Actor Billy Crystal and Rabbi Michael Lerner are set to speak at Muhammad Ali’s funeral on Friday.
The boxing legend, who was a political, sporting and religious inspiration to millions, died on June 3 after living with Parkinson’s disease for more than 30 years.
Mr Crystal, a Tony award winner and Hollywood star, performed at Ali's retirement tribute in 1979, making the three-time heavyweight champion of the world laugh uproariously during his impression-laden recap of the boxer’s life, titled “15 Rounds”.
The comedian posted the clip to Twitter on Friday, just after news broke of Ali’s death, with the message: “For the greatest man I have ever known.”
For the greatest man I have ever known. https://t.co/OUZHVZWBHY
— Billy Crystal (@BillyCrystal) June 3, 2016
Rabbi Lerner fought alongside Ali in the activist movement against the Vietnam War. The boxer’s refusal to bow to the US government’s policy of conscription led to him being banned from the sport for more than three years.
The rabbi responded to the news yesterday on Facebook, writing: “I am deeply humbled and honoured to be invited to speak at Muhammed Ali's funeral.
“It has been several decades since I worked with Muhammad Ali in the peace movement challenging the Vietnam War. The US government indicted both of us for our nonviolent actions against that war.
“But that was many decades ago. So imagine my surprise to receive a call on Sunday morning from Muhammad Ali’s family who invited me to be a speaker at the funeral/memorial ceremony this coming Friday in Louisville, Kentucky.”
