Samuel Leroy Jackson

Samuel Leroy Jackson was born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee with his mother Elizabeth and maternal grandparents.

As a student at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, he became actively engaged in the Black Power movement. In 1969 he took members of the Board of Trustees hostage to protest their failure to include Black trustees.

Birth

Samuel Leroy Jackson was born on December 21, 1948 in Washington, D.C. to Elizabeth Montgomery and Roy Henry Jackson as the only child of their union. Raised by his mother and maternal grandparents Pearl (Brown) and Edgar Montgomery, Samuel attended several segregated schools before graduating from Riverside High School in Chattanooga, Tennessee before going on to Morehouse College in Atlanta where he majored in marine biology while becoming involved with Black-power activism by 1969.

He eventually pursued acting and earned a degree from Morehouse College in 1972. Over time, he rose to become an acclaimed actor and producer, appearing in numerous films throughout his career.

His career took off in 1994, when he earned an Academy Award nomination for his role in Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction. Subsequently, he appeared in Jurassic Park (1993), Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995), A Time to Kill (1996) and The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996).

In 2022, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences honored him with an honorary Academy Award as "a cultural icon whose work has transcended genres, generations, and audiences worldwide." Additionally, he is an American film and television producer.

He has starred in over 220 films and TV shows, earning him the distinction of being one of the highest-grosing actors ever. Additionally, he has earned five Emmy Awards and four Golden Globe Awards.

In addition to his acting career, he has also produced and directed various films. His credits include National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 1, Pulp Fiction, Unbreakable, The Avengers and Spider-Man: Far From Home. Furthermore, he co-produced and directed a sequel to 1980s cult classic Shaft.

His career has also included guest appearances on numerous television shows and musical theatre roles. He has provided the voiceover for several animated series such as What If? and also star in his own EPIX series.

Jackson has earned an Academy Honorary Award, the second-highest award bestowed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. His films have collectively grossed over $27 billion worldwide, making him the second highest-grosing actor ever. Additionally, Jackson was nominated for an Academy Award for best supporting actor in Pulp Fiction as well as receiving a Golden Globe award for his performance as Mace Windu in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace.

Early Life

Samuel Jackson was born on December 21, 1948 in Washington, DC to Elizabeth and Roy Henry Jackson. At ten years old, his family relocated to Chattanooga, Tennessee where Samuel attended school.

His early life was filled with poverty and racial abuse. His parents abandoned him when he was young; eventually, his mother succumbed to alcoholism.

At the age of ten, he began attending neighborhood theaters in his neighborhood. This exposed him to complex messages regarding Black representation on screen and piqued his interest in movies.

Jackson began his acting career with small roles in film and TV. But it was his performance in Spike Lee's Jungle Fever (1991) that cemented Jackson's stardom and helped him overcome his drug addiction. The success of the film proved invaluable to him throughout the years since.

He went on to star in numerous other films and earned awards for his performances. Today, he is widely considered one of the most admired actors in Hollywood.

In 1996, he made his screen debut as Jules in Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction. This role earned him both an Academy Award nomination and critical acclaim for his performance.

His performance in this movie spurred an interest in gangster movies, leading him to pursue a career in them. Additionally, he collaborated with Spike Lee on several of his projects such as School Daze, Do the Right Thing and Mo' Better Blues.

Later in his career, he collaborated with George Lucas on Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. In 1998, he starred alongside Sharon Stone and Dustin Hoffman in Sphere.

He is an American actor and filmmaker best known for his role as "Frozone/Lucius Best" in The Incredibles, for which he returned 14 years later in Incredibles 2.

Jackson began playing the trumpet and French horn when he was young. He is an accomplished musician, capable of playing bass instruments too. Additionally, Jackson is a political activist who was heavily involved in the Civil Rights Movement.

Jackson began acting in stage plays as a teenager and later featured in blaxploitation films. He studied marine biology and architecture at Morehouse College before switching his major to drama. Subsequently, he joined Spelman College's acting program.

Education

Jackson was raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee under the strict guidance of his grandmother. He played French horn and trumpet for school before attending all-black Morehouse College where he became active in campus politics. In 1969 he and other radical students held the Board of Trustees hostage and demanded curriculum changes and school management reforms; ultimately their demands were granted after two days, however Jackson and other activists were expelled from school.

