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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


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.
Gabe Ebert, Bianca Leigh, and Amy Spanger Join Tonight's West Bank Cafe Gala

Three new cast members have joined tonight's special gala to celebrate and raise funds to save a beloved Theatre District institution, The West Bank Cafe. On Tuesday, October 8th, the iconic restaurant and its famed downstairs venue, The Laurie Beechman Theatre, will host a gala packed with Broadway stars.
Photos: Jennifer Hudson, Mariah Carey, & More Perform at the AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS 50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

On Sunday, October 6 CBS and Dick Clark Productions (DCP) presented an unforgettable celebration during the AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS 50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL, an evening honoring half a century of groundbreaking music, iconic moments, unforgettable performances, and rich pop culture history. Take a look at photos of performances from the night here!
Reba McEntire, Lance Bass, & More Join AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS 50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

CBS and Dick Clark Productions has announced additional performances and special appearances including musical powerhouses Nelly, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, and Sheila E. on the AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS 50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL.
PULP FICTION Returning to Theaters for 30th Anniversary

In celebration of the film's 30th anniversary, PULP FICTION will return to the big screen in October for special presentations featuring pristine new 35mm prints in select theatres across the U.S. Learn more including how to get tickets.
Frank Silvera Writers' Workshop Opens 2024-25 New Play Reading Season with SCORPIO'S TAIL

Frank Silvera Writers' Workshop announced the 2024/25 season with a new play reading of SCORPIO'S TAIL by Alan Kilpatrick, directed by Garland Thompson Jr., in partnership with the Billie Holiday Theatre.
Tom Kitt, Liz Callaway, Orfeh Join West Bank Cafe Benefit Concert

Broadway stars will take the stage for a gala aimed at revitalizing the historic West Bank Cafe and Laurie Beechman Theatre.
Santa Fe International Film Festival To Honor Actor Bryan Cranston With Lifetime Achievement Award

The Santa Fe International Film Festival will honor Bryan Cranston with its Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his contributions to film and television.
THE PIANO LESSON Cast to Receive The Gotham Awards Ensemble Tribute

The Gotham Film & Media Institute has announced that The Piano Lesson, directed by Malcolm Washington and co-written by Washington and  Virgil Williams, will receive The 2024 Gotham Awards Ensemble Tribute at the 34th Annual Gotham Awards Ceremony, taking place live and in person on Monday, December 2, 2024 at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City. 
Jennifer Hudson to Tour 'The Gift of Love: An Intimate Live Experience'

History’s youngest female EGOT-winner Jennifer Hudson will ring in the upcoming release of her first-ever holiday album with a truly rare present for her fans — The Gift of Love: An Intimate Live Experience, which begins November 24 in Brooklyn and wraps in Las Vegas on December 22.
Eva Noblezada, Lillias White and More Join West Bank Cafe Benefit Concert

A star-studded gala will be held on October 8th to benefit New York's legendary West Bank Cafe, featuring performances and appearances by notable figures from the entertainment industry.
Meet the Cast of OUR TOWN, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway

Thornton Wilder’s Our Town will begin previews on Tuesday, September 17 ahead of an opening on Thursday, October 10 at the Barrymore Theatre for a strictly limited engagement. Meet the cast of Our Town 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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