Born in Washington, D.C., Samuel Leroy Jackson emerged as a towering figure in American cinema, renowned for his commanding presence and versatility on screen. Raised by a factory worker mother and his grandparents, Jackson's journey from the black student movement at Morehouse College to becoming a prolific actor and producer reflects his resilience and determination. With over 100 films to his credit, including iconic roles in "Pulp Fiction", the Star Wars prequel trilogy, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Jackson's impact on entertainment is profound, marked by his deep, authoritative voice and magnetic performances.
Early Life and Career
Samuel Leroy Jackson's upbringing in Washington, D.C., was marked by both challenges and resilience. Raised primarily by his mother, Elizabeth Jackson, a factory worker, and his grandparents, Jackson navigated his childhood with determination and grit. His academic journey led him to Morehouse College, where he was actively involved in the black student movement, showcasing his early passion for social justice and activism. It was during his college years that Jackson discovered his love for performance, participating in theater productions and honing his craft.
After graduating from Morehouse College with a degree in drama, Jackson embarked on his acting career with fervor. He initially struggled to find stable work, taking on various odd jobs to make ends meet. However, his breakthrough came when he joined the Negro Ensemble Company in the 1970s, where he refined his skills and began to gain recognition within the theater community.
Jackson's first notable role in film came in the 1980s, with appearances in movies such as "Coming to America" and "School Daze." However, it was his collaboration with director Spike Lee in the late 1980s and early 1990s that catapulted him to stardom. His portrayal of Gator Purify in Lee's "Jungle Fever" (1991) garnered critical acclaim and showcased his ability to bring complex characters to life.
The role that truly solidified Jackson's status as a Hollywood icon came with Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction" (1994). His performance as the philosophical hitman Jules Winnfield earned him widespread acclaim and a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. "Pulp Fiction" not only rejuvenated Jackson's career but also reshaped the landscape of American cinema, solidifying his place as one of the most dynamic and influential actors of his generation.
Throughout his illustrious career, Jackson has amassed an impressive array of awards and accolades. He has been nominated for an Academy Award, won a BAFTA Award, and received numerous other honors for his contributions to film and television. His roles in projects such as "A Time to Kill" (1996), "Jackie Brown" (1997), and "Django Unchained" (2012) have further showcased his range and versatility as an actor.
Beyond his on-screen achievements, Jackson is also known for his philanthropic endeavors and activism. He has been involved in various charitable causes, including initiatives focused on education, civil rights, and humanitarian aid. Additionally, Jackson is a vocal advocate for diversity and representation in the entertainment industry, using his platform to promote inclusivity and equality.
As a cultural icon, Samuel L. Jackson's impact on Hollywood and the entertainment industry is undeniable. His commanding presence, distinctive voice, and unparalleled talent have cemented his status as a legend, inspiring generations of actors and filmmakers alike. From his groundbreaking performances to his unwavering commitment to social justice, Jackson continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of cinema and beyond.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Damaged | Dan Lawson |
