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Samuel L. Jackson

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BIO

Appearing in well over 100 films, Samuel L. Jackson is one of the most respected actors in Hollywood. Jackson’s portrayal of ‘Jules’, the philosopher hitman, in Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction” made an indelible mark on American cinema. In addition to unanimous critical acclaim, he received Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations, as well as a Best Supporting Actor award from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. Among his many award-winning performances, Jackson made movie history with his portrayal of a crack addict in Spike Lee’s Jungle Fever when he was awarded the first and only Best Supporting Performance Award ever given by the judges at the Cannes Film Festival. Jackson will receive an honorary Academy Award at the upcoming Governors Awards in January 2022. Jackson recently completed production on his first limited series for television, “The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey” in which he stars and produces for Apple. This year, Jackson reunited with Salma Hayek and Ryan Reynolds for Lionsgate’s “The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard,” the sequel to the 2017 film, “The Hitman’s Bodyguard.” He can also be seen in the newest “Saw” sequel, “Spiral,” with Chris Rock and Max Minghella and in Lionsgate’s “The Protégé.” In 2020, Jackson starred in the EPIX docuseries, “Enslaved,” which he also executive produced with LaTanya Richardson Jackson. “Enslaved” won three awards at the 2021 Canadian Screen Awards and two awards at the 2021 Impact Docs Awards. He also starred opposite Anthony Mackie in the Apple drama “The Banker.” In 2019, Jackson starred in Warner Bros.’ “Shaft” and Sony’s “Spiderman: Far From Home.” Jackson also starred as a young ‘Nick Fury’ opposite Brie Larson in the massive global hit, “Captain Marvel.” Jackson also reprised his role as ‘Mr. Glass’ in M. Night Shyamalan’s “Glass.” The film is the final installment of the universe Shyamalan created, which also includes “Split” and “Unbreakable.” In 2018, Jackson lent his voice to the Academy Award-nominated film “Incredibles 2,” reprising his role of ‘Lucius Best/Frozone.’ In 2017, Jackson starred in Warner Bros. “Kong: Skull Island” with Brie Larson and Tom Hiddleston. In 2015, Jackson appeared in Quentin Tarantino’s Oscar-nominated Western “The Hateful Eight.” He starred as Major Marquis Warren, alongside Walton Goggins, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Kurt Russell. That same year, Jackson appeared in Matthew Vaughn’s “Kingsman: The Secret Service” and Spike Lee’s “Chiraq.” In 2016, Jackson was seen in David Yates’ “The Legend of Tarzan,” starring alongside Alexander Skarsgård, Margot Robbie and Christoph Waltz in addition to Tim Burton’s “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.” Also in 2016, Jackson completed production on Brie Larson’s directorial debut “Unicorn Store,” “The Last Full Measure” with Sebastian Stan, Christopher Plummer and Ed Harris as well as Dan Fogelman’s “Life Itself.” In 2012, he co-starred in Quentin Tarantino’s “Django Unchained” as ‘Stephen,’ with Christoph Waltz, Jamie Foxx and Leonardo DiCaprio. He also starred in “The Avengers,” which is part of his 9-picture deal with Marvel Studios. Jackson reprised his role in both Marvel’s “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” which was released in April 2014, and the 2015 sequel “The Avengers: Age of Ultron.” Jackson made his Broadway debut in 2011 at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theater in “The Mountaintop,” where he portrayed Martin Luther King Jr. The play also starred Angela Bassett and was directed by Kenny Leon. Jackson’s career began onstage upon his graduation from Morehouse College in Atlanta with a degree in dramatic arts. Among the plays were Home, A Soldier’s Play, Sally/Prince and The District Line. He also originated roles in two of August Wilson’s plays, The Piano Lesson and Two Trains Running at the Yale Repertory Theatre. For the New York Shakespeare Festival, Jackson appeared in Mother Courage and Her Children, Spell #7, and The Mighty Gents. Additional film credits include: RoboCop, Oldboy, Mother and Child, Iron Man 2, HBO’s The Sunset Limited, Lakeview Terrace, Soul Men, The Spirit, Jumper, Resurrecting the Champ, 1408, Black Snake Moan, Snakes on a Plane, Freedomland, Coach Carter, Star Wars: Episode III: The Revenge of the Sith, S.W.A.T, Changing Lanes, Formula 51, Stars Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, Caveman’s Valentine, Eve’s Bayou, Unbreakable, Rules of Engagement, Shaft, Deep Blue Sea, Star Wars Episode One: The Phantom Menace, The Negotiator, The Red Violin, Jackie Brown, 187, A Time to Kill, Die Hard with a Vengeance, Jungle Fever, Sphere, The Long Kiss Goodnight, Ragtime, Sea of Love, Coming to America, Do the Right Thing, School Daze, Mo’ Better Blues, Goodfellas, Patriot Games, and True Romance. On the small screen, Jackson served as Executive Producer for the Spike TV animated series, “Afro Samurai” which premiered in 2007. The series received an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Animated Program from the Television Academy of Arts and Sciences. The first edition of the “Afro Samurai” video game launched in February 2009. Jackson also starred in John Frankenheimer’s Emmy Award-winning “Against the Wall” for HBO. His performance earned him a Cable Ace nomination as Best Supporting Actor in a Movie or Miniseries, as well as a Golden Globe nomination.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival Production, 2022
Doaker Charles

