Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel Leroy Jackson was born in Washington, D.C., on December 21, 1948,{{cite video |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSVQtlQtxCs |title=Samuel L. Jackson Answers the Web's Most Searched Questions |date=March 7, 2017 |last=Jackson |first=Samuel L. |type=Video |location=Los Angeles |time=0:16–0:27, 0:37–0:39, 0:42–0:44, 1:26–1:28, and 1:48–1:52 |time-caption=Events occur at |access-date=June 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211027/kSVQtlQtxCs |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |url-status=live |via=YouTube |department=Autocomplete Interview |work=Wired}}{{cbignore}} the only child of Elizabeth Harriett (née Montgomery) and Roy Henry Jackson.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IDVcBAAAQBAJ&q=%22Roy+Henry+Jackson%22+samuel&pg=PT220|title=Finding Your Roots: The Official Companion to the PBS Series|date=September 15, 2014|via=Google Books|access-date=May 18, 2015|isbn=978-1-4696-1801-2|last1=Gates|first1=Henry Louis Jr.|publisher=UNC Press Books }}{{cite web|url=https://www.timesfreepress.com/obits/2012/oct/26/elizabeth-jackson/32436/|title=Elizabeth Jackson|website=Chattanooga Times Free Press|access-date=November 30, 2019|archive-date=December 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209121627/https://www.timesfreepress.com/obits/2012/oct/26/elizabeth-jackson/32436/|url-status=dead}} He grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee.{{cite news|title=Samuel Jackson Figures He Owes His Success to Morgan Freeman|work=Deseret News|date=March 2, 1993|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=NewsLibrary&p_multi=DSNB&d_place=DSNB&p_theme=newslibrary2&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0F360727929D68D9&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D|format=Fee required|access-date=January 24, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626212505/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=NewsLibrary&p_multi=DSNB&d_place=DSNB&p_theme=newslibrary2&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0F360727929D68D9&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D|archive-date=June 26, 2019|url-status=dead}} His father lived away from the family in Kansas City, Missouri, and later died of alcoholism. Jackson met him only twice during his life.{{cite episode|title=Episode #8.15|series=Inside the Actors Studio|series-link=Inside the Actors Studio|airdate=June 2, 2002|season=8|number=15}}{{cite news|last=Rochlin|first=Margy|title=Tough Guy Finds His Warm and Fuzzy Side|work=The New York Times|date=November 2, 1997|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/11/02/movies/film-tough-guy-finds-his-warm-and-fuzzy-side.html |access-date=May 10, 2009}} He was raised by his mother, a factory worker and later a supplies buyer for a mental institution; he was also raised by his maternal grandparents, Edgar and Pearl Montgomery, as well as extended family.{{cite news|last=Kay|first=Karen|title=From coke addict to golf addict: How Samuel L Jackson found salvation on fairways to heaven|work=The Independent |date=October 13, 2004|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/golf/from-coke-addict-to-golf-addict-how-samuel-l-jackson-found-salvation-on-fairways-to-heaven-543591.html|access-date=May 10, 2009 | location=London}} According to DNA tests, Jackson partially descends from the Benga people of Gabon, and he became a naturalized citizen of Gabon in 2019.{{cite web |date=August 5, 2019 |title=Cinéma : L'acteur Samuel L. Jackson devient citoyen gabonais |url=https://africtelegraph.com/cinema-lacteur-samuel-l-jackson-devient-citoyen-gabonais/ |access-date=September 19, 2019 |website=AfricTelegraph.com}} He attended several segregated schools{{cite news|last=Beale|first=Lewis|title=Clean Break With the Past – Samuel L. Jackson went from addict to Hollywood star|work=Daily News|date=June 11, 2000|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/clean-break-samuel-jackson-addict-hollywood-star-article-1.871831|access-date=December 19, 2019}} and graduated from Riverside High School in Chattanooga. He played the French horn, piccolo, trumpet, and flute in the school orchestra.{{cite web|title=Samuel L. Jackson Biography|publisher=tiscali|url=http://www.tiscali.co.uk/entertainment/film/biographies/samuel_l_jackson_biog.html|access-date=May 10, 2009|archive-date=December 4, 2002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021204074342/http://www.tiscali.co.uk/entertainment/film/biographies/samuel_l_jackson_biog.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite video|last=Jackson|first=Samuel L.|date=June 15, 2018|title=Samuel L. Jackson Goes Undercover on Reddit, Twitter, and Wikipedia|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kln_SgDD9Nc| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211027/Kln_SgDD9Nc| archive-date=October 27, 2021|access-date=June 18, 2018|type=Video|time=2:48–3:20 and 6:33–6:40|time-caption=Events occur at|department=GQ Videos (Actually Me)|work=GQ|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}} He developed a stutter during childhood and learned to "pretend to be other people who didn't stutter". He uses the word "motherfucker" to get through a speech block as he still has days where he stutters.{{cite web|title=Which Curse Word Does Samuel L. Jackson Credit With Stopping His Stutter?|url=https://www.vulture.com/2013/06/which-curse-word-stops-sam-jacksons-stutter.html|last=Vineyard|first=Jennifer|access-date=June 17, 2015|website=Vulture.com|publisher=New York Media|date=June 4, 2013}} Initially intent on pursuing a degree in marine biology, he attended Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. After joining a local acting group to earn extra points in a class, he found an interest in acting and switched his major.{{harvnb|Hudson|2004|p=23}} Before graduating in 1972, he co-founded the Just Us Theatre.

After Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination in 1968, Jackson attended King's funeral in Atlanta as one of the ushers.{{cite web|last=Smiley |first=Tavis |title=Samuel L. Jackson |work=The Tavis Smiley Show |url=https://www.pbs.org/kcet/tavissmiley/archive/200602/20060224_jackson.html |date=February 24, 2006 |access-date=May 10, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090612170258/http://www.pbs.org/kcet/tavissmiley/archive/200602/20060224_jackson.html |archive-date=June 12, 2009 |url-status=dead}} He then traveled to Memphis, Tennessee, to join an equal rights protest march. In a 2005 Parade interview, he said, "I was angry about the assassination, but I wasn't shocked by it. I knew that change was going to take something different—not sit-ins, not peaceful coexistence."{{cite news|last=Rader |first=Dotson |title=He Found His Voice (Film actor Samuel L. Jackson) |work=Parade |url=http://www.parade.com/articles/editions/2005/edition_01-09-2005/featured_0 |date=January 9, 2005 |access-date=May 10, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081229063210/http://www.parade.com/articles/editions/2005/edition_01-09-2005/featured_0 |archive-date=December 29, 2008 }} In 1969, Jackson and several other students held members of the Morehouse College board of trustees (including Martin Luther King Sr.) hostage on the campus, demanding reform in the school's curriculum and governance.{{cite news |last=Kung |first=Michelle |title=Action Jackson |work=Boston Globe |url=https://www.boston.com/ae/movies/articles/2006/02/12/action_jackson/|date=February 12, 2006|access-date=May 10, 2009}} The college eventually agreed to change its policy, but Jackson was charged with and eventually convicted of unlawful confinement, a second-degree felony.{{cite news|last=O'Hagan|first=Sean|title=Samuel L Jackson: 'Now we got the movie stuff out of the way, let's talk about something serious' |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2008/dec/07/samuel-l-jackson-hollywood-film |date=December 7, 2008 |access-date=June 5, 2009 |location=London}} He was suspended for two years for his criminal record and his actions. He would later return to the college to earn a BA in drama in 1972.{{cite web|title=Samuel L. Jackson|publisher=Yahoo Movies.com|url=https://movies.yahoo.com/movie/contributor/1800018848/bio|access-date=May 10, 2009}} While he was suspended, he took a job as a social worker in Los Angeles.{{cite news |last=Petrakis |first=John |title=Reaching for the top Veteran actor Samuel Jackson more than just a familiar face |work=Chicago Tribune |date=February 24, 1993|id={{ProQuest|283443972}} }} {{Registration required}} He decided to return to Atlanta, where he met with Stokely Carmichael, H. Rap Brown, and others active in the Black Power movement. He began to feel empowered with his involvement in the movement, especially when the group began buying guns. However, before he could become involved with any significant armed confrontations, his mother sent him to Los Angeles after the FBI warned her that he would die within a year if he remained with the group. In a 2018 interview with Vogue, he denied having been a member of the Black Panther Party.{{Cite news|url=https://mattpomroy.com/2018/04/04/samuel-l-jackson-cover-story/|title=Samuel L Jackson cover story|date=April 4, 2018|work=MATT POMROY|access-date=April 11, 2018}}

{{Further|List of Samuel L. Jackson performances}}

{{Quote box|width=30em|quote=Casting black actors is still strange for Hollywood. Denzel gets the offer first. Then it's Danny Glover, Forest Whitaker, and Wesley Snipes. Right now, I'm the next one on the list.|source=— Jackson discussing his new fame in 1993|quoted=1|salign=right}}

Jackson initially majored in marine biology at Morehouse College before switching to architecture. He later settled on drama after taking a public speaking class and appearing in a version of The Threepenny Opera. Jackson began acting on the stage, including Home and A Soldier's Play, which was the inspiration for the 1984 film A Soldier's Story. He appeared in several television films, and made his feature film debut in the blaxploitation independent film Together for Days (1972).{{cite news|last=Angeli|first=Michael|title=Samuel Jackson is quite the character|work=The Dallas Morning News|date=February 19, 1993|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=DM&p_theme=dm&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0ED3D36C03903EC7&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D|format=Fee required|access-date=January 24, 2010}} After these initial roles, Jackson moved from Atlanta to New York City in 1976, and spent the next decade appearing in stage plays, including the premieres of The Piano Lesson and Two Trains Running at the Yale Repertory Theater.{{harvnb|Hudson|2004|p=32}} To supplement his income while auditioning, he worked at the Manhattan Plaza apartment complex as an overnight security guard.{{cite web|url= https://www.dispatch.com/story/entertainment/movies/2017/01/23/even-at-68-actor-keeps/22623740007/|title= Even at 68, actor keeps adding roles to his resume|work=The Columbus Dispatch|date=January 23, 2017|last=Pearlman|first=Cindy}} Jackson developed addictions to alcohol and cocaine, which prevented him from proceeding with the two plays to Broadway (actors Charles S. Dutton and Anthony Chisholm took his place).

