Will Smith Opens 'Ali' in Africa

(JOHANNESBURG, South Africa) - Actor Will Smith says playing one icon is enough. <br><br>Smith, 33, who has been nominated for a best actor Academy Award for his portrayal of boxer Muhammad Ali, arrived

Monday, March 4th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(JOHANNESBURG, South Africa) - Actor Will Smith says playing one icon is enough.

Smith, 33, who has been nominated for a best actor Academy Award for his portrayal of boxer Muhammad Ali, arrived in South Africa to open ``Ali'' along with former President Nelson Mandela.

He said Sunday he had no plans to portray Mandela in any future movies.

``The level of pressure and the strain it puts on your life and your family to portray an icon _ it's one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences,'' Smith said. ``It's something you do once.''

Part of ``Ali'' was shot in neighboring Mozambique and Smith said he plans to make the region a permanent part of his life.

``I just love it here, been looking for a house (to) spend a couple months a year.''

Portraying Ali marked a departure from Smith's previous comic and action roles.

But he said his background as a rapper helped him capture Ali's own rhythm.

``There's definitely elements of rhythm in every aspect of Muhammad Ali's speech patterns and boxing,'' said Smith.