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2011
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

[Broadway]
1990
Boy Willie (Understudy)

Lymon (Understudy)

[Off-Broadway]
1990
Jim Paine

[Off-Broadway]
1988
Prince

[Off-Broadway]
1988
Prince

[Off-Broadway]
1984
Actor 7 (Crook/Bra's Jim)

[Off-Broadway]
1981
Private Louis Henson

[Off-Broadway]
1981
Cephus Miles

[Off-Broadway]
1980
Ordinance Officer/Deputy/Texas Ranger/1st Klansman/Old Cowhand/Farmer

Sergeant/Kiowa Man/Soldier/Kinsmen


Awards and Nominations

Tony Awards - 2023 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play

Samuel L. Jackson, The Piano Lesson

Drama League Awards - 2012 - Distinguished Performance Award

Samuel L. Jackson, The Mountaintop

Videos

News


Review: HOLD ON TO YOUR BUTTS, Arcola Theatre

Created by Recent Cutbacks, Hold On To Your Butts is a “shot for shot” parody of the iconic Jurassic Park film, with three actors taking on the movie in only seventy minutes (the original film has a runtime of two hours and seven minutes). Jack Baldwin and Laurence Pears take on nearly all of the characters (yes, even Mr. D.N.A makes an appearance!) through simple costume and prop changes.
LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Harry Lennix, Kara Young & More Will Star in PURPOSE on Broadway

Complete casting has been announced for the highly-anticipated Broadway transfer of Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s production of Tony Award-winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ new play, PURPOSE. Check out who has joined the cast!
THE FORD'S THEATRE LEGACY COMMISSIONS: A FIRST LOOK to Take Place in January

Ford's Theatre will present The Ford's Theatre Legacy Commissions: A First Look, designed to serve as an artistic incubator for stories about unsung heroes responsible for changing the course of civil rights and equality in American life. Learn more!
Colman Domingo, Angelina Jolie, & More Win Awards at The Gothams

The Gotham Film & Media Institute has announced the winners of the 34th edition of The Gothams at a ceremony held at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City.
Video: Danielle Deadwyler Is Living Her Dream Bringing August Wilson to the Big Screen

Danielle Deadwyler is starring in the new film adaptation of The Piano Lesson, and it is a privilege that she is not taking for granted. Watch our full interview with Deadwyler as she chats more about her all-star cast and creative team.
THE PIANO LESSON Will Be Screened at the 92Y With a Conversation With John David Washington

Join award-winning actor John David Washington for a special screening of his new project, The Piano Lesson, followed by a conversation. Learn more about the event here!
Video: Why Malcolm Washington Made THE PIANO LESSON As His Directorial Debut

Filmmaker Malcolm Washington recently visited CBS Mornings to discuss his new film adaptation of August Wilson's The Piano Lesson and explained why he chose to make this project for his directorial debut.
Photos: John David Washington, Denzel Washington, & More Attend THE PIANO LESSON Los Angeles Premiere