He began his acting career by performing skits at Morehouse College, and then moved to New York City to pursue a career in theatre. He joined Black Image Theatre Company, an ensemble of actors who performed politically charged plays to predominantly white audiences. In 1976, he moved to Harlem with his wife LaTanya Richardson who had also been part of the company.

Jackson has been a leader in the Black community for decades. A member of the NAACP, an influential figure within African-American film production and an advocate for equal rights, Jackson has donated millions of dollars towards various causes such as education and Alzheimer's research.

As an actor, Jackson has starred in films and played supporting roles on television productions. He also performed leading roles for several Broadway shows. His work in Pulp Fiction earned him an Oscar nomination; furthermore, he has appeared in multiple Star Wars movies.

The actor is renowned for his versatility in portraying various characters. He's played a colonel in the military, police detective, angry motorist and FBI agent; plus he's featured in movies from blaxploitation genre as well as action flicks.

In the 1990s, he featured in a number of blockbusters and earned himself a reputation as an action hero. He co-starred with Bruce Willis in Die Hard: With a Vengeance, Geena Davis in The Long Kiss Goodnight, and directed several films alongside Quentin Tarantino. His collaborations with Tarantino earned him recognition as a leading man, culminating in roles such as Jackie Brown and Pulp Fiction that cemented him into stardom.

Filmography

Jackson's impressive filmography has cemented him as one of the world's most renowned actors. He has starred in blockbusters like Jungle Fever and Do the Right Thing, as well as critically acclaimed movies like Pulp Fiction and Jackie Brown.

He is one of the highest-grosing movie stars of all time, and in addition to acting he also directs and produces films such as The Marvels and Secret Invasion. At present, he's working on several projects including The Marvels and Secret Invasion.

He was an avid moviegoer when younger and idolized film-makers and actors. This passion for films still drives him today - having worked in the industry for over four decades and contributing significantly to its growth.

He has acted in a range of genres, from action to drama to comedy and even horror. Additionally, he has collaborated with some renowned directors like Quentin Tarantino and Steven Spielberg.

Actor, he has earned numerous accolades and nominations for his work. He won an Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, Screen Actors Guild Award and was nominated for a Grammy as well as earning several Emmy awards.

His most renowned roles include those in films such as Jurassic Park, Star Wars, and The Avengers. These projects have cemented his reputation as a versatile actor.

His performance in these movies has earned him widespread respect from critics and audiences alike. He has been praised for his talent and versatility, solidifying him as one of Hollywood's top actors.

Despite his impressive talent, he has not always had an easy path to recognition or praise for his work. Nonetheless, he has managed to overcome these obstacles and continues to make an impact in the entertainment industry.

He was honored with an honorary Oscar at the Academy Awards earlier this year for his contributions to filmmaking - a momentous milestone in his life and career that held great significance for him and his family.

Samuel L Jackson in Jackie Brown

When flight attendant Jackie Brown is caught smuggling money for her arms dealer boss Ordell Robbie, agents Ray Nicolette and Mark Dargus seek her assistance in tracking him down.

She uses bondsman Max Cherry to double-cross both her employer and authorities, ultimately leading her to reunion with Louis (Robert De Niro), her past love interest. It is during this journey that she discovers the strength of friendship and the value of true love - lessons which will stay with her throughout life.

Do the Right Thing (1989)

Spike Lee's third feature film offers a captivating and often unsettling glimpse into life in an urban Brooklyn neighborhood. Set on one of the hottest days of the year, Lee's film serves as an allegory that forces us to confront tough issues concerning American race relations.

Do the Right Thing is a profound yet often underappreciated work that continues to resonate today despite its lack of mainstream recognition. It reframes conversations about race and racism in cinema, challenging traditional modes of conversation to deliver an eye-opening wake-up call that illuminates both the complex history and current reality of American racial dynamics.

Do the Right Thing is one of Lee's most significant and influential films, featuring an intense ensemble cast. It showcases his ability to use comedy to tackle social issues head-on - something which proved difficult early in his career due to studio interests being perceived as "difficult".

Jackson's melancholic and subtle performance as Doyle Gibson, an alcoholic divorcee whose chaotic lifestyle is disrupted by a car accident, sets the scene for his powerful portrayal of Ordell Robbie in Tarantino's Kill Bill. As the cold-blooded arms dealer who uses his family business to commit murder, Jackson's charismatic presence in Tarantino's work is unparalleled.