| 2024 | Argylle | Alfie |
| 2021–2023 | What If...? (TV Series) | Nick Fury | Sir Fury (voice) |
| 2023 | The Marvels | Nick Fury |
| 2023 | The Kill Room | Gordon |
| 2023 | Secret Invasion (TV Mini Series) | Nick Fury |
| 2022 | Marvel Snap (Video Game) | Nick Fury (voice) |
| 2022 | Sesame Street Coming Together: Word of the Day (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 2022 | Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank | Jimbo (voice) |
| 2022 | The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey (TV Series) | Ptolemy Grey |
| 2021 | Radio Play Revival | Podcast Series | Jim |
| 2021 | The Protégé | Moody |
| 2021 | Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard | Darius Kincaid |
| 2021 | Spiral | Marcus Banks |
| 2020 | Death to 2020 | TV Special | Dash Bracket |
| 2020 | Capitol One: Christmas Ad (Video) | Samuel |
| 2020 | Staged (TV Series) | Samuel L. Jackson |
| 2020 | The Banker | Joe Morris |
| 2019 | Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker | Mace Windu (voice) |
| 2019 | The Last Full Measure | Billy Takoda |
| 2019 | Spider-Man: Far from Home | Nick Fury |
| 2019 | The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (TV Series) | Police Commissioner Alvarez |
| 2019 | Shaft | John Shaft |
| 2019 | Avengers: Endgame | Nick Fury |
| 2019 | The Hateful Eight - Extended Version (TV Series) | Major Marquis Warren |
| 2019 | Captain Marvel | Nick Fury |
| 2019 | Glass | Elijah Price |
| 2018 | Life Itself | Samuel L. Jackson |
| 2018 | Incredibles 2 | Frozone | Lucius Best (voice) |
| 2018 | Moose (TV Short) | Narrator |
| 2018 | Avengers: Infinity War | Nick Fury (uncredited) |
| 2017 | The Hitman's Bodyguard: Deleted Scenes (Video) | Darius Kincaid |
| 2017 | Tyrannosaurus Funk (Short) | Tyrannosaurus Rex (voice) |
| 2017 | Unicorn Store | The Salesman |
| 2017 | The Hitman's Bodyguard | Darius Kincaid |
| 2017 | xXx: Return of Xander Cage | Augustus Gibbons |
| 2017 | Kong: Skull Island | Preston Packard |
| 2016 | Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children | Barron |
| 2016 | The Legend of Tarzan | George Washington Williams |
| 2016 | Cell | Tom McCourt |
| 2015 | The Hateful Eight | Major Marquis Warren |
| 2015 | Chi-Raq | Dolmedes | 2015 (Video Game) | Nick Fury (voice) |
| 2015 | Barely Lethal | Hardman |
| 2015 | Avengers: Age of Ultron | Nick Fury |
| 2014 | Kingsman: The Secret Service | Valentine |
| 2014 | Black Dynamite (TV Series) | Captain Quinton (voice) |
| 2014 | Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes (Video Game) | Nick Fury (voice) |
| 2014 | Big Game | US President William Alan Moore |
| 2014 | Kite | Lieutenant Karl Aker |
| 2013–2014 | Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (TV Series) | Nick Fury |
| 2014 | Captain America: The Winter Soldier | Nick Fury |
| 2014 | Jimmy Kimmel Live! (TV Series) | Dentist |
| 2014 | RoboCop | Pat Novak |
| 2014 | Reasonable Doubt | Clinton Davis |
| 2013 | Oldboy | Chaney |
| 2013 | Turbo | Whiplash (voice) |
| 2012 | Django Unchained | Stephen |
| 2012 | Wake the Fuck Up (Short) | Samuel L. Jackson |
| 2012 | Adventures in Zambezia | Tendai (voice) |
| 2012 | The Avengers | Nick Fury |
| 2012 | Meeting Evil | Richie |
| 2012 | The Samaritan | Foley |
| 2011 | Arena (Video) | Logan |
| 2011 | Captain America: The First Avenger | Nick Fury |
| 2011 | Thor | Nick Fury (uncredited) |
| 2011 | Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars (Video Game) | Mace Windu (voice) |
| 2011 | The Sunset Limited (TV Movie) | Black |
| 2010 | Quantum Quest: A Cassini Space Odyssey | Fear (voice) |