Last night, Danielle Deadwyler, John David Washington, Denzel Washington, and more attended the Los Angeles premiere of The Piano Lesson. Take a look at photos from the LA premiere here.
Video: THE PIANO LESSON New Trailer Featuring John David Washington

Netflix has unveiled a new trailer for The Piano Lesson, the new film adaptation of the August Wilson play. The film will be available on Netflix starting November 22. Watch the new trailer here.
Video: John David Washington Shares Challenges of Reprising THE PIANO LESSON Role in Film Adaptation

John David Washington, who appeared as Boy Willie in the 2023 Broadway revival of August Wilson's The Piano Lesson, is reprising the role in the new film adaptation and recently shared some of the challenges of bringing the show to the screen. Watch the interview now!
Eva Noblezada, James Lapine and More Join York Theatre Company Gala Honoring Bernadette Peters And Ted Snowdon

The York Theatre Company announced additional performers for its gala honoring Bernadette Peters and Ted Snowdon on November 11 at The Edison Ballroom, promising a memorable evening of celebration.
Samuel L. Jackson to Teach Acting to Undercover Cops in THE HONEST LIAR Film

Tony-Award nominated actor Samuel L. Jackson will be taking on the cops in his next film project. In the action-comedy The Honest Liar, Jackson will play Nick DeFranco, a prominent actor who trains undercover cops how to actual like real criminals.
Broadway Streaming Guide: November 2024- Where to Watch THE PIANO LESSON, SPELLBOUND & More

This November, Broadway fans have a slew of new content to enjoy including Alan Menken and Glenn Slater's animated musical Spellbound, Eddie Redmayne's new thriller series, and the screen adaptation of August Wilson's The Piano Lesson. Check out the lineup here!
Video: THE PIANO LESSON Director and Cast Discuss New Film Adaptation

The Piano Lesson director Malcolm Washington and stars John David Washington and Danielle Deadwyler all visited Good Morning America to discuss and preview the highly anticipated film adaptation of the August Wilson play. Watch the interview now!
Review: THE PIANO LESSON at A Noise Within

Barely six months since braving Wilson's KING HEDLEY II, the company and director Gregg T. Daniel are back an impactful - if leisurely – PIANO LESSON. Where HEDLEY was grim, this one is ghostly, rueful and full of music.
Interview: Ray Fisher in MACBETH at The Shakespeare Theatre of NJ

Broadwayworld recently had the outstanding opportunity to see 'Macbeth' at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey with Ray Fisher in the lead role as Macbeth.  We interviewed him to gain some insights about his career and the show.
Video: Samuel L. Jackson Discusses New Scenes in THE PIANO LESSON Film

Samuel L. Jackson is shedding light on the upcoming film adaptation of August Wilson's The Piano Lesson over the years. The actor visited Good Morning America this week and discussed the difference between Wilson's original material and what is on display in the film. Watch the interview now!
Video: Samuel L. Jackson Previews THE PIANO LESSON, Shares New Clip on THE TONIGHT SHOW

Samuel L. Jackson visited The Tonight Show on Monday, where he previewed Malcolm Washington's upcoming film adaptation of August Wilson's The Piano Lesson. Jackson also shared a short clip from the film, which can be seen as part of the interview. Watch it now!
Video: Danny DeVito Stars in New Clip of A SUDDEN CASE OF CHRISTMAS

Just in time for cozy holiday viewing, the heartwarming new film A SUDDEN CASE OF CHRISTMAS, starring Danny DeVito, Andie MacDowell, Wilmer Valderrama and Lucy DeVito, will be coming to select theaters and all major digital platforms on November 7th and on DVD November 19th. Watch a new clip!
Photos: Broadway Stars Turn Out Save the West Bank Cafe and Laurie Beechman Theatre

On Tuesday, October 8th, many Broadway notables joined forces to raise funds for the historic West Bank Cafe and its famed downstairs venue, The Laurie Beechman Theatre. See photos from inside the event.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Samuel L. Jackson been in?

Samuel L. Jackson has appeared on Broadway in 3 shows.

How many West End shows has Samuel L. Jackson been in?

Samuel L. Jackson has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Samuel L. Jackson been nominated for?

Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for The Piano Lesson and Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for The Mountaintop .

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