After a 1981 performance in the play A Soldier's Play, Jackson was introduced to director Spike Lee, who cast him for small roles in School Daze (1988) and Do the Right Thing (1989).{{harvnb|Hudson|2004|p=41}} He also worked for three years as a stand-in for Bill Cosby on The Cosby Show.{{harvnb|Hudson|2004|p=53}} Throughout his early film career, mainly in minimal roles in films such as Coming to America (1988) and various television films, Jackson was mentored by Morgan Freeman.

Jackson played a minor role in the 1990 Martin Scorsese film Goodfellas, as real-life Mafia associate Stacks Edwards. Having overdosed on heroin several times, he switched to cocaine.{{harvnb|Hudson|2004|p=65}} His family entered him into a New York rehabilitation clinic.{{harvnb|Hudson|2004|p=66}} After he completed rehabilitation, he appeared in Jungle Fever as a crack cocaine addict. Jackson said that the role was cathartic, commenting, "It was a funny kind of thing. By the time I was out of rehab, about a week or so later I was on set and we were ready to start shooting."{{harvnb|Hudson|2004|p=71}} His performance was so acclaimed that the jury of 1991 Cannes Film Festival added a special "Supporting Actor" award just for him.{{cite web|url=http://www.festival-cannes.com/en/archives/ficheFilm/id/85/year/1991.html|title=Festival de Cannes: Jungle Fever|access-date=January 24, 2010|publisher=festival-cannes.com|archive-date=August 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120807123533/http://www.festival-cannes.com/en/archives/ficheFilm/id/85/year/1991.html|url-status=dead}} Following this role, Jackson became involved with the comedy Strictly Business and dramas Juice and Patriot Games. He then moved on to two other comedies: National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 1 (his first starring role) and Amos & Andrew.{{cite news|last=Ryan|first=James|title=Jackson Out of Hiding|work=Ocala Star-Banner|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=0tYjAAAAIBAJ&pg=4449,5946643|date=April 28, 1995|access-date=January 26, 2010}}{{cite news|last=Petrakis|first=John|title=Reaching for the top Veteran actor Samuel Jackson more than just a familiar face|work=Chicago Tribune|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/24372228.html?dids=24372228:24372228&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Feb+24%2C+1993&author=John+Petrakis.&pub=Chicago+Tribune+%28pre-1997+Fulltext%29&desc=Reaching+for+the+top+Veteran+actor+Samuel+Jackson+more+than+just+a+familiar+face&pqatl=google|format=Fee required|date=February 24, 1993|access-date=January 26, 2010|archive-date=November 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107191452/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/24372228.html?dids=24372228:24372228&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Feb+24%2C+1993&author=John+Petrakis.&pub=Chicago+Tribune+%28pre-1997+Fulltext%29&desc=Reaching+for+the+top+Veteran+actor+Samuel+Jackson+more+than+just+a+familiar+face&pqatl=google|url-status=dead}} Jackson worked with the director Steven Spielberg in 1993's Jurassic Park.{{cite news|last=Price|first=Michael H.|title='Jurassic Park' Thriller Not Necessarily For Kids|work=TimesDaily|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ENUdAAAAIBAJ&pg=1458,1862508|date=June 14, 1993|access-date=January 24, 2010}}

File:Samuel-L.-Jackson-Cleaner.JPG in Paris, April 2008]]

After a turn as the criminal Big Don in 1993's True Romance—written by Quentin Tarantino and directed by Tony Scott—Tarantino asked Jackson to play Jules Winnfield in Pulp Fiction (1994). Jackson was surprised to learn that the part had been specifically written for him: "To know that somebody had written something like Jules for me. I was overwhelmed, thankful, arrogant—this whole combination of things that you could be, knowing that somebody's going to give you an opportunity like that."{{harvnb|Hudson|2004|p=99}} Pulp Fiction, Jackson's thirtieth film, made him internationally recognized and he received praise from critics. Entertainment Weekly wrote: "As superb as Travolta, Willis, and Keitel are, the actor who reigns over Pulp Fiction is Samuel L. Jackson. He just about lights fires with his gremlin eyes and he transforms his speeches into hypnotic bebop soliloquies."{{harvnb|Hudson|2004|p=106}} For the Academy Awards, Miramax Films pushed for, and received, the Best Supporting Actor nomination for Jackson.{{harvnb|Hudson|2004|p=5}} He also received a Golden Globe nomination and won the BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Role.{{cite news|last=Bhattacharya|first=Sanjiv|title=Play it again Samuel...|work=The Observer |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2002/oct/27/features.review2|date=October 27, 2002|access-date=May 10, 2009 | location=London}}{{cite news|title='Gump' Tops Golden Globe Nominations|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/12/24/arts/gump-tops-golden-globe-nominations.html|date=December 24, 1994|access-date=May 10, 2009}}{{cite news|last=Okwu|first=Michael|title=Samuel L. Jackson not caving in to star pressure|work=CNN|url=http://archives.cnn.com/2001/SHOWBIZ/Movies/03/01/okwu.valentine/index.html|date=March 1, 2001|access-date=May 10, 2009|archive-date=August 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130814055126/http://archives.cnn.com/2001/SHOWBIZ/Movies/03/01/okwu.valentine/index.html|url-status=dead}}

After Pulp Fiction, Jackson received multiple scripts to review: "I could easily have made a career out of playing Jules over the years. Everybody's always sending me the script they think is the new Pulp Fiction."{{harvnb|Hudson|2004|p=121}} With a succession of poor-performing films such as Kiss of Death, The Great White Hype, and Losing Isaiah, Jackson began to receive poor reviews from critics who had praised his performance in Pulp Fiction. This ended with his involvement in two box-office successes: Die Hard with a Vengeance, in which he starred alongside Bruce Willis in the third installment of the Die Hard series; and A Time to Kill, where he played a father put on trial for killing two men who raped his daughter.{{cite web|title=A Time to Kill|website=Box Office Mojo|url=https://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=timetokill.htm|access-date=January 26, 2010}}{{cite web|title=Die Hard: With a Vengeance|website=Box Office Mojo|url=https://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=diehardwithavengeance.htm|access-date=January 26, 2010}} For A Time to Kill, Jackson earned an NAACP Image for Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture and a Golden Globe nomination for a Best Supporting Actor.{{cite news|last=Ryan|first=Tim|title=Working It|work=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|url=http://archives.starbulletin.com/2005/11/05/features/story01.html|date=November 5, 2005|access-date=May 10, 2009}}

Quickly becoming a box office star, Jackson continued with three starring roles in 1997. In 187 he played a dedicated teacher striving to leave an impact on his students.{{cite news|last=Guthmann|first=Edward|title=Really Dangerous Minds in '187'|work=San Francisco Chronicle|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/1997/07/30/DD16546.DTL|date=July 30, 1997|access-date=January 25, 2010}} He received an Independent Spirit award for Best First Feature alongside first-time writer/director Kasi Lemmons in the drama Eve's Bayou, for which he also served as executive producer.{{cite news|last=Wallace|first=Amy|title=Duvall's 'Apostle' Truly Filled With Spirit; Movies: 'Hard Eight,' 'Star Maps' and 'Ulee's Gold' follow in the nominations honoring independent films|work=Los Angeles Times|date=January 9, 1998|id={{ProQuest|421412732}}}} He worked again with Tarantino on Jackie Brown and received the Silver Bear for Best Actor at the Berlin Film Festival{{cite web |url=http://www.berlinale.de/en/archiv/jahresarchive/1998/03_preistr_ger_1998/03_Preistraeger_1998.html |title=Berlinale: 1998 Prize Winners |access-date=January 16, 2012 |work=berlinale.de |archive-date=October 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012072825/http://www.berlinale.de/en/archiv/jahresarchive/1998/03_preistr_ger_1998/03_Preistraeger_1998.html |url-status=dead }} and a fourth Golden Globe nomination for his portrayal of the arms merchant Ordell Robbie.{{cite news|last=Malcolm|first=Derek|title=Brazilian wins Berlin film prize with odyssey of an orphan|work=The Guardian |date=February 23, 1998|id={{ProQuest|245217671}}}} In 1998, he worked with established actors: Sharon Stone and Dustin Hoffman in Sphere; and Kevin Spacey in The Negotiator, playing a hostage negotiator who resorts to taking hostages himself when he is falsely accused of murder and embezzlement.{{cite news|last=Michael|first=Dennis|title='Sphere' takes moviegoers to new depths|work=CNN|url=http://www.cnn.com/SHOWBIZ/9802/13/sphere/index.html|date=February 13, 1998|access-date=January 25, 2010}}{{cite magazine|last=Gleiberman|first=Owen|title=The Negotiator (1998)|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|url=https://ew.com/article/1998/07/31/negotiator/amp/|date=July 31, 1998|access-date=January 25, 2010|archive-date=July 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719084023/http://ew.com/article/1998/07/31/negotiator/amp/|url-status=dead}} In 1999, Jackson starred in the horror film Deep Blue Sea, and as Jedi Master Mace Windu in George Lucas' Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.{{cite news|last=LaSalle|first=Mick|title=These Sharks Have Attitude – 'Deep Blue Sea' a Fresh, Tasty Thriller|work=San Francisco Chronicle|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/1999/12/10/DD79677.DTL|date=July 31, 1998|access-date=January 25, 2010}}{{cite news|last=Spelling|first=Ian|title=The Force is With Jackson|work=Reading Eagle|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=VIwxAAAAIBAJ&pg=2274,6614694|date=July 31, 1998|access-date=January 25, 2010}} In an interview, Jackson claimed that he did not have a chance to read the script for the film and did not learn he was playing the character Mace Windu until he was fitted for his costume (though he later said that he was eager to accept any role, just for the chance to be a part of the Star Wars saga).{{cite web|last=Walters|first=Mark|title=Samuel L. Jackson talks Snakes on a Plane|publisher=BigFanBoy.com|url=http://www.bigfanboy.com/pages/interviews/samjackson/slj.html|date=July 2006|access-date=May 10, 2009}}

