Biography:
Mahershalalhashbaz Ali -- named Mahershalalhashbaz Gilmore at birth -- no longer uses his abbreviated name, Mahershala Ali, professionally. And, if that’s still too difficult to pronounce (Ma-her-sha-lal-hash-baz), he answers to Ali as well.

Born in Oakland, California, Ali was raised in the neighboring city of Hayward by his parents and extended family.

Ali played basketball for St. Mary’s College in Moraga, California (just east of Berkeley), where he received his bachelor of arts degree in mass communications. He began taking acting classes in his junior year, and in his senior year, he had a featured role in the school’s production of "Spunk."

The summer after his graduation, Ali made his professional debut performing for a season with the California Shakespeare Festival in Orinda, California, where he also served as an apprentice. Soon after, he was accepted into graduate school at New York University, where he received a master’s degree in acting.

While at NYU, Ali appeared in productions of "Blues for an Alabama Sky," "The School for Scandal," "A Lie of the Mind," "A Doll’s House," "Monkey in the Middle," "The Merchant of Venice," "The New Place" and "Secret Injury, Secret Revenge." His additional stage credits include appearing in Washington, D.C. at the Arena Stage in the title role of "The Great White Hope," and in "The Long Walk" and "Jack and Jill."

Ali made his feature-film debut in the independent film "Pig Music." Ali describes Dr. Trey Sanders -- his character of a medical examiner’s fellow on "Crossing Jordan" -- as having, "a good heart and moral convictions. He is upbeat, confident, focused, and respectful of others."

When Ali is not working, his passion is writing rap lyrics.

Ali’s birthday is February 16.

Television Credits:
Crossing Jordan as Dr. Trey Sanders (2001)