Will Smith Devastated Over Muhammad Ali’s Death: ‘You Changed My Life’

Will Smith, who famously played Muhammad Ali in a Oscar-nominated movie about the late boxing legend, is absolutely distraught with the sad news of Muhammad’s passing, admitting in his own moving tribute, ‘You Changed My Life.’ And HollywoodLife.com has the EXCLUSIVE details how he’s feeling right now.

Will Smith, 47, is just devastated after the death of Muhammad Ali, who passed away on June 3 aged 74. The Oscar-nominated star released his own statement about the man he got to know so well while filming the 2001 biopic Ali. And as HollywoodLife.com can EXCLUSIVELY reveal, it’s shaken him up really badly that his ‘mentor’ is gone.

Will worked alongside Muhammad when he stepped into the heavyweight champ’s shoes for the awesome Michael Mann movie. The pair formed a close bond, with Will admitting in the past how much of an icon Muhammad was for him. In his touching tribute, Will posted images of him working on set alongside ‘The Greatest.’ His words alongside his Facebook post were simple, “You Shook Up The World! My Mentor & My Friend. You Changed my Life. Rest in Peace.”

And a source close to Will has told HollywoodLife.com, Will is choked up about the loss and totally heartbroken that his idol is gone. “Will is devastated about Muhammad’s passing,” a source told HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY. “While making the biopic based on Muhammad, they spent a lot of time together and Will had nothing but the utmost respect for the man, who was a cultural icon.”

The source continued: “He’s heartbroken that Muhammad is gone. Muhammad meant so much to him as a man, and gave Will real recognition as an actor with an Oscar nomination for that movie.”

Tons of names from showbiz and boxing, including President Obama, have poured their hearts out with tributes about the boxing legend, who died after a battle with respiratory illness. His problems were further complicated by Parkinson’s disease.

We have the utmost sympathy for Will, and he should speak only when he feels ready. We’re sure he will say something soon, but it’s an awful situation for everyone involved.

HollywoodLifers, are you surprised Will hasn’t said anything yet? Do you think he will? Tell us what you think below!