Muhammad Ali was a public figure.
Muhammad Ali ( [ ɑːˈliː ] born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. ; January 17 , 1942 -- June 3 , 2016 ) was an American professional boxer and activist . Ali 's actions as a conscientious objector to the war made him an icon for the larger counterculture generation . At a time when most fighters let their managers do the talking , Ali thrived in and indeed craved the spotlight , where he was often provocative and outlandish . As the condition worsened , Ali made limited public appearances and was cared for by his family until his death on June 3 , 2016 , in Scottsdale , Arizona .