He also delivers an affecting performance as radio DJ Senor Love Daddy, serving as a Greek chorus to the growing tension on the street. Throughout the film, Lee uses public address to deliver an urgent message about racial tension that is plaguing their neighborhood.

At the conclusion, Lee urges a dialogue that is unafraid to confront hate and violence with the understanding that any other path will only lead to destruction. The film's end titles, featuring quotes from Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, emphasize this message.

Mo’ Better Blues (1990)

Jackson is a man of many talents, but his ability to portray tough, hard-edged characters sets him apart. His most renowned roles have been in violent, cynical and black comedy films; however, he has also portrayed hero roles with great heart.

After appearing in Charles Fuller's 'A Soldier's Play' and earning the attention of New York University film student Spike Lee, Jackson signed on to several projects of Lee. His role in social-issue thriller Do the Right Thing (Spike Lee 1989) marked the first in a long list of important roles for him as an actor.

He followed this with his performance as Tat, a tough-talking bad guy in Jungle Fever (1991), an epic tale of gang warfare in Chicago. Jackson was given considerable freedom here and it shows in this powerful, captivating drama, which is further enhanced by Jackson's captivating presence.

His only other Lee movie, Menace II Society, featured a brief but effective role as an African-American teenager who is part of an infamous group of criminals. Jackson gives a brusque yet effective performance in just one minute as Jackson displays both fear and menace.

Though not perfect, Jackson's movie is an important milestone in his career. It helped launch him as a big star and earned him the Best Supporting Actor award at Cannes Film Festival.

Unbreakable marked Jackson's first collaboration with another African American director, Quentin Tarantino. Unlike some of Tarantino's previous films from two decades ago, Unbreakable doesn't strive to be anything other than an entertaining action flick. Yet it still features memorable scenes like the finale where Jackson and Bruce Willis go through various emotional turmoil - giving Jackson a performance as intense as you could hope for from him in such a role. Unbreakable remains an iconic classic within its genre.

Jungle Fever (1991)

Jackson experienced a pivotal moment in his life when he encountered fellow actor Morgan Freeman and director Spike Lee. Both men encouraged him to act in their films, which Jackson agreed to do. Subsequently, Jackson worked alongside both of them on some of their most acclaimed projects.

He appeared in four films: Do the Right Thing, Mo' Better Blues, Jungle Fever and Jackie Brown. Each role he played was distinct, yet all served to showcase his remarkable screen presence.

In Do the Right Thing, he stars as Stacks Edwards, a minor hoodlum hired by Jimmy the Gent (Robert De Niro) to assist them in robbing Lufthansa. Though given little to do, he manages to make his character stand out from others.

Though not widely acclaimed, The Color Purple is still worth watching. It tackles race with nuance and sensitivity.

Ultimately, the film serves as an excellent showcase of Spike Lee's later works. While it may not reach the heights of Do the Right Thing, this is still an incredible film and must watch for any admirer of Lee's work.

It also features some outstanding performances from Wesley Snipes, Annabella Sciorra and Ossie Davis, as well as Samuel L. Jackson who portrays Flipper (Wesley Snipes).

As someone who has battled his addiction to crack, Gator is an iconic role. Not only does he demonstrate his devotion to his drug, but he gives an unforgettable performance which captures the utter desperation of this crackhead as he goes through hell to obtain money from his brother.

Amos & Andrew (1993)

The title Amos & Andrew may sound intimidating, but the two stars of this American buddy action-comedy make up for it. The film follows erudite black playwright Andrew Sterling (Samuel L. Jackson) in his pursuit to purchase a summer home on an island filled with mostly white people. When local police mistakenly believe there has been burglary at the house, unscrupulous Chief Tolliver recruits low-rent criminal Amos Odell (Nicolas Cage) to break in under the law of the newfound justice.

The best part of the movie is watching its characters work together to escape a desperate police squad and save each other's lives. The plotline is straightforward yet emotionally charged; Amos' obnoxious behaviour gets him into trouble with authorities, while Andrew finds him to be an immature dictator when it comes to making decisions.

Unfortunately, the film doesn't get more recognition for its clever execution. I'm not saying that the movie is bad; rather, it could have used some extra creativity in its execution.

