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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


Movies

The Unholy Trinity
[ 2024 ] St. Christopher
The Piano Lesson
[ 2024 ] Doaker
The Garfield Movie
[ 2024 ] Vic
Damaged
[ 2024 ] Dan Lawson
Argylle
[ 2024 ] Alfie

TV Shows

What If...?
[ 2021-2024 ] Nick FurySir Fury
Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist
Frank Moten
Great Performances
[ 1990-2024 ] Voice of the Ghost

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


Photos: Inside the 97th Oscars with Cynthia Erivo, Colman Domingo, & More
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 3, 2025

Take a look inside Hollywood’s biggest night! Throughout the ceremony, Broadway alums and past Oscar winners, including Rachel Zegler, Emma Stone, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Robert Downey, Jr., and more, took the stage to present awards.
A Broadway Guide to the Oscars
by Sidney Paterra - Mar 2, 2025

In just hours, the 97th Oscars will kick off at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. What should theatre-lovers look out for at the ceremony? Let BroadwayWorld be your guide.
Rachel Zegler & More Added to Oscars Presenters Lineup
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 26, 2025

Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, stars of the forthcoming Snow White reimagining, have been added to the presenter lineup for the 97th Oscars this Sunday.
Meet the Cast of PURPOSE, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Feb 25, 2025

Steppenwolf’s Purpose begins previews tonight, February 25, ahead of an opening on March 17th, and running through July 6, 2025 at the Helen Hayes Theater. Meet the cast of Purpose here!
Broadway's OTHELLO: Meet the All-Star Cast as Previews Begin at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Feb 24, 2025

Discover the star-studded cast of Broadway's OTHELLO as previews launch tonight, February 24, 2025, at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. Premiere set for March 23.
Blair Underwood and Nicole Beharie to Star in THE MOUNTAINTOP Benefit Reading
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 11, 2025

Signature Theatre will present a benefit reading of Pulitzer Prize winner and Signature Premiere Resident Katori Hall’s acclaimed 2009 play The Mountaintop. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Interview: Playwright, Actor and Producer Jordan E. Cooper Talks AIN'T NO MO' and More
by R. Scott Reedy - Feb 4, 2025

Actor, playwright, producer, and director Jordan E. Cooper is on a roll. The Emmy-nominated television sitcom “The Ms. Pat Show,” which he created, co-executive produces and directs, premiered on BET+ in 2021 and is now in its fifth season on the streaming service.
Appell Center For The Performing Arts Commemorates Black History Month With Free Film Series
by Stephi Wild - Jan 27, 2025

The Appell Center will commemorate Black History Month in February. The venue has collaborated with prominent York County community members to curate an exclusive film series.
Leslie Odom, Jr. To Moderate Wren T. Brown's First Book Signing
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 15, 2025

The first book signing event for Wren T. Brown's THE FAMILY BUSINESS will take place at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center. Learn more!
Ken Burns’s THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION Sets PBS Premiere
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 9, 2025

THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, a new six-part, 12-hour documentary series that explores the country’s founding and its eight-year War for Independence, will premiere on Sunday, November 16.
THE PIANO LESSON, WICKED & More Receive NAACP Image Awards Nominations
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 7, 2025

NAACP has announced the full list of “56th NAACP Image Awards” nominees, with Wicked and The Piano Lesson nominated for Outstanding Motion Picture and Wicked's Cynthia Erivo nominated for Entertainer of the Year.
Review: HOLD ON TO YOUR BUTTS, Arcola Theatre
by Kat Mokrynski - Dec 16, 2024

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
by Nicole Rosky - Dec 9, 2024

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
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 4, 2024

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
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 3, 2024

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
by Nicole Rosky - Nov 26, 2024

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
by Stephi Wild - Nov 22, 2024

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
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 21, 2024

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 Premiere
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 20, 2024

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
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 18, 2024

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.

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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