Kali Reis’ work ethic and determination have shaped her journey from selling painted rocks as a child to becoming a two-weight boxing world champion and a Golden Globe-nominated actor. Her inspiring story is one of resilience, reinvention, and the pursuit of excellence.
A Childhood of Hustle and Identity Struggles
Growing up in Providence, Rhode Island, Reis’ entrepreneurial spirit emerged early:
“At four years old, I sold painted rocks as paperweights to make money,” she recalled.
But life wasn’t always easy. As a Cape Verdean and Native American Wampanoag, Reis struggled with her identity:
“I didn’t know where I fitted in—being not fully black, not fully white—it was confusing.”
Boxing: A Lifeline in Turbulent Times
Reis discovered boxing at age 14, a sport that became her sanctuary:
“In the boxing gym, everyone was equal. It was a place where I could leave my past behind and just focus on those three minutes in the ring.”
Turning professional in 2008, Reis became a two-weight world champion, overcoming injuries and personal challenges along the way.
A 2012 motorcycle accident left Reis with a torn meniscus and ligament damage. Soon after, she alleged a violent assault by a police officer. The trauma from these events pushed her to the brink:
“I woke up in the firepit in my backyard with an empty bottle of Jack [Daniel’s]. That couldn’t be my life.”
With support from fellow boxer Shelly Vincent, Reis moved to New York and reignited her career, ultimately unifying the WBA and WBO light-welterweight titles in 2021.
A Pivot to Acting
While recovering from health issues, Reis found a new calling in acting:
“I didn’t plan to step away from boxing and go into acting—it just happened. I auditioned for a year before anything came to fruition.”
Reis debuted in Catch the Fair One, followed by Asphalt City and the critically acclaimed series True Detective: Night Country, where she starred alongside Jodie Foster.
Her acting career reached new heights with Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, making her one of the first Native American women to achieve this milestone.
“I like being the dumbest person in the room because I get to observe, listen, and learn from masters of their craft,” she said.
What’s Next for Kali Reis?
Reis still dreams of a fight with Britain’s Chantelle Cameron for the undisputed light-welterweight title. But whether in the ring or on screen, her philosophy remains the same:
“If I’m in the firepit again, I can get out. I owe it to myself to keep going.”
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