The movie has its share of potential strong points, yet ultimately fails to capitalize on them by relying solely on one cheesy premise to propel its plotline. As such, it doesn't even crack the top ten list for notable movies to see at your local cinema - especially considering it is a black and white film! Considering how little attention was paid to its black and white aspects, I'm surprised it made it so far in the big leagues at all.

Jackie Brown (1997)

Jackson had already featured in several films with Quentin Tarantino, such as Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction, but Jackie Brown stands as one of his finest collaborations. Jackson's role in this crime drama based on Elmore Leonard's book Rum Punch cemented his place as an iconic icon.

Jackson stars as Ordell Robbie, a gun runner who recruits Jackie to smuggle money out of Mexico. However, she's not alone in her mission; she also recruits Melanie (Bridget Fonda) and Ordell's ex-con friend Louis Gara (Robert De Niro).

Jackie Brown, released in the late 1990s, holds up quite well. It's a crime story set in Los Angeles with many references to OJ Simpson's trial, including its use of the N-word. But ultimately it's a film that centers around its characters - with Jackson giving one of her best performances ever.

Though this movie hasn't aged as well as Tarantino's other works, it remains an important cult classic that deserves to be seen. Plus, it pays homage to the Blaxploitation genre of exploitation films which Tarantino himself grew up watching as a kid.

Jackson doesn't have the lead role, but he gives an excellent supporting performance as Max Cherry - a bail bondsman hired by Jackie to smuggle Ordell's money out of Mexico. Although not a villain, his character remains ambiguous throughout the film. Its only real misstep is its excessive use of "n-word," otherwise this is one of Tarantino's finest works.

Samuel L Jackson and Brie Larson Sing Together on Carpool Karaoke

Captain Marvel, starring Brie Larson as Carol Danvers, is set for release in 2019. Recently she and co-star Samuel L. Jackson made an appearance on Jonathan Ross Show and took part in a fun Carpool Karaoke session.

At their segment, Larson brought up her brief singing career and Jackson responded by singing Bradley Cooper's "Shallow" from A Star is Born. It's an endearing performance and shows the two actors clearly have a lot of fun together!

Capital One Carpool Karaoke

James Corden's Carpool Karaoke has become a signature feature on his late-night talk show The Late Late Show and it has become an internet phenomenon. Viewed billions of times, it features many famous faces.

One of the great things about Corden's Carpool Karaoke segment is its unscripted authenticity. In an age where celebrity lives are micromanaged and public personas constantly altered, Carpool Karaoke maintains an authentic authenticity; it's not a studio set and Corden drives on real streets in his SUV.

James Corden's feature has cemented him as a global celebrity, becoming his signature and the first thing people think of when they hear his name.

Capital One has utilized the Carpool Karaoke format in various ways, most recently in a commercial to promote their Quicksilver Card. In this ad, actor Samuel L. Jackson showcases his acting and singing abilities by singing an original cover of Al Green's "Let's Stay Together."

This spot is an innovative take on Carpool Karaoke, which has proven effective as a branding tool for brands. It features a popular Broadway musical star in an ordinary neighborhood and makes an impactful statement about their values and mission.

This karaoke-driven ad has the potential to go viral for an extended period. Additionally, it serves as an effective promotion of Capital One's Quicksilver Card.

The singer wears a deep indigo Ferragamo tuxedo and black-on-black Dior shirt and tie as he sings a cover of "Let's Stay Together" as Capital One announces that clients can receive 1.5 percent cashback on every purchase and 50% back on Spotify Premium with their Quicksilver Card.

One example of a strong branding feature is American Express' "Regular" campaign, featuring Lin-Manuel Miranda in his role as an everyday person in Hamilton. The message behind this simple yet powerful advertisement depicts Miranda as someone you can relate to on many levels - from being down-to-earth and humble - with extra personality.

Ariana Grande’s “7 Rings”

"7 Rings," from Grande's forthcoming thank u, next album, was a surprise hit when it premiered in October 2018. The video features many of her closest friends as the star of the song.

Hannah Lux Davis directed the music video for "Breathin," "Thank U, Next," and the title track. It features panoramic vibes and seductive scenes to honor Ariana's friendships while also serving as a subtle reminder of some of her most significant life moments.

