Ali Yusif oghlu Zeynalov was born on 5 April 1913 in Salyan. His father, Yusif Zeynalov (1887–1965), was the author of the first alphabet primer and spent many years engaged in teaching. Ali Zeynalov followed in his father's footsteps, receiving a pedagogical education. Having a strong interest in acting, he took part in various amateur clubs. In 1928 he won widespread admiration for his leading role in the production Sheyda, staged by the youth of Bilasuvar village. After graduating from the Baku Pedagogical and Theatre Colleges (1933), he spent some time gaining production experience at theatres in Moscow, and on his return worked at the Sheki State Drama Theatre.