File:Samuel L. Jackson (handprints and signature in cement).jpg at Walt Disney World's Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park]]

File:Samuel L. Jackson Cannes.jpg]]

On June 13, 2000, Jackson was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7018 Hollywood Blvd.{{cite web |title=Locations of Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame |url=http://www.seeing-stars.com/Immortalized/WalkOfFameStars.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090514085540/http://www.seeing-stars.com/Immortalized/WalkOfFameStars.shtml |archive-date=May 14, 2009 |access-date=May 10, 2009 |publisher=Hollywood Walk of Fame}} He began the next decade of his film career playing a Marine colonel put on trial in Rules of Engagement, co-starred with Bruce Willis for a third time in the supernatural thriller Unbreakable, and starred in the 2000 remake of the 1971 film Shaft. He reprised both of the latter roles in 2019, his Unbreakable character Mr. Glass in Glass and Shaft in another film titled Shaft.{{cite news|last=Germain|first=David|title='Engagement' Bumps 'Brockovich'|work=Spartanburg Herald-Journal|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=UYIgAAAAIBAJ&pg=6940,3978032|date=April 8, 2000|access-date=January 26, 2010}}{{cite magazine |last=Tucker |first=Ken |date=November 28, 2000 |title=Comic books get a boost from Unbreakable |url=https://ew.com/article/2000/11/28/comic-books-get-boost-unbreakable/ |url-status=live |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150821005131/http://www.ew.com/article/2000/11/28/comic-books-get-boost-unbreakable |archive-date=August 21, 2015 |access-date=January 26, 2010}}{{cite news|last1=Rush |first1=George |last2=Molloy |first2=Joanna |last3=Ogunnaike |first3=Lola |last4=Robinovitz |first4=Karen |title=Jackson: 'Shaft' Drove Me Daft |work=Daily News |date=June 8, 2000 |url=http://articles.nydailynews.com/2000-06-08/gossip/18139609_1_amis-girlfriend-martin-amis-john-singleton |access-date=January 26, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120730122352/http://articles.nydailynews.com/2000-06-08/gossip/18139609_1_amis-girlfriend-martin-amis-john-singleton |archive-date=July 30, 2012 }} Jackson's sole film in 2001 was The Caveman's Valentine, a murder thriller directed by Lemmons in which he played a homeless musician.{{cite magazine |last=Schwarzbaum |first=Lisa |date=March 7, 2001 |title=The Caveman's Valentine |url=https://ew.com/article/2001/03/07/cavemans-valentine-2/ |url-status=live |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208210937/http://ew.com/article/2001/03/07/cavemans-valentine-2/ |archive-date=December 8, 2017 |access-date=January 26, 2010}} In 2002, he played a recovering alcoholic, attempting to keep custody of his kids while fighting a battle of wits in Changing Lanes, co-starring Ben Affleck. He returned for Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, seeing his minor supporting role develop into a major character. Mace Windu's purple lightsaber in the film was the result of Jackson's suggestion; he wanted to be sure that his character would stand out in a crowded battle scene.{{harvnb|Hudson|2004|p=219}}{{cite web |title=Samuel L. Jackson on the Hilarious Origins of His Purple Lightsaber in 'Star Wars' |last=Giles |first=Jeff |date=May 7, 2002 |website=Townsquare Media |publisher=Oaktree Capital Management |url=https://screencrush.com/star-wars-samuel-l-jackson-purple-lightsaber/ |access-date=June 16, 2015}} Jackson then acted as an NSA agent, alongside Vin Diesel in XXX, and as a kilt-wearing drug dealer in The 51st State.{{cite news|title=License to Thrill|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|url=https://www.smh.com.au/articles/2002/08/29/1030508097645.html|date=August 30, 2002|access-date=January 26, 2010}}{{cite magazine|title=Formula 51 (2002)|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|url=https://ew.com/article/2002/08/17/formula-51/|date=August 20, 2002|access-date=January 26, 2010}} In 2003, Jackson again worked with John Travolta in Basic and then as a police sergeant alongside Colin Farrell in the television show remake S.W.A.T.{{cite news|last=Bentley|first=Rick|title='Basic' Travolta|work=Toledo Blade|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=t4cUAAAAIBAJ&pg=5934,2059890|date=March 22, 2003|access-date=January 26, 2010}}{{Dead link|date=December 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|title='S.W.A.T.' tops weekend box office|work=USA Today|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2003-08-10-box-office_x.htm|date=August 10, 2003|access-date=January 26, 2010}} A song within the soundtrack was named after him, entitled "Sammy L. Jackson" by Hot Action Cop.{{cite web|title=Hot Action Cop in TV, Movies and Video Games |publisher=Hot Action Cop |url=http://www.hotactioncop.com/tool/display_news.php?id=75228 |access-date=May 10, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071227112038/http://www.hotactioncop.com/tool/display_news.php?id=75228 |archive-date=December 27, 2007 |url-status=dead}} Jackson also appeared in HBO's documentary Unchained Memories, as a narrator along many other stars like Angela Bassett and Whoopi Goldberg.

Based on reviews gathered by Rotten Tomatoes, in 2004 Jackson starred in both his lowest and highest ranked films in his career.{{cite web|title=Samuel L. Jackson|website=Rotten Tomatoes|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/samuel_l_jackson/|access-date=January 26, 2010}} In the thriller Twisted, Jackson played a mentor to Ashley Judd.{{cite news|last=Sragow|first=Michael|title=The McQueen of Women-In-Jeopardy Films|work=The Baltimore Sun|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/baltsun/access/574652291.html?dids=574652291:574652291&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Mar+07%2C+2004&author=Michael+Sragow&pub=The+Sun&desc=The+McQueen+of+women-in-jeopardy+films+%3B+Actor+Ashley+Judd+brings+a+confident+physicality+to+taut+suspense+movies%3B+Film&pqatl=google|format=Fee required|date=March 7, 2004|access-date=January 26, 2010|archive-date=November 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107191505/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/baltsun/access/574652291.html?dids=574652291:574652291&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Mar+07%2C+2004&author=Michael+Sragow&pub=The+Sun&desc=The+McQueen+of+women-in-jeopardy+films+%3B+Actor+Ashley+Judd+brings+a+confident+physicality+to+taut+suspense+movies%3B+Film&pqatl=google|url-status=dead}} The film garnered a 2% approval rating on the website, with reviewers calling his performance "lackluster" and "wasted".{{cite web|title=Twisted (2004)|website=Rotten Tomatoes|date=March 31, 2004 |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/twisted/|access-date=January 26, 2010}}{{cite news|last=Schager|first=Nick|title=Twisted|work=Slant Magazine|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/review/twisted/922|date=February 26, 2004|access-date=January 26, 2010}}{{cite news|last=Lane|first=Jim|title=Twisted|work=Sacramento News & Review|url=http://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/content?oid=28017|date=March 11, 2004|access-date=January 26, 2010}} He then lent his voice to the animated film The Incredibles as the superhero Frozone.{{cite news|last=Burr|first=Ty|title=Look! Up in the sky! It's a flabby suburban dad!|work=The Boston Globe|url=https://www.boston.com/ae/movies/articles/2004/11/05/look_up_in_the_sky_its_a_flabby_suburban_dad/|date=November 5, 2004|access-date=January 26, 2010}} The film received a 97% approval rating, and Jackson's performance earned him an Annie Award nomination for Best Voice Acting.{{cite web|title=The Incredibles (2004)|website=Rotten Tomatoes|date=November 5, 2004 |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/incredibles/|access-date=January 26, 2010}}{{cite news|title=Annie Award Noms Incredibly Good To 'Incredibles' |publisher=KIRO-TV |url=http://www.kirotv.com/entertainment/3981189/detail.html |date=December 8, 2004 |access-date=January 26, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050420105211/http://www.kirotv.com/entertainment/3981189/detail.html |archive-date=April 20, 2005 }} He made a cameo in another Quentin Tarantino film, Kill Bill: Volume 2.{{cite news|last=Burr|first=Ty|title=Second 'Kill Bill' is dead-on|work=The Boston Globe|url=https://www.boston.com/news/globe/living/articles/2004/04/16/second_kill_bill_is_dead_on/|date=April 16, 2004|access-date=January 26, 2010}}