One year ago, Grande and her friends went shopping at Tiffany's with the purpose of purchasing each other engagement rings - something Grande recounts throughout both song and video. This experience inspired Grande's lyrics for "7 Rings," a song about friendship and commitment rather than romance.

Although Grande's signature sound of rap and R&B has always been present in her music, this track takes things to another level - an indication of just how far she's come as a pop star. Yet it also serves as proof that she continues to promote her culture in ways which have been criticised by both fans and peers alike.

For example, Grande's opening line to "7 Rings" reads, "Breakfast at Tiffany's and bottles of bubbles / Girls with tattoos who like getting in trouble" -- an iconic line from Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic musical Oklahoma that few pop stars have borrowed recently.

As someone who was raised in an R&B-fueled world, I was particularly drawn to this take on the song; it perfectly captured what my childhood would have looked like. Yet at its heart it also speaks to a larger shift in how we perceive music and culture today - especially as its boundaries continue to blur.

It's worth noting that many of the lyrics in "7 Rings" are lifted directly from hip-hop songs, even though Grande is not a rapper. Tayla Parx co-wrote the rap portion of the single with Grande and has collaborated previously with Panic! at the Disco, Janelle Monae and Mac Miller.

“Let’s Stay Together”

Jackson has had a varied career, taking on serious acting roles (#SnakesOnAPlane #Never4get) and silly ones (#Benidorm #NobodyGetsOutAlive), but this year marks his true calling as an artist. This past month he released his first single "Nobody Gets Out Alive," featured on the soundtrack for The Hitman's Bodyguard.

Jackson has joined forces with financial corporation Capital One to promote their Quicksilver card and Spotify premium services. Dressed in an elegant Ferragamo tuxedo with black-on-black Dior shirt and tie, Jackson takes the stage and promotes Capital One's Quicksilver card.

Let's Stay Together is the title track from Al Green's fourth studio album, recorded in 1972. Released as a single, it reached number one on the R&B chart for nine consecutive weeks and quickly earned itself a place of honor among classic soul songs. This iconic track continues to be one of Al Green's best-known compositions to this day.

It was composed by Green and Willie Mitchell, who began working together in 1968 after Green opened for Mitchell in Midland, Texas. At Royal Recording Studio in Memphis, they sketched out the song's chords; it took Green only 15 minutes to write its lyrics which he then sang aloud.

This song is an iconic example of Green's voice's remarkable range, control over emphasis and pitch. He's joined by some of Memphis' premier session musicians for this genuinely authentic recording.

Let's Stay Together has become a timeless classic and is still the highest selling soul song of all time. It was ranked 60th on Rolling Stone's list of 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and has been covered numerous times by various artists.

Tina Turner is not alone in covering this song; other artists such as Yvonne Lau Man-Kuen, Roberta Flack and Terry Manning have all covered it. It appears on numerous albums and was even covered by Welsh ragga metal band Dub War.

“Nobody Gets Out Alive”

The 68-year-old actor is well known for his acting, but now he's making waves in music. His most recent contribution to singing is a song co-written and performed for The Hitman's Bodyguard.

"Nobody Gets Out Alive" is an uptempo song featuring Star as a crooner pitching Capital One's Quicksilver card to customers at a carpool karaoke session. It's one of several songs recorded as part of The Hitman's Bodyguard soundtrack, showing off his skill at crafting memorable lyrics.

Director Patrick Hughes noticed the song during Jackson's carpool karaoke sessions and asked him to record it. He sent the track directly to composer Atli Orvarsson, who quickly composed it for the soundtrack.

Though this version of the song is somewhat lacking in production quality, it still serves as a testament to Jackson's remarkable lyrical abilities. This bluesy number draws inspiration from some of Jackson's biggest hits such as Lionel Richie's "Hello," Chuck Berry's "Little Queenie" and King Harvest's "Dancing in the Moonlight".

The song is accompanied by a video featuring the actor displaying his singing abilities. He's in full frontman mode, pitching his credit card while dancing with a microphone stand.

Jackson has excelled in both serious and comedic acting roles (#SnakesOnAPlane #Never4get), and now the 68-year-old is venture into music. He's already featured in carpool karaoke, airplane oratorios and even a March Madness commercial.

If you're searching for a high-quality MP3 version of "Nobody Gets Out Alive," Wynk Music offers free access to some of the best music streaming services and libraries. With their service, users can listen to popular music across numerous genres and countries at no cost.