beyond her artistic pursuits, Khalilah is also a motivational speaker, sharing her experiences and insights at various institutions, including churches, mosques, temples, colleges, and universities. She has also ventured into entrepreneurship, launching a line of CBD products available for purchase on her website.

Awards

• Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad Award (2024)
• Ebony Magazine Cover Feature (7 times)

Net Worth

Khalilah Ali’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million. She has accumulated her wealth through various avenues, including her acting career, martial arts achievements, motivational speaking engagements, book royalties, and her line of CBD products. Additionally, reports indicate that she received a $10 million divorce settlement from Muhammad Ali in 1986.  

Social Media

• N/A

Filmography

• The China Syndrome (1979)
• Muhammad Ali: The Whole Story (Documentary)
• My Life with Ali (TV Movie)

Books

• The Untold Story of Muhammad Ali
• The Life of Khalilah Ali Autobiography
• Colour to Learn (Children’s book series)