In 2005, he starred in the sports drama Coach Carter, where he played a coach (based on the actual coach Ken Carter) dedicated to teaching his players that education is more important than basketball.{{cite news|last=Daly|first=Sean|title=In 'Carter,' Jackson Calls the Shots|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/01/14/AR2005033116986.html|date=January 14, 2005|access-date=January 26, 2010}} Although the film received mixed reviews, Jackson's performance was praised despite the film's storyline.{{cite news|last=Foucher|first=David|title=Coach Carter|work=EDGE|url=http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=entertainment&sc=movies&sc2=reviews&sc3=features&id=2004|date=January 14, 2005|access-date=January 26, 2010}}{{cite news|last=Tucker|first=Betty Jo|title=Winning a Future|work=ReelTalk Movie Reviews|url=http://www.reeltalkreviews.com/browse/viewitem.asp?type=review&id=1141|access-date=January 26, 2010}} Bob Townsend of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution commended Jackson's performance, "He takes what could have been a cardboard cliché role and puts flesh on it with his flamboyant intelligence."{{cite news|last=Townsend |first=Bob |title=Coach Carter |work=Atlanta Journal-Constitution |url=http://www.accessatlanta.com/movies/content/shared/movies/reviews/C/coachcarter.html |access-date=January 26, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080512075257/http://www.accessatlanta.com/movies/content/shared/movies/reviews/C/coachcarter.html |archive-date=May 12, 2008 }} Jackson also returned for two sequels: XXX: State of the Union, this time commanding Ice Cube, and the final Star Wars prequel film, Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith.{{cite news|last=Turan |first=Kenneth |title=Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith |work=Los Angeles Times |url=http://www.calendarlive.com/movies/turan/cl-et-revenge16may16,0,1386671.story |date=May 15, 2005 |access-date=January 26, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080523190635/http://www.calendarlive.com/movies/turan/cl-et-revenge16may16%2C0%2C1386671.story |archive-date=May 23, 2008 |url-status=dead}} His last film for 2005 was The Man alongside comedian Eugene Levy.{{cite news|last=Hart|first=Hugh|title=Non-Action Hero Gets Top Billing|work=San Francisco Chronicle|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/09/11/PKGCJEG1RL1.DTL&type=movies|date=September 11, 2005|access-date=January 25, 2010}} On November 4, 2005, he was presented with the Hawaii International Film Festival Achievement in Acting Award.{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|title=Samuel L. Jackson to receive acting award|work=USA Today|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2005-11-06-samuel-l-jackson_x.htm|date=November 6, 2005|access-date=May 10, 2009}}

On January 30, 2006, Jackson was honored with a hand and footprint ceremony at Grauman's Chinese Theatre; he is the seventh African American and 191st actor to be recognized in this manner.{{cite news|title=Actor Jackson enters Walk of Fame|work=BBC News|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4664710.stm|date=January 31, 2006|access-date=May 10, 2009}} In an interview that year, he said that he chooses roles that are "exciting to watch" and have an "interesting character inside of a story", and that in his roles he wanted to "do things [he hasn't] done, things [he] saw as a kid and wanted to do and now [has] an opportunity to do".{{cite news|url=http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=15260|title=Samuel L. Jackson shares some of his thoughts on acting, his new movie and his biggest phobia|last=Dawson|first=Angela|date=August 25, 2006|access-date=May 10, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207004439/http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=15260|archive-date=February 7, 2009|url-status=dead|publisher=Sun2Surf}} He next starred opposite actress Julianne Moore in the box-office bomb Freedomland, where he depicted a police detective attempting to help a mother find her abducted child while quelling a citywide race riot.{{cite web|title=Freedomland|website=Box Office Mojo|url=https://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=freedomland.htm|access-date=January 26, 2010}}{{cite magazine|last=Gleiberman|first=Owen|title='Freedomland' shrill and joyless|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|publisher=CNN|url=http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/Movies/02/17/ew.mov.freedomland/index.html|date=February 17, 2006|access-date=January 26, 2010}} Jackson's second film of the year, Snakes on a Plane, gained cult film status months before it was released based on its title and cast.{{cite news|last=Elsworth |first=Catherine|title=Cult film fans are bitten by Snakes on a Plane|work=The Daily Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/1513961/Cult-film-fans-are-bitten-by-Snakes-on-a-Plane.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/1513961/Cult-film-fans-are-bitten-by-Snakes-on-a-Plane.html |archive-date=January 10, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|date=March 25, 2006|access-date=January 26, 2010 | location=London}}{{cbignore}} Jackson's decision to star in the film was solely based on the title.{{cite magazine|last=Tyrangiel|first=Josh|title=Snakes on Samuel L. Jackson|magazine=Time|url=http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1186739,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060615195615/http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1186739,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 15, 2006|date=April 24, 2006|access-date=May 10, 2009}} To build anticipation for the film, he also cameoed in the 2006 music video "Snakes on a Plane (Bring It)" by Cobra Starship. On December 2, 2006, Jackson won the German Bambi Award for International Film, based on his many film contributions.{{cite web|title=Bambi honour for Jackson |publisher=ITV News |url=http://www.blinkx.com/video/bambi-honour-for-jackson/xfWSv2VzyZ-qWa94OfGgkQ |date=December 2, 2006|access-date=May 10, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090206151509/http://www.blinkx.com/video/bambi-honour-for-jackson/xfWSv2VzyZ-qWa94OfGgkQ |archive-date=February 6, 2009}} In December 2006, Jackson starred in Home of the Brave, as a doctor returning home from the Iraq War.{{cite news|last=Germain|first=David|agency=Associated Press|title=Trite script wins battle in 'Home of the Brave'|publisher=Today.com|url=https://www.today.com/popculture/trite-script-wins-battle-home-brave-wbna16158558|date=December 14, 2006|access-date=January 24, 2010}}

File:Samuel L Jackson Comic Con.jpg in San Diego]]

On January 30, 2007, Jackson was featured as narrator in Bob Saget's direct-to-DVD Farce of the Penguins.{{cite news|last=Palathingal|first=George|title=Farce of the Penguins|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|url=https://www.smh.com.au/news/film-reviews/farce-of-the-penguins/2007/08/02/1185648019056.html|date=August 2, 2007|access-date=January 24, 2010}} The film was a spoof of the box office success March of the Penguins (which was narrated by Morgan Freeman).{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|title=Samuel L. Jackson: 'I'm fine with snakes'|publisher=Today.com|url=https://www.today.com/popculture/samuel-l-jackson-i-m-fine-snakes-wbna14344100|date=August 18, 2006|access-date=January 24, 2010}} Also in 2007, he portrayed a blues player who imprisons a young woman (Christina Ricci) addicted to sex in Black Snake Moan, and the horror film 1408, an adaptation of the Stephen King short story.{{cite news|last=Johnson|first=Ross|title=Hollywood's One Remaining Taboo Found in 'Black Snake Moan'|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/23/movies/23john.html|date=April 23, 2006|access-date=January 24, 2010}}{{cite news|last=Thomson|first=Desson|title=Creepy '1408': It's Worth Checking Into|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/21/AR2007062102344.html|date=June 22, 2007|access-date=January 24, 2010}} Later the same year, Jackson portrayed an athlete who impersonates former boxing heavyweight Bob Satterfield in director Rod Lurie's drama, Resurrecting the Champ. In 2008, Jackson reprised his role of Mace Windu in the CGI film, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, followed by Lakeview Terrace where he played a racist cop who terrorizes an interracial couple.{{cite news |last=Germain |first=David |date=August 11, 2008 |title=Review: 'Clone Wars' is fun though forgettable |work=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/2008-08-11-1299828071_x.htm |url-status=dead |access-date=January 24, 2010 |archive-date=January 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131184726/https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/movies/2008-08-11-1299828071_x.htm }}{{cite news|last=Germain|first=David|agency=Associated Press|title=DVD reviews: 'Lakeview Terrace,' 'Fireproof' |publisher=Today.com|url=https://www.today.com/popculture/dvd-reviews-lakeview-terrace-fireproof-wbna28917026|date=January 29, 2009|access-date=January 24, 2010}} In November of the same year, he starred along with Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes (who both died before the film's release) in Soul Men.{{cite news |last=Bowles |first=Scott |date=August 14, 2008 |title=For 'Soul Men' director, deaths of Mac, Hayes were doubly devastating |work=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2008-08-11-hayes-mac-movie_N.htm |access-date=January 24, 2010}}

In 2008, he portrayed the villain in The Spirit, which was poorly received by critics and the box office.{{Cite web |date=December 25, 2008 |title=The Spirit |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_spirit/ |access-date=January 24, 2010 |website=Rotten Tomatoes}}{{Cite web |title=The Spirit |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=main&id=spirit09.htm |access-date=January 24, 2010 |website=Box Office Mojo}} In 2009, he again worked with Quentin Tarantino when he narrated several scenes in the World War II film Inglourious Basterds.{{Cite news |last=LaSalle |first=Mick |date=August 20, 2009 |title=WWII rewritten in glorious Basterds |url=https://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ent/movies/mobile/6580920.html |access-date=January 24, 2010 |work=Houston Chronicle}}

In 2010, he starred in the drama Mother and Child and portrayed an interrogator who attempts to locate several nuclear weapons in the direct-to-video film Unthinkable.{{Cite news |last=Boucher |first=Geoff |date=January 24, 2009 |title=Samuel L. Jackson is animated about 'Afro Samurai: Resurrection' |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-jan-24-et-afrosamurai24-story.html |access-date=May 10, 2009 |work=Los Angeles Times}}{{Cite news |date=February 15, 2009 |title=Samuel L. Jackson enjoyed violent scene |url=https://www.boston.com/ae/celebrity/articles/2009/02/15/samuel_l_jackson_enjoyed_violent_scene/ |access-date=May 10, 2009 |work=The Boston Globe}} Alongside Dwayne Johnson, Jackson again portrayed a police officer in the opening scenes of the comedy The Other Guys. He also co-starred with Tommy Lee Jones for a film adaptation of The Sunset Limited.

