Mahershala Ali

Mahershala Ali Profile Photo

Characters played by Mahershala Ali

Trey Sanders — Crossing Jordan (2001)

A police detective in the series' earlier seasons who works on cases with Jordan Cavanaugh. Part of the law-enforcement side of the ensemble that investigates the homicides brought into the medical examiner's office.

Uncle Aaron — Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)

Miles' charismatic but secretly criminal uncle who influences his early choices and moral development.

Uncle Aaron — Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

Miles Morales' uncle whose death inspires him to become Spider-Man

Boggs — The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 (2014)

District 13 military commander leading Katniss's squad.

Duncan Kincaid — Jurassic World Rebirth (2025)

Tech specialist and field operative assisting in high-risk dinosaur extraction.

Dr. Don Shirley — Green Book (2018)

A highly accomplished African American classical pianist who hires Tony Lip as his driver for a Southern tour. Despite his refined demeanor and success, he faces severe Jim Crow segregation and personal isolation. Throughout the journey, he opens up to Tony, calls the Attorney General after an arrest, and ultimately rejects strict performance rules to play at a black blues club before accepting Tony's invitation to spend Christmas with his family.

Jim Johnson — Hidden Figures (2016)

Jim is an African-American National Guard lieutenant colonel whom Katherine meets during the period of her work at Langley. He initially expresses skepticism about women’s mathematical abilities, then apologizes, spends time with Katherine and her daughters, and eventually marries her, becoming part of her family and personal support system.

Eric Brooks / Blade (voice) (uncredited) — Eternals (2021)

Vampire hunter making a voice cameo in Eternals.

Cottonmouth — Marvel's Luke Cage (2016)

Harlem crime boss and owner of Harlem's Paradise

Tizzy Weathers — The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)

Tizzy is the nursing home’s cook and one of the adults who encounters the abandoned Benjamin. He works alongside Queenie while Benjamin grows up among the residents, contributing to the home that becomes Benjamin’s first family. Benjamin later returns to learn that Tizzy has died.

Vector — Alita: Battle Angel (2019)

De facto ruler of Iron City and Motorball tournament owner. Secretly orchestrates cyborg part thefts and manipulates events to control the city. Reveals his betrayal regarding Hugo's journey to Zalem and orchestrates Nova's threats before being fatally impaled by Alita.

Juan — Moonlight (2016)

Juan is an Afro-Cuban drug dealer who discovers Little hiding from bullies and becomes a protective mentor. He and Teresa give the child shelter, and Juan teaches him about life and reassures him that being gay is not wrong. His role is complicated by his drug dealing, including selling crack to Paula, which leaves him ashamed when Chiron confronts him.

Career Overview

Mahershala Ali has 69 screen credits in a career dating back to 1996. Their work spans 6 cinematic universes — most prominently Spider-Man: Spider-Verse Collection with 3 titles. Signature works include Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Jurassic World Rebirth, Green Book. Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.

Personal Facts

Known For
Acting
Gender
male
Known Credits
69
Birth Date
1974-02-16
Birth Place
Oakland, California, USA

Known For

Associated Universes

Universe traveler — spans 6 universes

Frequent Collaborators

Credits

Content sources

Related entry on Wikidata (Q360531), public domain (CC0).