Kali Reis: Champion Boxer Turned Emmy-Nominated Actress

Kali Reis showed signs of being a hustler from a young age. At just four years old, she sold dirty rocks as paperweights to her mother’s coworkers. That work ethic carried through her life, eventually leading her to boxing and acting. Now 38, Reis has become a two-weight world champion, winning titles at middleweight and light-welterweight. However, her journey has been marked by hardship.

After doctors urged her to stop boxing due to a knee injury and after facing an assault by a police officer in 2012, Reis struggled with alcohol and pain medication as coping mechanisms. A pivotal phone call from friend Shelly Vincent led her to New York where she refocused on boxing. In 2021, after successfully defending her titles, Reis found herself sidelined by health issues and began exploring acting.

Coming from an artistic family, she had always been passionate about the arts. She made her acting debut in Catch the Fair One followed by Asphalt City before landing a major role in True Detective: Night Country where she portrayed a no-nonsense police officer. In just three years, Reis made history by becoming the first Native American woman to be nominated for an Emmy alongside Lily Gladstone.

She also received a Golden Globe nomination. Reflecting on her journey, Kali Reis emphasizes the importance of surrounding herself with people who are masters of their craft. She believes that being the “dumbest person in the room” allows her to learn and grow. Through boxing and acting, Reis continues to overcome her struggles, pushing forward with resilience and determination.