Throughout Jackson's career, he has appeared in many films alongside mainstream rappers. These include Tupac Shakur (Juice), Queen Latifah (Juice/Sphere/Jungle Fever), Method Man (One Eight Seven), LL Cool J (Deep Blue Sea/S.W.A.T.), Busta Rhymes (Shaft), Eve (xXx), Ice Cube (xXx: State of the Union), Xzibit (xXx: State of the Union), David Banner (Black Snake Moan), and 50 Cent (Home of the Brave).{{Cite news |last=Silberman |first=Stacey |date=August 27, 2007 |title=Samuel L. Jackson: Man of Many Digital Faces |url=http://www.hollywoodtoday.net/2007/08/27/samuel-l-jackson-man-of-many-digital-faces/ |access-date=January 26, 2010 |work=Hollywood Today}} Additionally, Jackson has appeared in five films with actor Bruce Willis (National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 1, Pulp Fiction, Die Hard with a Vengeance, Unbreakable, and Glass) and the actors were slated to work together in Black Water Transit before both dropped out.{{Cite news |last=Carroll |first=Larry |last2=Adler |first2=Shawn |last3=Horowitz |first3=Josh |date=January 26, 2007 |title=Sam Jackson Reunites With Willis, 'Underdog' Gets Real: Sundance File |url=http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1550866/20070126/story.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070917093310/http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1550866/20070126/story.jhtml |archive-date=September 17, 2007 |access-date=January 26, 2010 |publisher=MTV}}

File:Samuel L. Jackson 2017.jpg

In 2002, Jackson gave his consent for Marvel Comics to design their "Ultimate" version of the character Nick Fury after his likeness.{{Cite news |last=Boucher |first=Geoff |date=January 13, 2009 |title=Nick Fury no more? Samuel L. Jackson says 'Maybe I won't be Nick Fury' |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/herocomplex/2009/01/nick-fury-no-mo.html |access-date=May 10, 2009 |work=Los Angeles Times}} In the 2008 film Iron Man, he made a cameo as the character in a post-credit scene.{{Cite magazine |last=Vary |first=Adam B. |last2=Collis |first2=Clark |date=May 9, 2008 |title=The Success of 'Iron Man' |url=https://ew.com/article/2008/05/09/success-iron-man/ |access-date=October 2, 2019 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly}} In February 2009, Jackson signed on to a nine-picture deal with Marvel Studios which would see him appear as the character in Iron Man 2, Thor, Captain America: The First Avenger, and The Avengers, as well as any other subsequent film they would produce.{{Cite news |last=Kit |first=Borys |date=February 25, 2009 |title=Jackson's Fury in flurry of Marvel films |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE51P0DD20090226 |access-date=November 9, 2010 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |agency=Reuters}} He reprised the role in Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014){{Cite news |last=Sneider |first=Jeff |date=June 6, 2012 |title=Russo brothers tapped for 'Captain America 2': Disney and Marvel in final negotiations with 'Community' producers to helm pic |url=https://variety.com/2012/film/news/russo-brothers-tapped-for-captain-america-2-1118055101/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121216135522/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118055101?refCatId=13 |archive-date=December 16, 2012 |access-date=July 3, 2012 |work=Variety}} and Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015).{{Cite news |last=Lealos |first=Shawn S. |date=February 12, 2015 |title=Samuel L. Jackson Has 2 Movies Left in his Marvel Contract |url=http://renegadecinema.com/36000/samuel-l-jackson-2-movies-marvel-contract |access-date=February 12, 2015 |publisher=Renegade Cinema}} In 2018 and 2019, Jackson made cameo appearances as Fury in the Avengers sequels Infinity War and Endgame, and starred as a younger, de-aged Fury in Captain Marvel alongside Brie Larson.

Among his more recent film roles, Jackson appeared in Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained, which was released December 25, 2012,{{Cite web |title=Will Smith Could Be DJANGO UNCHAINED, Samuel L. Jackson Cast |url=http://www.obsessedwithfilm.com/movie-news/will-smith-could-be-django-unchained-samuel-l-jackson-cast.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110509035821/http://www.obsessedwithfilm.com/movie-news/will-smith-could-be-django-unchained-samuel-l-jackson-cast.php |archive-date=May 9, 2011 |access-date=May 18, 2015 |website=WhatCulture.com}} Tarantino's The Hateful Eight, which was released in 70mm on December 25, 2015,{{Cite magazine |last=McNary |first=Dave |author-link=Dave McNary |date=December 26, 2015 |title=Quentin Tarantino's 'Hateful Eight' Launches With $1.9 Million on Christmas |url=https://variety.com/2015/film/news/quentin-tarantino-hateful-eight-box-office-1201667927/ |access-date=January 7, 2016 |magazine=Variety}} and Jordan Vogt-Roberts' Kong: Skull Island,{{Cite web |last=Fleming |first=Mike Jr. |date=August 6, 2015 |title=Is There Room On 'Kong: Skull Island' For Samuel L. Jackson And Tom Wilkinson? |url=https://deadline.com/2015/08/kong-skull-island-samuel-l-jackson-tom-wilkinson-1201493619/ |website=Deadline Hollywood}} which was released on March 10, 2017. In 2019, Jackson reprised his Unbreakable role as Mr. Glass in the film Glass, and his Shaft role in Shaft, both sequels to his 2000 films. Also in 2019, he appeared in the Brie Larson film Unicorn Store,{{Cite web |last=Hipes |first=Patrick |date=November 14, 2016 |title=Samuel L. Jackson, Joan Cusack & Bradley Whitford Join Brie Larson's 'Unicorn Store' |url=https://deadline.com/2016/11/unicorn-store-brie-larson-samuel-l-jackson-joan-cusack-bradley-whitford-1201854089/ |access-date=November 14, 2016 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}{{Cite web |last=McNary |first=Dave |author-link=Dave McNary |date=November 14, 2016 |title=Samuel L. Jackson, Joan Cusack, Bradley Whitford Join Brie Larson's 'Unicorn Store' |url=https://variety.com/2016/film/news/samuel-l-jackson-joan-cusack-bradley-whitford-brie-larson-unicorn-store-1201917593/ |access-date=November 14, 2016 |website=Variety}} and had a prominent role as Fury in the Marvel film Spider-Man: Far From Home. Additionally, he reprised his role as Fury in a cameo appearance on the ABC television series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. in 2013{{Cite episode |title=0-8-4 |episode-link=0-8-4 |series=Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. |network=ABC |date=October 1, 2013 |season=1 |number=2}} and the season finale in 2014.{{Cite episode |title=Beginning of the End |episode-link=Beginning of the End (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) |series=Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. |network=ABC |date=May 13, 2014 |season=1 |number=22}} In 2020, archival footage of Jackson from Revenge of the Sith was used in the Star Wars: The Clone Wars episode "Shattered".{{Cite web |last=Roark |first=Nathaniel |date=2024-04-13 |title=Every Star Wars Movie Actor Who Returned For The Clone Wars |url=https://screenrant.com/star-wars-clone-wars-movie-actor-returns/ |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=ScreenRant |language=en}}