| 2005–2010 | The Boondocks (TV Series) | Gin Rummy (voice) |
| 2010 | The Other Guys | P.K. Highsmith |
| 2010 | Unthinkable | Henry Harold 'H' Humphries |
| 2010 | Iron Man 2 (Video Game) | Nick Fury (voice) |
| 2010 | Iron Man 2 | Nick Fury |
| 2010 | Heroes of Newerth (Video Game) | Samuel Jackson Announcer (voice) |
| 2010 | The RRF in New Recruit (Video) | Zog (voice) |
| 2009 | Jamie Foxx feat. T-Pain: Blame It (Music Video) | Samuel L. Jackson |
| 2009 | Astro Boy | Zog (voice) |
| 2009 | Mother and Child | Paul |
| 2009 | Inglourious Basterds | Narrator (voice, uncredited) |
| 2009 | Afro Samurai (Video Game) | Afro Samurai | Ninja Ninja (voice) |
| 2009 | Afro Samurai: Resurrection (TV Movie) | Afro Samurai | Ninja Ninja (voice) |
| 2008 | The Spirit | Octopus |
| 2008 | Soul Men | Louis Hinds |
| 2008 | Gospel Hill | Paul Malcolm |
| 2008 | Lakeview Terrace | Abel Turner |
| 2008 | Star Wars: The Clone Wars | Mace Windu (voice) |
| 2008 | Iron Man | Nick Fury (uncredited) |
| 2008 | Jumper | Roland |
| 2007 | Cleaner | Tom Cutler |
| 1990–2007 | Great Performances (TV Series) | Janitor | Narrator |
| 1408 | Unknown | Unknown |
| 2007 | Gerald Olin | Unknown |
| 2007 | Afro Samurai (TV Mini Series) | Afro Samurai | Ninja Ninja (voice) |
| 2007 | Resurrecting the Champ | Champ |
| 2006 | The Man: Bloopers and Outtakes (Video) | Derrick Vann |
| 2006 | The Man: Deleted/Altered Scenes (Video) | Derrick Vann |
| 2006 | Farce of the Penguins | Narrator (voice) |
| 2006 | Home of the Brave | Will Marsh |
| 2006 | Black Snake Moan | Lazarus |
| 2006 | Snakes on a Plane | Neville Flynn |
| 2006 | Cobra Starship Feat. William Beckett, Travie McCoy and Maja Ivarsson: Snakes on a Plane (Bring It) (Music Video) | Samuel L. Jackson |
| 2006 | Freedomland | Lorenzo Council |
| 2005 | The Man | Derrick Vann |
| 2005 | Extras (TV Series) | Samuel L. Jackson |
| 2005 | Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith | Mace Windu |
| 2005 | xXx: State of the Union | Agent Augustus Eugene Gibbons |
| 2005 | Mr. Incredible and Pals (Video) | Frozone - commentary (voice) |
| 2005 | Coach Carter | Coach Ken Carter |
| 2004 | Twista: Hope (Music Video) | Ken Carter |
| 2004 | The Incredibles: When Danger Calls (Video Game) | Frozone | Lucius Best (voice) |
| 2004 | The Incredibles: The Video Game (Video Game) | Frozone | Lucius Best (voice) |
| 2004 | The Incredibles | Frozone | Lucius Best (voice) |
| 2004 | Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas - The Introduction (Video) | Officer Frank Tenpenny (voice, uncredited) |
| 2004 | Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (Video Game) | Officer Tenpenny (voice) |
| 2004 | Kill Bill: Vol. 2 | Rufus |
| 2004 | Twisted | John Mills |
| 2004 | In My Country | Langston Whitfield |
| 2003 | Freedom: A History of US (TV Series) | Highland Garnet | Isaiah Wears | John Rock ... |
| 2003 | S.W.A.T. | Sgt. Dan 'Hondo' Harrelson |
| 2003 | Basic | West |
| 2002 | Changing Lanes: Deleted and Extended Scenes (Video) | Doyle Gipson |
| 2002 | Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones: Deleted Scenes (Video) | Mace Windu |
| 2002 | xXx | Agent Augustus Gibbons |
| 2002 | No Good Deed | Jack Friar |
| 2002 | Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones | Mace Windu |
| 2002 | Changing Lanes | Doyle Gipson |
| 2002 | The Comeback (Short) | Samuel L. Jackson |
| 2001 | The Proud Family (TV Series) | Joseph (voice) |
| 2001 | Formula 51 | Elmo McElroy |
| 2001 | The Caveman's Valentine | Romulus |
| 2000 | Unbreakable | Elijah Price |
| 2000 | Shaft | John Shaft |
| 2000 | WWE Smackdown! (TV Series) | John Shaft |
| 2000 | Rules of Engagement | Colonel Terry Childers |
