Orson Welles
Roasts Muhammad Ali

About this clip

Orson Welles Roasts Muhammad Ali

Orson Welles was the celebrated actor, director and broadcaster behind Citizen Kane, with a commanding voice and theatrical presence ideal for comic contrast. Muhammad Ali was the heavyweight champion whose speed, charisma, boasts and verbal wit made him one of the most recognizable personalities in sports history.

In this clip, Orson Welles turns that contrast into roast material, teasing Muhammad Ali with the affectionate exaggeration and show-business one-upmanship that defined the format.