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36 postsSamuel L. Jackson is an American film producer and actor. Born in 1948 in Washington D.C., he gained recognition early in his career for his performances in Patriot Games, Jungle Fever, and Jurassic Park. He is, however, best known for his roles in Pulp Fiction, Star Wars, and as Nick Fury in the Marvel film franchise. In 2011, Jackson became the highest grossing actor of all time, surpassing voice actor Frank Welker.
Jackson plays Officer Abel Turner in the drama Lakeview Terrace. He is a Los Angeles police officer who welcomes new neighbors into his community. After meeting the interracial couple, the distraught and racist officer decides to make the lives of his new neighbors a living hell.
I guess some people look at Abel as the bad guy at a certain point of the movie, but there are also points in the movie where you kind of relate to him…
Jackson voices Jedi Master Mace Windu in the animated film Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Anakin Skywalker and his padawan Ahsoka must do what it takes to restore peace throughout the galaxy as the clone wars wage on. Their adventures bring them face to face with crime boss Jabba the Hutt. Voice-overs all also provided by Christopher Lee.
Jackson plays Roland in the sci-fi action film Jumper. David Rice is a ‘jumper’ who can teleport himself anywhere in the world. This leads Rice into a life of carelessness and a feeling of invincibility. A government agency created to assassinate jumpers is led by Roland and their next target is Rice. The film stars actors Hayden Christensen, Jamie Bell, Rachel Bilson, and Diane Lane.
I’m the guy that’s chasing the jumper… I just happen to be the guy who’s chasing the guy that people think they’re going to like more.
Jackson plays Champ in the drama Resurrecting the Champ. A young journalist, he gives a helping hand to a homeless man only to find out that the man is a boxing legend thought to be dead. Seeing his career break, the writer questions if he should write about his new friend. The film also features Josh Hartnett.
Being able to get a character voice and to hold on to it, you find that place that makes it natural.
Jackson plays Gerald Olin in the horror film 1408. Author Mike Eslin, played by actor John Cusack, travels the nation writing books that debunk supernatural occurrences in buildings and hotels. To finish his next book, Eslin stays at the notorious room 1408 at the Dolphin Hotel and strange things begin to happen. On working with Cusack:
John is this really amazing energy. So to have me and him in the same is almost like contrasting styles.
Jackson plays Lazarus in the drama Black Snake Moan. Former blues musician Lazarus finds a young and abused woman on the side of the road and nurses her back to health. Her boyfriend misunderstands the care Lazarus gives to Rae, and tries to kill him. The film co-stars actors Christina Ricci and Justin Timberlake.
I listened to the blues and I grew up listening to it, and I’m a fan of it, but I never played a guitar or made an attempt to sing the blues while I was doing it.
Jackson plays FBI agent Neville Flynn in the action thriller Snakes on a Plane. After witnessing the murder of an American prosecutor, Sean Jones is escorted by Flynn to Los Angeles to testify against mobster Eddie Kim. In an attempt to crash the plane that Jones is in, Kim releases thousands of snakes on his plane. The film also stars actress Julianna Margulies.
I’m okay with snakes. I know what they are and I know what they can do. When I was a kid I saw a lot of them because I lived in the country.
Jackson reprises his role as Jedi Master Windu in Star Wars: Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. The Jedi Knights control the clone army and continue their fight against the separatist movement. Meanwhile, Darth Sidious continues to brainwash Anakin, which leads him down the path of darkness. The film also co-stars actors Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Hayden Christensen, and Christopher Lee.
I think I’ll be proud of the fact that I’m in something that will be analyzed, studied, revered, for the rest of history, I’m very proud of that.
Jackson plays detective Lorenzo Council in the crime drama Freedomland. He is on the search for the son of Brenda Martin, played by actress Julianne Moore. After Martin claims an African-American man is responsible, Council must now ease the tensions of the community in addition to finding the child. Moore on working with Jackson again:
I read everything with an eye toward whether or not there is a part for you and me in it…We had fun also when were in the same movie and were in the same room.
Jackson plays special agent Derrick Vann in the action comedy The Man. In an attempt to recover stolen arms, Vann sets up a meeting with the thugs responsible for the crime. A case of mistaken identity gets Andy Fiddler – played by actor Eugene Levy – involved and things quickly go from bad to worse.
We both come from the same place. Eugene did most of his work in SCTV and ensemble situations. I’d done all this theater work before I got into movies and ensemble situations.
Jackson plays Thomas Carter in the biographical drama Coach Carter. A sporting goods store owner from Richmond, California, goes back to his former high school to coach the basketball team. His strict program make them undefeated. However, Carter doesn’t believe his job as a coach was done unless the players also succeed in the classroom. The film co-stars Channing Tatum and Ashanti.
There was a lot of challenges in this particular shoot. It was kind of hard and tedious sometimes knowing that the kids had to learn specific basketball plays…
Jackson plays Sgt. Hondo in the action thriller S.W.A.T. After being arrested, French crime boss Alex Montell offers the public $100 million to anyone who can bust him out. Hondo’s S.W.A.T. team is called to escort Montell and must fight off all kinds of criminals who take the Frenchman’s offer. The film co-stars Colin Farrell, Michelle Rodriguez, LL Cool J, and Jeremy Renner. On his character:
He’s pretty much dedicated himself to the job. And he’s proud of his accomplishments as a cop.
Jackson plays Mace Windu once again in Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones. There is unrest in the galaxy and Count Dooku’s attempt to assassinate Senator Amidala fails. Master Windu and Master Yoda assign Anakin Skywalker to protect the senator while Obi-Wan Kenobi searches for the Clone Army. Co-starring Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Hayden Christensen, and Christopher Lee.
There are some epic battle scenes in this film, some of them starring me. I finally get to do my Errol Flynn thing. It’s incredible.
Jackson plays Elijah Price in the thriller Unbreakable. David Dunn has never been sick, survived a plane crash that killed 132 passengers, and is stronger than the average person. After hearing about Dunn, Price tries to convince him that he is no ordinary human being. The film also features Bruce Willis.
I think my only contribution was ‘purple.’ Only because I thought of Elijah as very regal, and that’s the color for regality.
Jackson plays Ordell Robbie in the drama Jackie Brown. Brown is a flight stewardess who gets caught in a dilemma between an arms dealer and the federal police. Instead of cooperating, Brown comes up with a plan to steal the money that everyone is looking for. The film also co-stars actors Robert De Niro, Bridget Fonda, and Pam Grier. On director, Quentin Tarantino:
We actually talk about a lot of the same things and the fact that he’s an only child and lived in front of the television…I did too.
Berry lands her first acting role as Vivian, a drug addict in the drama/romance Jungle Fever directed by Spike Lee. Costarring Samuel L. Jackson, Spike Lee and Wesley Snipes.
Scoring such a meaty part wasn’t easy. The too pretty thing got to be old.
