On Friday, June 6, 2016, the world mourned the loss of Muhammad Ali, the legendary boxing champion and social activist. He died at the age of 74 after a 32-year battle with Parkinson's disease.  This episode of In Their Own Words, a biography series that explores an elite few of the 20th century’s greatest figures, follows Ali’s rise from the Columbia Gym in Louisville to international fame, as he transcended his great athletic achievements to become one of the most influential Americans of his time. Key events include Ali’s stunning Islamic conversion and name change, his dramatic stand against the Vietnam-era draft, his 3-year exile from the ring, his legendary comeback fights, his battle with Parkinson’s disease, and his inspirational reemergence on the world stage at the Atlanta Olympics. Among those interviewed are Ali’s daughters Laila and Maryum Ali, NFL great Jim Brown, boxing champion Sugar Ray Leonard, rappers and actors L.L. Cool J and Common, boxing promoter Bob Arum, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Lloyd Price, and biographer Thomas Hauser.

Click to watch the Muhammad Ali episode of In Their Own Words from PBS.