Samuel L. Jackson Biography
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Samuel Leroy Jackson |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 21, 1948 |
| Age | 77 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor, producer |
| Years Active | 1972-present |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.89 m) |
| Spouse | Married to LaTanya Richardson Jackson (1980-present) |
| Children | 1 |
| Net Worth | ~$270 million |
| Known For | Distinctive voice, prolific career across genres |
Early Life & Background
Jackson grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee, raised by his mother and grandparents. He attended Morehouse College, where he became active in the civil rights movement, marching with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and staging campus protests before graduating in 1972 with a drama degree.
Career Journey
Stage Foundations
After college, Jackson joined the Negro Ensemble Company, honing his craft in New York theater. He worked with director Spike Lee and served as a stand-in for Bill Cosby before earning film roles in School Daze and Do the Right Thing.
Breakthrough with Pulp Fiction
His electrifying portrayal of Jules Winnfield in Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction (1994) earned an Academy Award nomination and a BAFTA win, launching him to global fame. The performance solidified his persona of cool intensity and memorable monologues.
Franchise Fixture
Jackson became synonymous with franchise roles: Jedi Master Mace Windu in Star Wars, Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and starring turns in Jurassic Park, Shaft, and the Unbreakable trilogy. He remains one of the highest-grossing actors of all time.
Recent Work
He headlined Apple TV+'s limited series The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey, reprised Nick Fury in Secret Invasion (2023), and appeared in The Marvels. Jackson continues to collaborate with longtime director Tarantino while promoting his HBCU scholarship programs.
Current Projects
In 2026 Jackson is filming the action-comedy Fury Files for Disney+, voicing a Star Wars animated special focused on Mace Windu, and producing Broadway revival The Piano Lesson with wife LaTanya Richardson Jackson.
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Pulp Fiction | Jules Winnfield | Oscar-nominated role |
| 1997 | Jackie Brown | Ordell Robbie | Tarantino collaboration |
| 1999-2005 | Star Wars Prequels | Mace Windu | Jedi Master |
| 2000 | Shaft | John Shaft | Franchise reboot |
| 2008-present | Marvel Cinematic Universe | Nick Fury | Avengers architect |
| 2012 | Django Unchained | Stephen | Tarantino drama |
| 2019 | Glass | Elijah Price | Unbreakable trilogy |
| 2023 | The Marvels | Nick Fury | MCU Phase 5 |
Awards & Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Academy Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Pulp Fiction | Nominated |
| 1995 | BAFTA Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Pulp Fiction | Won |
| 2021 | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Narrator | Groove with Me | Nominated |
| 2022 | Academy Honorary Award | Lifetime Achievement | Career | Honored |
Net Worth & Income Sources
Estimated Net Worth: ~$270 million (2026)
Jackson's wealth comes from film salaries, Marvel backend bonuses, Capital One endorsements, producing credits via Uppity Films, voice narration gigs, and real estate in Beverly Hills and Manhattan.
Personal Life
He lives in Los Angeles with LaTanya Richardson Jackson, with whom he shares daughter Zoe. An avid golfer, Jackson travels with custom clubs and champions wellness through clean eating and yoga, crediting sobriety since 1991 for his longevity.
Philanthropy & Advocacy
Jackson and Richardson Jackson fund scholarships at Morehouse and Spelman Colleges, support the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, and advocate for Alzheimer's research. He also backs One for the Boys, a campaign raising awareness of male cancer symptoms.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram: @samuelljackson mixes golf selfies, film sets, sneaker collections, and activism.
- Twitter: Known for candid, humorous takes on pop culture and voting rights.
- Facebook: Features longer interviews, Capital One campaigns, and event recaps.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Jackson is an avid comic book collector whose passion helped him shape Nick Fury's look.
- He negotiated lifetime use of his likeness for Marvel comics and merchandise.
- Jackson once served as a camera stand-in for Bill Cosby on The Cosby Show while hustling for roles.
- He credits the play The Piano Lesson for introducing him to his future wife.
Latest News & Updates (2026)
Jackson is wrapping production on Disney+'s Fury Files, hosting voter registration PSAs across HBCU campuses, and collaborating with Lucasfilm on a Mace Windu audio drama. He recently announced the Samuel L. Jackson Center for Performing Arts at Morehouse College, slated to open in 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Samuel L. Jackson?
Samuel L. Jackson is an American actor and producer known for Pulp Fiction, Star Wars, and his ongoing role as Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
What is Samuel L. Jackson most famous for?
He is most famous for his distinctive voice, charismatic monologues, and roles in franchises like Pulp Fiction, Avengers, and Star Wars.
Is Samuel L. Jackson active on social media?
Yes. Jackson regularly posts on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, engaging fans with humor, activism, and project updates.