GN: You play Rudy Clay, Muhammad Ali's younger brother, in The Greatest. What was most important to you about showing audiences who Rudy was beyond his famous brother?

KP: I wanted people to see Rudy as his own person, not just Muhammad Ali's younger brother. He had his own personality, his own responsibilities, and his own relationship with his family. Being connected to someone as extraordinary as Muhammad Ali is a big part of his story, but Rudy had his own strength and importance. I wanted to honor that and show audiences the person behind the name.

GN: Rudy was only slightly younger than Cassius Clay but often felt responsible for protecting his family. How did you approach playing someone so young with so much responsibility?

KP: I think a lot of it came down to understanding how much family meant to Rudy. Sometimes you have to grow up a little faster than you expect because the people around you are counting on you. I tried to approach him with that in mind and understand how those responsibilities shaped the way he moved through the world. Even though he was young, he had a lot of heart and a strong sense of loyalty.

GN: Did you have any boxing experience before The Greatest, or was it something you had to learn for the role?

KP: Boxing was definitely something I had to take seriously for this role. When you're portraying people connected to such an important part of boxing history, you want to make sure you're respecting the sport. I approached the training with an open mind and a willingness to learn. It was about more than just throwing a punch. I wanted to understand the discipline, the movement, and the mindset that come with boxing.

GN: What was the physical and mental preparation like for The Greatest? How intense was the boxing training?

KP: It was definitely a commitment, both physically and mentally. You have to be willing to push yourself, stay disciplined, and keep showing up even when things get challenging. The physical preparation was important, but so was understanding the characters and the world they lived in. I learned a lot about what it takes to prepare for a role on that level, and it made me appreciate the work that goes into bringing a story like this to life.

GN: After all that training, how many miles can you run now? Has fitness become a bigger part of your everyday life?

KP: The training definitely gave me a new appreciation for fitness and what the body is capable of when you challenge yourself. I think once you get into a routine and start seeing what you can accomplish, it motivates you to keep going. I'm still working on building those habits and finding ways to challenge myself. The biggest thing is realizing that discipline in one area of your life can carry over into everything else.

GN: Rudy is such an important character throughout the series. How did you handle the responsibility of taking on your first major television role?

KP: I approached it with a lot of gratitude and a willingness to learn. When you're stepping into a role like this, especially in a story with so much history behind it, you understand that there's a responsibility that comes with it. I wanted to do my homework, be prepared, listen to the people around me, and give the character everything I had. I'm grateful for the opportunity, and I see it as a chance to keep growing as an actor.

GN: Rudy and Muhammad Ali shared an extraordinary bond as brothers and best friends. What did playing Rudy teach you about family, loyalty, and always being there for someone?

KP: It reminded me how important it is to have people in your corner, especially the people who knew you before the world knew your name. Family can be the people who keep you grounded, challenge you, and remind you who you are when everything else gets loud. Rudy's relationship with Muhammad showed me how powerful that kind of support can be. You don't always have to have the right words or all the answers. Sometimes just being there for somebody means everything.

GN: As a rising actor in Hollywood, what do you want audiences to recognize as something uniquely Kai Parham?

KP: I want people to recognize my authenticity. I want to bring something honest to every character I play and make people feel like they're watching a real person, not just a performance. I'm still growing and discovering different sides of myself as an actor, and I want to keep challenging myself with roles that allow me to do that. Hopefully, people will see the versatility, the work ethic, and the heart I bring to what I do.

GN: Hollywood's idea of a leading man is changing. What does being a leading man mean to you, and what qualities do you hope to bring to the screen?

KP: To me, being a leading man goes beyond how you look or the kinds of roles you get. It's about presence, integrity, and the ability to make people connect with a story. I think a leading man should be able to show strength while also being vulnerable and human. I want to play characters who have layers, who make mistakes, who grow, and who audiences can see something of themselves in. That's the kind of work that excites me.

GN: Looking ahead, what are some of your dream roles? Are there particular actors or directors you'd love to work with?

KP: I want to keep exploring different genres and take on roles that push me outside of my comfort zone. I'd love to do something action-driven, something that really challenges me physically, but I also want to explore more dramatic roles where I can dig deep into a character emotionally. I'm open to working with people who challenge the way I think about acting and storytelling. My biggest goal is to keep learning, work with great storytellers, and build a career that gives me the opportunity to do a little bit of everything.

GN: We've heard you can sing! Has music always been part of your life, and could you see yourself performing on Broadway someday?

KP: Music is another way to express yourself, and I've always appreciated how it can make people feel something without needing to explain everything in words. I think singing and acting have a lot in common because both require you to be present and connect emotionally with what you're doing. Broadway would definitely be an exciting challenge. I love the idea of being able to combine those different sides of performing and bring that energy to a live audience.

GN: How would you describe your personal fashion style? Are there any designers, fashion icons, or trends that inspire you?

KP: I'd describe my style as a mix of classic and modern. I like being able to look put together while still feeling comfortable and staying true to myself. Fashion is always evolving, so I enjoy seeing how different people interpret it and make it their own. I'm open to experimenting with different looks, but I think the most important thing is wearing something with confidence and making it feel like you.

GN: Fashion and entertainment often go hand in hand. How important is fashion in expressing who you are, both on and off the red carpet?

KP: Fashion is another form of self-expression. It's an opportunity to show a different side of your personality without necessarily having to say anything. On the red carpet, you can have fun with it and try something you might not wear every day. Off the carpet, I think it's more about what makes you feel like yourself. Either way, confidence is what really brings a look together.

GN: With The Greatest introducing you to a worldwide audience, what are you most excited about in this next chapter of your career?

KP: I'm most excited about the opportunities to keep growing and telling stories that mean something. Being part of The Greatest has been a special experience, and I'm grateful that audiences will get to see this work. I hope it opens the door to more opportunities to challenge myself and collaborate with people I can learn from. At the same time, I want to stay grounded, keep working hard, and make sure I'm always improving. I know there's still so much I want to accomplish.

GN: After a long day of filming, what's your nightly routine? How do you relax and prepare for a good night's sleep?

KP: After a long day, I think it's important to give yourself a little time to decompress and let your mind slow down. I try to step away from the demands of the day, relax, and reset so I can come back feeling refreshed. When you're working long hours, getting enough rest is important because you need to be able to give your best the next day. I've learned that taking care of yourself is part of being able to do your job well.

GN: What does the word "Goodnight" mean to you personally, and what does your perfect good night look like?

KP: To me, goodnight is about peace, gratitude, and being able to end the day knowing you gave it your best. Every day isn't going to be perfect, but there's something important about taking a moment to appreciate what went well and letting go of what you can't change. My perfect good night would be spending time with the people I care about, being able to relax, and going to sleep with a clear mind, feeling grateful for where I am and excited about what's ahead.