In 2020, he appeared in the television documentary series Enslaved,{{cite web|first=Victoria|last=Ahearn|url=https://www.cp24.com/entertainment-news/movie-tv-news/canadian-director-and-samuel-l-jackson-probe-transatlantic-slave-trade-in-enslaved-1.5148818?cache=aytavhhzp%3FclipId%3D89926|title=Canadian director and Samuel L. Jackson probe transatlantic slave trade in 'Enslaved'|website=CP24|date=October 16, 2020|access-date=January 15, 2021|archive-date=April 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425062320/https://www.cp24.com/entertainment-news/movie-tv-news/canadian-director-and-samuel-l-jackson-probe-transatlantic-slave-trade-in-enslaved-1.5148818?cache=aytavhhzp%3FclipId%3D89926|url-status=dead}} with investigative journalist Afua Hirsch as co-presenter.{{cite web|first=Will|last=Thorne|url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/samuel-l-jackson-docuseries-enslaved-premiere-date-epix-1234724858/ |title=Samuel L. Jackson Docuseries 'Enslaved' Sets Premiere Date on Epix|website=Variety|date= August 4, 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2020/oct/11/enslaved-review-samuel-l-jackson-presents-a-brutally-poignant-history-of-the-slave-trade|title=Enslaved review – Samuel L Jackson presents a brutally poignant history of the slave trade|newspaper=The Guardian|first=Joseph|last=Harker|date=October 11, 2020}} He also appeared in the 2021 movie Spiral: From the Book of Saw alongside Chris Rock. After an 11-year absence from the stage, Jackson returned to Broadway as Doaker Charles in a revival of August Wilson's The Piano Lesson, opposite John David Washington and Danielle Brooks. The 2022 production was directed by Jackson's wife, LaTanya Richardson Jackson.{{cite web|url= https://deadline.com/2022/03/samuel-l-jackson-broadway-the-piano-lesson-revival-latanya-richardson-jackson-1234990134/|title= Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington & Danielle Brooks Set For 'The Piano Lesson' Broadway Revival, With LaTanya Richardson Jackson Directing|website= Deadline Hollywood|date= March 29, 2022|access-date= June 16, 2022}} For his performance, he received a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play nomination.{{cite web|url= https://deadline.com/2023/05/ben-platt-samuel-l-jackson-shucked-2023-tony-award-nominations-1235352183/|title= Ben Platt, Jessica Chastain, Samuel L. Jackson, Audra McDonald & More React To Tony Nominations|first=Greg|last=Evans|website= Deadline Hollywood|date= May 2, 2023|access-date= May 8, 2023}} He reprised his role as Nick Fury in the Disney+ series Secret Invasion,{{Cite web |last=Paige |first=Rachel |date=December 10, 2020 |title='Secret Invasion' Reunites Samuel L. Jackson and Ben Mendelsohn in New Disney+ Series |url=https://www.marvel.com/articles/tv-shows/secret-invasion-sam-jackson-ben-mendelsohn-disney-plus |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211030655/https://www.marvel.com/articles/tv-shows/secret-invasion-sam-jackson-ben-mendelsohn-disney-plus |archive-date=December 11, 2020 |access-date=December 10, 2020 |website=Marvel.com}} and in The Marvels, the sequel to Captain Marvel.{{Cite web |last=Seddon |first=Gem |date=August 12, 2021 |title=The Marvels: Samuel L. Jackson confirms return as Nick Fury in Captain Marvel sequel |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/the-marvels-enters-production-as-samuel-l-jackson-shares-first-set-photo/ |access-date=April 13, 2022 |website=gamesradar}} The following year, Jackson had a minor role in the Matthew Vaughn-directed spy comedy Argylle (2024).{{cite web|url= https://variety.com/2021/film/news/matthew-vaughan-argylle-film-henry-cavill-1235014809/|title= Henry Cavill, Samuel L. Jackson, Bryce Dallas Howard Among A-List Cast for Matthew Vaughn's Spy Thriller 'Argylle'|website= Variety|date= July 8, 2021|access-date= February 9, 2024}}

Jackson is set to produce a live-action film adaptation of Afro Samurai,{{cite web |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/new/Samuel-L-Jackson-Producing-A-Live-Action-Afro-Samurai-Movie-25832.html |title=Samuel L. Jackson Producing A Live-Action Afro Samurai Movie |work=CinemaBlend |first=Sean |last=O'Connell |date=July 22, 2011 |access-date=April 16, 2013 |archive-date=October 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015124357/http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Samuel-L-Jackson-Producing-A-Live-Action-Afro-Samurai-Movie-25832.html |url-status=dead }} and will play the role of Sho'nuff in a remake of The Last Dragon. He is also set to appear opposite Pierce Brosnan in Unholy Trinity.{{cite web|last=Grobar|first=Matt|title=Pierce Brosnan, Samuel L. Jackson & Brandon Lessard Set For Western 'Unholy Trinity' Filming Under Interim Agreement|date=October 16, 2023|website=Deadline Hollywood|url=https://deadline.com/2023/10/unholy-trinity-pierce-brosnan-samuel-l-jackson-sag-agreement-1235574925/|access-date=February 13, 2024}}

Filming began for Last Meals in late November 2023.[https://deadline.com/2023/11/kelly-reilly-theo-rossi-cast-samuel-l-jackson-boyd-holbrook-prison-movie-last-meals-kenny-leon-afm-1235590403/ Kelly Reilly & David Strathairn Among Cast Set To Join Samuel L. Jackson & Boyd Holbrook In Prison Drama ‘Last Meals’; Filming To Begin This Month With Director Kenny Leon — AFM]

Jackson is known for his extensive voice roles including Whiplash in Turbo (2013), the title character of the anime series Afro Samurai (2007), and Frank Tenpenny in the video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004). He also narrated the acclaimed documentary I Am Not Your Negro (2016).

In addition to films, Jackson also appeared in several television shows, a video game, music videos, as well as audiobooks. Jackson had a small part in the Public Enemy music video for "911 Is a Joke". Jackson voiced several television show characters, including the lead role in the anime series, Afro Samurai, in addition to a recurring part as the voice of Gin Rummy in several episodes of the animated series The Boondocks.{{cite news|title=Samuel L. Jackson to give a voice to 'Afro Samurai'|work=The Herald-Mail|url=http://www.herald-mail.com/?module=displaystory&story_id=111635&format=html|date=May 4, 2005|access-date=January 26, 2010}}{{cite news|last=Weisman |first=Jon |title=Why thesps can't laugh off animated voice gigs |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2006/scene/awards/why-thesps-can-t-laugh-off-animated-voice-gigs-1200336585/ |date=May 13, 2006 |access-date=January 26, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090218021926/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117945183.html?categoryid=1236&cs=1 |archive-date=February 18, 2009 }} He was in the pilot for Ghostwriter.{{citation needed|date=September 2019}} He guest-starred as himself in an episode of the BBC/HBO sitcom Extras.{{cite news|title=A-listers flock to Gervais sitcom|work=BBC News|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4201783.stm|date=January 24, 2005|access-date=January 26, 2010}} He voiced the main antagonist, Officer Frank Tenpenny, in the video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.{{cite news|last=Vargas|first=Jose Antonio|title=Major Players|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A193-2004Dec14.html|date=December 15, 2004|access-date=January 26, 2010}} Jackson also hosted a variety of awards shows. He has hosted the MTV Movie Awards (1998),{{cite magazine|title=Wallflowers, Imbruglia Set For MTV Movie Awards|magazine=Rolling Stone|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/thewallflowers/articles/story/5922082/wallflowers_imbruglia_set_for_mtv_movie_awards|date=May 16, 1998|access-date=January 25, 2010}}{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} the ESPYs (1999, 2001, 2002, and 2009),{{cite news|title=Samuel L. Jackson returns as ESPY Awards host|work=Los Angeles Times|url=http://goldderby.latimes.com/awards_goldderby/2009/04/samuel-l-jackson-returns-as-espy-awards-host.html|date=April 7, 2009|access-date=January 25, 2010|archive-date=October 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171027150708/http://goldderby.latimes.com/awards_goldderby/2009/04/samuel-l-jackson-returns-as-espy-awards-host.html|url-status=dead}} and the Spike TV Video Game Awards (2005, 2006, 2007, and 2012).{{cite news|last=Hutchens|first=Bill|title=Having a Grand Theft time|work=The News Tribune|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/TRIBnet/access/1470436661.html?dids=1470436661:1470436661&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Apr+29%2C+2008&author=BILL+HUTCHENS%3B+billhutchens%40thenewstribunecom&pub=News+Tribune&desc=Having+a+Grand+Theft+time&pqatl=google|format=Fee required|date=April 29, 2008|access-date=January 25, 2010|archive-date=November 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107194523/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/TRIBnet/access/1470436661.html?dids=1470436661:1470436661&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Apr+29%2C+2008&author=BILL+HUTCHENS%3B+billhutchens%40thenewstribunecom&pub=News+Tribune&desc=Having+a+Grand+Theft+time&pqatl=google|url-status=dead}} In November 2006, he provided the voice of God for The Bible Experience, the New Testament audiobook version of the Bible. He was given the lead role because producers believed his deep, authoritative voice would best fit the role.{{cite web|title=Jackson Voices God|publisher=ContactMusic.com|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/article/jackson%20voices%20god_1002655|date=July 16, 2006|access-date=May 10, 2009|archive-date=June 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626212347/http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/article/jackson%20voices%20god_1002655|url-status=dead}} He also recorded the Audible.com audiobook of Go the Fuck to Sleep.{{cite news|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/jacketcopy/2011/06/samuel-l-jackson-reads-go-the-f-to-sleep.html|title=Samuel L. Jackson reads 'Go the F --- to Sleep'|last=Netburn|first=Deborah|date=June 15, 2011|work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=June 18, 2011}} For the Atlanta Falcons' 2010 season, Jackson portrayed Rev. Sultan in the Falcons "Rise Up" commercial.

