Some stories are remembered through the achievements of extraordinary individuals, while others become even more meaningful when we take the time to recognize the people who helped shape their journeys. For actress Dana Gourrier, portraying Odessa “Bird” Clay, the mother of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, in Amazon MGM Studios’ highly anticipated series THE GREATEST offered an opportunity to bring an important woman’s story into the spotlight.
Known for her appearances in acclaimed productions such as Django Unchained and The Hateful Eight, Gourrier steps into a role rooted in family, strength, perseverance, and the influence of a mother whose presence helped shape one of the most recognizable figures in history.
Premiering November 4 on Amazon Prime Video, THE GREATEST chronicles the life and legacy of Muhammad Ali, exploring the man beyond the boxing ring and the people who were part of his remarkable journey. The series stars Jaalen Best as Muhammad Ali and Omari Hardwick as Cassius Clay Sr., alongside Giovanni Ribisi, Michael Ealy, and Aleks Paunovic, with Michael B. Jordan serving as an executive producer.
For Gourrier, accepting the role was an immediate connection. The moment she encountered Odessa’s name in the script, she recognized the significance of the woman she would be portraying. Her approach to bringing Bird to life began with detailed script analysis, research, and a commitment to understanding the person behind the historical legacy.
“I was drawn to this role the moment I read Odessa’s name. I knew she was an incredible figure, and I wanted to do her justice,” Gourrier shares.
Her preparation involved dissecting the script, examining the character’s experiences, and applying her research to create an authentic portrayal. Yet, beyond the technical aspects of acting, it was Bird’s character that left the greatest impression on her.
Describing the experience as both an honor and a privilege, Gourrier speaks about the qualities she found most compelling in Odessa: her femininity, perseverance, and humanity. Rather than simply portraying the mother of a global icon, she wanted audiences to recognize a powerful woman in her own right.
“She’s just such a good human, and that’s what I aimed to portray,” she explains.
That distinction is important. Muhammad Ali’s legacy extends far beyond his accomplishments as a heavyweight champion. He became a cultural force, an outspoken advocate, and a symbol of courage whose influence reached communities around the world. But understanding his journey also means acknowledging the family, relationships, and formative experiences that contributed to the man he became.
For Gourrier, one of the most important messages audiences can take away from the series is the responsibility to stand up for what is right.
“I hope audiences discover that it is never too late to do what is right. It’s always the appropriate time to be brave and to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. And the time is now for bravery more than ever.”
Her words reflect the enduring relevance of Ali’s legacy, particularly his willingness to use his platform to speak out on issues that extended beyond sports. His story serves as a reminder that influence carries responsibility and that courage is not limited to extraordinary circumstances.
Behind the production, Gourrier found an environment that allowed her to feel supported, respected, and connected to the people bringing the story to life. Working alongside an accomplished cast and production team became an experience she describes with genuine appreciation.
“I was so well taken care of. I felt protected and absolutely seen,” she says.
For Gourrier, the production became more than a professional collaboration. She describes the cast and crew as a family, emphasizing the respect, patience, and love that existed across departments. That collective spirit created an atmosphere where everyone had a role in bringing the story to the screen.
The experience also reinforced her belief in the importance of representation, particularly when it comes to telling stories about Black families and cultural history. As a mother to a five-year-old son, Gourrier understands the significance of seeing yourself reflected in the stories you consume.
“It is extremely important to me that he grows up seeing himself reflected in film and television,” she shares. “It is extremely important that he grows up hearing stories about his people that reflect who he is and who he can be.”
Her perspective extends beyond her own family. She believes representation is essential for people of every culture, emphasizing that storytelling has the power to affirm identity, expand possibilities, and help younger generations understand their place in the world.
Outside of her work on screen, Gourrier brings another dimension of creativity to her personal expression through fashion. Once known for her eclectic New York style, complete with fedoras, baseball caps, and distinctive accessories, her approach has evolved toward comfort. However, her recent press tour has encouraged her to step outside familiar fashion choices and embrace new possibilities.
She compares that process to acting, where exploring a character often requires taking risks and discovering something unexpected.
That willingness to explore also informs her views on fashion inclusivity. As a curvy woman, Gourrier believes the industry must move beyond simply offering extended sizes and begin understanding the diverse bodies it claims to serve. She challenges designers to bring more lived experience and empathy into the creative process.
“I think that designers should hire people who actually live in the body types that curvy women are asking to be dressed in,” she says.
Her point speaks to a larger conversation about fashion, representation, and the importance of creating clothing that celebrates women’s bodies rather than encouraging them to conceal themselves. Curvy women are not one size or shape, and Gourrier believes meaningful inclusivity requires research, understanding, and intentional design.
That same message of self-acceptance carries into her advice for women navigating personal growth, body confidence, and professional ambitions. For Gourrier, loving yourself is not something that should be postponed until you reach a particular milestone or physical ideal. It begins with how you see and value yourself right now.
“Women must absolutely love who they are, in whatever phase their body exists,” she says. “It begins at home. The foundation of personal confidence, love, and respect for oneself is the cornerstone of any successful story.”
As she prepares for audiences to experience THE GREATEST, Gourrier remains grateful for the opportunity and open to whatever comes next. Her outlook is grounded in faith, gratitude, and the belief that the journey will continue to unfold.
“Beyond that, I’m on God’s good humor, and I pray this journey continues to flourish.”
With THE GREATEST, Dana Gourrier takes on a role that celebrates the woman behind a legendary name while contributing to a broader conversation about family, identity, courage, and representation. Her portrayal of Odessa “Bird” Clay offers audiences an opportunity to look beyond the familiar images of Muhammad Ali and recognize the people whose stories deserve to be told, too.
Because sometimes, understanding a legend begins with understanding the people who helped shape him.
FEMI Magazine | Entertainment & Culture
THE GREATEST premieres November 4 on Amazon Prime Video.
Photographer: Storm Santos
Hair Stylist: Richard Norman Grant
Makeup Artist: Beau Nelson
Watch The Trailer for “THE GREATEST”