| 1999 | Deep Blue Sea: Deleted Scenes (Video) | Russell Franklin |
| 1999 | Deep Blue Sea | Russell Franklin |
| 1999 | Linc's (TV Series) | Marine Colonel (uncredited) |
| 1999 | Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace | Mace Windu |
| 1999 | Our Friend, Martin (Video) | Turner (voice) |
| 1998 | The Red Violin | Charles Morritz (Montréal) |
| 1998 | The Negotiator | Danny Roman |
| 1998 | Out of Sight | Hejira Henry (uncredited) |
| 1998 | Sphere | Harry |
| 1997 | Jackie Brown | Ordell Robbie |
| 1997 | Eve's Bayou | Louis Batiste |
| 1997 | One Eight Seven | Trevor Garfield |
| 1997 | Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child (TV Series) | The Mayor (voice) |
| 1996 | The Long Kiss Goodnight | Mitch Henessey |
| 1996 | A Time to Kill | Carl Lee Hailey |
| 1996 | Trees Lounge | Wendell |
| 1996 | The Great White Hype | Rev. Fred Sultan |
| 1996 | Hard Eight | Jimmy |
| 1995 | Fluke | Rumbo (voice) |
| 1995 | Die Hard with a Vengeance | Zeus |
| 1995 | Kiss of Death | Calvin Hart |
| 1995 | Losing Isaiah | Kadar Lewis |
| 1994 | The Search for One-eye Jimmy | Col. Ron |
| 1994 | The New Age | Dale Deveaux |
| 1994 | Pulp Fiction | Jules Winnfield |
| 1994 | Hail Caesar | Mailman |
| 1994 | Against the Wall (TV Movie) | Jamaal |
| 1994 | Assault at West Point: The Court-Martial of Johnson Whittaker (TV Movie) | Richard Greener |
| 1994 | Fresh | Sam |
| 1993 | True Romance | Big Don |
| 1993 | Jurassic Park | Arnold |
| 1993 | Menace II Society | Tat Lawson |
| 1993 | Amos & Andrew | Andrew Sterling |
| 1993 | Loaded Weapon 1 | Wes Luger |
| 1993 | American Experience (TV Series) | The Steward |
| 1992 | I'll Fly Away (TV Series) | Walter Harper |
| 1992 | Ghostwriter (TV Series) | Reggie Jenkins | Mr. Jenkins |
| 1992 | Patriot Games | Robby |
| 1992 | White Sands | Greg Meeker (as Sam Jackson) |
| 1992 | Fathers & Sons | Marshall |
| 1992 | Juice | Trip |
| 1991 | Jumpin' at the Boneyard | Mr. Simpson |
| 1991 | Dead and Alive: The Race for Gus Farace (TV Movie) | Hatcher |
| 1991 | Strictly Business | Monroe (as Sam Jackson) |
| 1991 | Roc (TV Series) | Larry |
| 1991 | Johnny Suede | B-Bop |
| 1991 | Jungle Fever | Gator Purify |
| 1991 | Law & Order (TV Series) | Defense Attorney Louis Taggert |
| 1990 | The Return of Superfly | Nate Cabot (as Sam Jackson) |
| 1990 | Goodfellas | Stacks Edwards |
| 1990 | The Exorcist III | Dream Blind Man |
| 1990 | Mo' Better Blues | Madlock |
| 1990 | Betsy's Wedding | Taxi Dispatcher (Mickey) |
| 1990 | Public Enemy: 911 is a Joke (Music Video) | Dad |
| 1990 | Common Ground (TV Mini Series) | Preacher |
| 1990 | A Shock to the System | Ulysses - Three-Card Monte Game |
| 1990 | Def by Temptation | Minister Garth |
| 1989 | Sea of Love | Black Guy |
| 1989 | The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd (TV Series) | Brother Elvis |
| 1989 | Do the Right Thing | Mister Señor Love Daddy (as Sam Jackson) |
| 1989 | A Man Called Hawk (TV Series) | Cutter |
| 1989 | Dead Man Out (TV Movie) | Calvin Fredricks (as Sam Jackson) |
| 1988 | Coming to America | Hold-Up Man |
| 1988 | School Daze | Leeds | Local Yokel |
| 1986–1987 | Spenser: For Hire (TV Series) | Leroy Clancy | Ned |
| 1987 | Magic Sticks | Bum (as Sam Jackson) |
| 1987 | Uncle Tom's Cabin (TV Movie) | George (as Samuel Jackson) |
| 1981 | Ragtime | Gang Member No. 2 |
| 1980 | The Exterminator | Extra (uncredited) |
| 1978 | The Trial of the Moke (TV Movie) | Johnson Whittaker (as Samuel Jackson) |
| 1977 | The Displaced Person (TV Movie) | Sulk |
| 1976 | Movin' On (TV Series) | State Trooper (uncredited) |
| 1972 | Together for Days | Stan |
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