Jackson appeared in the Capital One cash-back credit card commercials, and he also appeared in a Sky Broadband Shield commercial, Sky UK's broadband service as Nick Fury to promote Captain America: The Winter Soldier.{{Cite web |last=Orange |first=B. Alan |date=March 22, 2014 |title=Nick Fury Rages in Captain America 2 Sky Broadband TV Spot |url=https://movieweb.com/nick-fury-rages-in-captain-america-2-sky-broadband-tv-spot/ |access-date=April 29, 2022 |website=MovieWeb}} Additionally, he played Nick Fury in an ad for the video game Marvel Snap.{{Cite web |last=L. Jackson |first=Samuel |date=October 18, 2022 |title=Effective today, I'm being replaced as Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. Because now, @MarvelSnap gives players control over the entire Marvel Universe. You think you can do as good of a job as I did? We'll see about that. |url=https://twitter.com/samuelljackson/status/1582356131812626433 |access-date=October 20, 2022 |website=Twitter}} Jackson released a song about social justice with KRS-One, Sticky Fingaz, Mad Lion and Talib Kweli about violence in America called "I Can't Breathe", which were the last words said by Eric Garner.{{Cite web |url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/samuel-l-jackson-krs-one-sticky-fingaz-mad-lion-and-talib-kweli-i-cant-breathe-new-song.1970558.html |title=Samuel L Jackson conscious song |website=HNHH |access-date=July 11, 2016 |archive-date=July 12, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160712191550/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/samuel-l-jackson-krs-one-sticky-fingaz-mad-lion-and-talib-kweli-i-cant-breathe-new-song.1970558.html |url-status=dead }}

Jackson was a special guest in Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl LIX halftime show portraying "Uncle Sam".[https://ew.com/samuel-l-jackson-surprises-as-kendrick-lamar-super-bowl-halftime-emcee-8788712 Samuel L. Jackson surprises as emcee of Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl 2025 halftime show: 'You've lost your damn mind']

Throughout the 1990s, A.C. Neilson E.C.I., a box office–tracking company, determined that Jackson appeared in more films than any other actor who grossed $1.7 billion domestically.{{harvnb|Hudson|2004|p=213}} By 2011, the films that featured Jackson as a leading actor or supporting co-star had grossed a total of $2.81{{cite web |title=People Index |website=Box Office Mojo |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/people/?view=Actor&sort=sumgross&p=.htm |access-date=January 3, 2011 |archive-date=June 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190627001804/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/people/?view=Actor&sort=sumgross&p=.htm |url-status=dead }} to $4.91 billion{{cite web |title=All Time Top 100 Stars at the Box Office |publisher=The Numbers |url=https://www.the-numbers.com/people/records/ |access-date=January 3, 2011 |archive-date=August 25, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100825163052/http://www.the-numbers.com/people/records/ |url-status=dead }} at the North American box office. This placed him as the seventh-highest-grossing lead actor and the second-highest-grossing actor, behind only voice actor Frank Welker. The 2009 edition of The Guinness World Records, which uses a different calculation to determine film grosses, stated that Jackson is the world's highest-grossing actor, with $7.42 billion generated across 68 films.{{cite news|last=Dwinell |first=Joe |title=Brangelina take over the 'World' |work=Boston Herald |date=September 16, 2008 |url-access=registration |url=http://news.bostonherald.com/track/celebrity/view/2008_09_16_Brangelina_take_over_the_%E2%80%98World%E2%80%99/srvc=home&position=3 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080918205946/http://news.bostonherald.com/track/celebrity/view/2008_09_16_Brangelina_take_over_the_%E2%80%98World%E2%80%99/srvc%3Dhome%26position%3D3 |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 18, 2008 |access-date=May 10, 2009}} Subsequently, as of 2022, according to data calculated by the Golden Globes, this total has grown to more than $27 billion grossed across 152 movies, making him the highest-grossing actor, and second-highest grossing person in film in general behind Stan Lee, who was primarily known for his cameo work.{{cite web|url=https://www.goldenglobes.com/articles/samuel-l-jackson-finally-set-out-conquer-television|title=Samuel L. Jackson Finally Set Out to Conquer Television|work=Golden Globes|publisher=Hollywood Foreign Press Association|last=Tropéa|first=Hervé|date=March 30, 2022}}{{Cite news |title=152 movie titles, record $27 billion at the box-office: Academy presents honorary Oscar to Samuel L Jackson |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/152-movie-titles-record-27-billion-at-the-box-office-academy-presents-honorary-oscar-to-samuel-l-jackson/articleshow/90457338.cms |access-date=August 4, 2022}}{{Cite web |title=Samuel L Jackson |url=https://www.smallstepsproject.org/portfolio/samuel-l-jackson/ |access-date=August 4, 2022 |website=Small Steps Project|archive-date=August 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804164937/http://www.smallstepsproject.org/portfolio/samuel-l-jackson/ |url-status=dead }}

• 2011: Adam Mansbach: Go the Fuck to Sleep, publisher: BRILLIANCE CORP, {{ISBN| 978-1-4558-4165-3}}
• 2014: Chester Himes: A Rage in Harlem, publisher: BRILLIANCE CORP, {{ISBN| 978-1-4915-1908-0}}

File:Samuelljacksonnavy cropped.jpg in November 2005]]

In 1980, Jackson married actress and producer LaTanya Richardson, whom he met while attending Morehouse College. The couple have a daughter named Zoe (b. 1982).{{cite news |last=Williams |first=Lena |date=June 9, 1991 |title=Samuel L. Jackson: Out of Lee's 'Jungle,' Into the Limelight |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/06/09/movies/up-and-coming-samuel-l-jackson-out-of-lee-s-jungle-into-the-limelight.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=May 10, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090625080855/http://www.nytimes.com/1991/06/09/movies/up-and-coming-samuel-l-jackson-out-of-lee-s-jungle-into-the-limelight.html |archive-date=June 25, 2009}} In 2009, they started their own charity to help support education.{{cite news |last=Mears |first=Jo |date=May 23, 2009 |title=My family values |work=The Guardian |location=London |url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2009/may/23/samuel-l-jackson-family-values |url-status=live |access-date=January 26, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313002547/http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2009/may/23/samuel-l-jackson-family-values |archive-date=March 13, 2014}} Jackson has said that he watches his own films in cinemas: "Even during my theater years, I wished I could watch the plays I was in{{emdash}}while I was in them! I dig watching myself work."{{cite magazine |last=Tyrangiel |first=Josh |date=August 7, 2006 |title=His Own Best Fan |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1223382,00.html |url-status=dead |magazine=Time |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060819190125/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0%2C9171%2C1223382%2C00.html |archive-date=August 19, 2006 |access-date=May 10, 2009 |url-access=limited}} He also enjoys collecting the action figures of the characters he portrays in his films, including Jules Winnfield, Shaft, Mace Windu, and Frozone.{{cite web|last=Miller |first=Prairie |title=Celebrity Spotlight: Samuel L. Jackson |publisher=LongIslandPress.com |url=http://www.longislandpress.com/?cp=142&show=article&a_id=3977 |date=May 18, 2005 |access-date=May 10, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051119091014/http://www.longislandpress.com/?cp=142&show=article&a_id=3977 |archive-date=November 19, 2005 |url-status=dead}}

Jackson is bald but enjoys wearing wigs in his films.{{cite news|title=Samuel L. Jackson's bald love |publisher=Monsters and Critics |url=http://www.monstersandcritics.com/people/news/article_1364990.php |date=October 13, 2007 |access-date=May 10, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080907001810/http://www.monstersandcritics.com/people/news/article_1364990.php |archive-date=September 7, 2008}} He said about his decision to shave his head, "I keep ending up on those 'bald is beautiful' lists. It's cool. You know, when I started losing my hair, it was during the era when everybody had lots of hair. All of a sudden, I felt this big hole in the middle of my afro. I couldn't face having a comb over so I had to quickly figure what the haircut for me was." His first bald role was in The Great White Hype.{{cite news|last=Walton|first=A. Scott|title=Wigs Often Play Supporting Roles in Films With Samuel L. Jackson|work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AT&p_theme=at&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0F6CEC32D01EB37B&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D|format=Fee required|date=October 21, 2002|access-date=January 26, 2010}} He usually gets to pick his own hairstyles for each character he portrays.{{cite news|last=Alvarez |first=Antoinette |title=Interview: Samuel L. On Black Snake Moan |publisher=LatinoReview.com |url=http://www.latinoreview.com/news/interview-samuel-l-on-black-snake-moan-1467 |date=February 14, 2007 |access-date=May 10, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150815091344/http://www.latinoreview.com/news/interview-samuel-l-on-black-snake-moan-1467 |archive-date=August 15, 2015 }} He poked fun at his baldness the first time he appeared bald on The Tonight Show, explaining that he had to shave his head for one role, but then kept receiving more and more bald roles and had to keep shaving his head so that wigs could be made for him. He joked that "the only way [he's] gonna have time to grow [his] hair back is if [he's] not working". He is noted for often wearing a Kangol hat in public.{{cite web|url=https://www.brandchannel.com/2015/11/20/samuel-l-jackson-kangol-112015/|title=Samuel L. Jackson Kickstarts Kangol #Motherfunder Campaign for US Jobs|first=Sheila|last=Shayon|date=November 20, 2015|website=brandchannel|access-date=December 7, 2019|archive-date=August 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808115926/https://www.brandchannel.com/2015/11/20/samuel-l-jackson-kangol-112015/|url-status=dead}}

Jackson has a clause in his contracts that allows him to play golf during film shoots. He has played in the Gary Player Invitational charity golf tournament to assist Gary Player in raising funds for children in South Africa. He is a keen basketball fan, supporting the Toronto Raptors and the Harlem Globetrotters.{{cite news|last=Govani|first=Shinan|title=Raptors provide Jackson's action|work=The Windsor Star |url=http://www2.canada.com/windsorstar/news/sports/story.html?id=1371686c-6b13-4df1-a6dd-b7f6c006af6b&k=33394|date=November 4, 2006|access-date=May 10, 2009}} He has supported English football team Liverpool FC since appearing in The 51st State, which was shot in Liverpool,{{cite news |url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/samuel-l-jackson-enjoys-liverpools-6688313 |title=Samuel L Jackson enjoys Liverpool's 5–1 win over Arsenal |newspaper=Liverpool Echo|date=February 9, 2014|access-date=May 17, 2015}} and also supports Irish football team Bohemian FC.{{Cite web |url=https://www.joe.ie/movies-tv/here-are-just-some-of-the-many-reasons-why-samuel-l-jackson-is-the-coolest-motherfer-alive-456449 |title=Here are just some of the many reasons why Samuel L. Jackson is the coolest motherf***er alive |date=November 4, 2016 |website=Joe.ie |access-date=November 14, 2018}}

