SUBMITTED BY katystarlet

December 24, 2001 — Louisville, Kentucky - Muhammad Ali shook hands with kids and waved to fans as he walked up a red carpet and into a theatre for the local premiere of the movie that chronicles his life.

Born Cassius Clay in Louisville in 1942, Ali grew up in the city's West End where Broadway Cinemas is located.

Wearing a gold turtleneck and black pants under a black checked jacket, he emerged from a limousine to cheers and flashing cameras. The 59-year-old Ali, who suffers from Parkinson's syndrome, was helped out of the car by wife Lonnie and friend Howard Bingham.

He touched dozens of outstretched hands and took a mock punch at a photographer before bending to hug and kiss a 5-year-old boy on the cheek.

"It's good to be back home," Ali said.

"Ali" stars Will Smith in the title role. It opens to wide release on Christmas Day. None of the movie's actors attended the Louisville premiere.

Ali said before the film began that he had already seen it.

"It's a great movie. Will Smith did a great job," Ali said.

Several hundred people attended the event at $50 per ticket. The crowd included former University of Louisville basketball star Darrell Griffith, now a local businessman; Louisville Mayor Dave Armstrong; and Gov. Paul Patton.

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