He was granted Gabonese citizenship in 2019 after the results of a DNA test claimed to link him to the country's Benga ethnic group. Jackson stopped drinking alcohol after having problems with addiction.{{cite web |date=2002 |title=Sam always has time for tee |url=http://www.tiscali.co.uk/entertainment/film/interviews/samuel_l_jackson.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021103032145/http://www.tiscali.co.uk/entertainment/film/interviews/samuel_l_jackson.html |archive-date=3 November 2002 |work=Tiscali}}{{cite news |date=10 May 2019 |title=40 Male Celebrities Who Don't Drink Alcohol |url=https://www.menshealth.com/health/g27372914/40-male-celebrities-dont-drink-alcohol/?slide=31 |access-date=26 September 2024 |work=Men's Health}}

File:Samuel L. Jackson - Your Action Saves Lives.ogg during the COVID-19 pandemic in August 2020]]

Jackson campaigned during the 2008 Democratic Primary for Barack Obama in Texarkana, Texas. He said, "Barack Obama represents everything I was told I could be growing up. I am a child of segregation. When I grew up and people told me I could be president, I knew it was a lie. But now we have a representative... the American Dream is a reality. Anyone can grow up to be a president."{{cite web|last=Martin |first=Marie |url=http://www.texarkanagazette.com/news/localnews/2008/02/25/jackson-campaigns-for-obama-90.php |work=Texarkana Gazette |title=Jackson campaigns for Obama |date=February 25, 2008 |access-date=June 9, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717053957/http://www.texarkanagazette.com/news/localnews/2008/02/25/jackson-campaigns-for-obama-90.php |archive-date=July 17, 2011}} He also said, "I voted for Barack because he was black. That's why other folks vote for other people{{emdash}}because they look like them."{{cite news|url=https://news.yahoo.com/samuel-l-jackson-voted-barack-because-black-174806076.html |publisher=Yahoo! News|title=Samuel L. Jackson: 'I Voted for Barack Because He Was Black'|date=February 11, 2012}} In December 2012, he compared his Django Unchained character, a villainous house slave who sides with his white oppressors, to black conservative Justice Clarence Thomas and said that the character had "the same moral compass as Clarence Thomas does".Ryzik, Melena. [https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/20/movies/awardsseason/supporting-actor-category-is-thick-with-hopefuls.html Supporting Actor Category Is Thick With Hopefuls], The New York Times (December 19, 2012). Following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in June 2022, he again criticized Thomas, referring to him as "Uncle Clarence" and asking how Thomas{{emdash}}who is married to white attorney Ginni Thomas{{emdash}}feels about overturning Loving v. Virginia, a Supreme Court ruling that prohibited states from outlawing interracial marriages.{{cite web |title=Samuel L. Jackson slams 'Uncle Clarence' Thomas after Roe v. Wade overturn |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/snyde/ny-samuel-l-jackson-uncle-clarence-roe-wade-overturn-virginia-loving-20220626-wmteo7nf3zbqzmtdvrmesvxf2m-story.html |website=New York Daily News |date=June 26, 2022 |access-date=June 27, 2022}}

In June 2013, Jackson launched a joint campaign with Prizeo in an effort to raise money to fight Alzheimer's disease. As part of the campaign, he recited various fan-written monologues and a popular scene from the AMC series Breaking Bad.{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/popcandy/2013/06/06/samuel-jackson-alzheimers/2396213/|title=Samuel L. Jackson does 'Breaking Bad'|last=Matheson|first=Whitney|date=June 6, 2013|work=USA Today|access-date=June 14, 2013}}{{cite web |title=Samuel L. Jackson's 'Breaking Bad' monologue is just the beginning for charity platform prizeo |last1=Maglio |first1=Tony |agency=Reuters |date=June 11, 2013 |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/sns-rt-us-media-samuelljackson-prizeobre95a0r8-20130611,0,7314400.story |access-date=June 14, 2013 }}{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} In August 2013, he started following a vegan diet for health reasons, explaining that he is "just trying to live forever".{{cite web|url = https://uk.movies.yahoo.com/video/samuel-l-jackson-9-movie-153239709.html|title = Samuel L Jackson on his 9 movie Marvel contract|date=March 25, 2014|access-date = September 2, 2014|website = Yahoo! Movies|publisher = Yahoo!}} He attributed his {{cvt|40|lb}} weight loss to the diet.{{cite web|url = http://metro.co.uk/2014/03/28/samuel-l-jackson-as-a-young-black-actor-my-character-always-died-4681027/|title = Samuel L Jackson: As a young black actor, my character always died|date = March 28, 2014|access-date = September 2, 2014|website = Metro News|last = Ivan-Zadeh|first = Larushka}} He had largely abandoned the diet by March 2017, but still praised and recommended it. He launched a campaign called "One for the Boys", which teaches men about testicular cancer and urges them to "get themselves checked out".{{cite news|title=Samuel L Jackson's testicular cancer awareness video is passionate and slightly menacing|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/samuel-l-jacksons-testicular-cancer-awareness-video-is-passionate-and-slightly-menacing-9278372.html|first=Ella|last= Alexander|date=April 23, 2014|access-date=April 24, 2014|archive-date=September 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925151644/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/samuel-l-jacksons-testicular-cancer-awareness-video-is-passionate-and-slightly-menacing-9278372.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=One for the Boys|url=http://www.onefortheboys.com/}}

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jackson encouraged people to wear face masks as part of California's "Your Actions Save Lives" campaign. Along with Dwayne Johnson, he also encouraged those who had recovered from COVID-19 to donate their blood to help others fighting the virus.{{cite web|url=https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/in-the-know/503431-the-rock-samuel-l-jackson-other-celebrities-urge-recovered|title= The Rock, Samuel L. Jackson among celebs urging recovered coronavirus patients to give blood|website= The Hill|first=Rebecca|last=Klar|date=June 18, 2020|access-date= November 27, 2020}} He additionally appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! to read a satirical book, Stay the Fuck at Home, which spread awareness of social distancing.{{cite magazine |last=Romano |first=Nick |date=April 1, 2020 |title=Stay the F— at Home: Samuel L. Jackson has a new book to read on Kimmel |url=https://ew.com/tv/samuel-l-jackson-coronavirus-stay-the-f-at-home-jimmy-kimmel/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=November 27, 2020}}

Jackson endorsed Kamala Harris in the 2024 United States presidential election and spoke at one of her campaign rallies on October 24, 2024.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-24 |title=Spike Lee, Samuel L. Jackson, Tyler Perry to join Kamala Harris at metro Atlanta event |url=https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2024/10/24/spike-lee-samuel-l-jackson-tyler-perry-join-kamala-harris-metro-atlanta-event/ |access-date=2024-10-25 |website=Atlanta News First |language=en}}

{{main|List of Samuel L. Jackson performances}}

{{main|List of awards and nominations received by Samuel L. Jackson}}

Over the course of his career, Jackson has received various awards for his performances on film. At the 44th Cannes Film Festival he received the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actor for his performance in Spike Lee's Jungle Fever (1991). He received the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role and the Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead for his performance in Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction (1994). He also received Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, and Screen Actors Guild Award nominations for the performance as well. At the 48th Berlin International Film Festival, he received Silver Bear for Best Actor for his leading performance in Tarantino's Jackie Brown (1997). In 2021, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences named Jackson as one of its Academy Honorary Award recipients as "A cultural icon whose dynamic work has resonated across genres and generations and audiences worldwide."{{cite web|url= https://consequence.net/2021/06/samuel-l-jackson-honorary-oscar-academy-awards/|title= Samuel L. Jackson to Receive Honorary Oscar, Marking His First-Ever Academy Award|website= Consequence Film|date= June 24, 2021|access-date= June 16, 2022}}{{Cite web |last=Hammond |first=Peter |date=June 24, 2021 |title=Oscars: Academy To Honor Danny Glover, Samuel L. Jackson, Elaine May & Liv Ullmann At 2022 Governors Awards |url=https://deadline.com/2021/06/oscars-governors-awards-danny-glover-samuel-l-jackson-elaine-may-liv-ullmann-1234780702/ |access-date=June 16, 2022 |website=Deadline Hollywood}} At the 12th Annual Governors Awards in 2022, friend and actor Denzel Washington presented Jackson with his Oscar.{{cite web|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFHxl8vpOng|title= Samuel L. Jackson Receives an Honorary Award at the 2022 Governors Awards|website= Oscars|date= June 7, 2022|access-date= June 16, 2022}}

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{cite book |last=Dils |first=Tracey E. |title=Samuel L. Jackson |url=https://archive.org/details/samuelljackson00dils |url-access=registration |series=Black Americans of Achievement |publisher=Chelsea House Publications |location=Philadelphia |year=1999 |isbn=0-7910-5282-6 |oclc=41885637}}
• {{cite book |last=Hudson |first=Jeff |title=Samuel L. Jackson: The Unauthorised Biography |publisher=Virgin Books |location=London |year=2004 |isbn=1-85227-024-1 |oclc=224038091 }}
• {{cite news |last=Jordan |first=Pat | date = April 26, 2012 | title = How Samuel L. Jackson Became His Own Genre |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/29/magazine/how-samuel-l-jackson-became-his-own-genre.html }}

{{Commons category|Samuel L. Jackson}}

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• {{New York Times topic|people/j/samuel_l_jackson}}
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• [http://www.talktalk.co.uk/entertainment/film/biography/artist/samuel-l-jackson/biography/109 Extensive biography of Samuel L. Jackson]

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Category:1948 births

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