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Samuel L. Jacksonhas become one of the most recognizable stars of all time.
The prolific actor, who celebrates his 77th birthday on Dec. 21, 2025, has graced televisions, movie theaters and stages for over five decades. His appearance in some of cinema's biggest blockbusters, fromJurassic Parkto Marvel movies, made him one of the highest-grossing actors in the world. He has also garnered critical acclaim for his performances in films likePulp Fiction,for which he won aBAFTAand received anOscarnod.
"I've made a lot of people smile, I've made a lot of people clap, a lot of people cheer and I've made a lot of people money and put some asses in those seats," Jackson toldEntertainment Tonightin 2022. "I hope my legacy is that I did a lot of movies that people enjoy and that I brought joy to a lot of homes and people are not mad when they see a Sam Jackson movie."
As he turns 77, look back at Jackson's iconic life and career in photos.
Samuel L. Jackson's New York City Beginnings
Samuel Leroy Jacksonwas born on Dec. 21, 1948, in Washington, D.C. He came to New York City in October 1976 and joined the theater, where he paid his dues alongside future starsDenzel WashingtonandWesley Snipes. After small appearances in classic filmsComing to America(1988),Do the Right Thing(1989) andGoodfellas (1990), Jackson broke into Hollywood for good playing Gator Purify indirector Spike Lee'sJungle Fever(1991).
Since then, the actor has worked nonstop, racking up more than 100 film credits, doing voiceover work, hosting and starring in Capital One commercials with the famous tagline "What's in your wallet?" He's become a mainstay in Hollywood's biggest blockbuster franchises, includingStar Wars,The Incrediblesand the Marvel Cinematic Universe — just to name a few.
Samuel L. Jackson Marries Actress LaTanya Richardson
Jackson and actress LaTanya Richardson first met in Atlanta in the '60s when Jackson was a student at Morehouse College and Richardson was a student at Spelman College. The two got married in 1980 and welcomed their daughter Zoe two years later.
He often pays tribute to his wife on social media, including a romantic throwback post celebrating 45 years of marriage in August. "45 Years of Everlasting Love!!! ♥️💍" he wrote.
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Samuel L. Jackson Earns an Oscar Nomination for 'Pulp Fiction'
In 1994, after appearing in hit filmsMenace II Society(1993) andJurassic Park(1993), Jackson played iconic character Jules Winnfield inQuentin Tarantino'sPulp Fiction. The film exploded onto the awards circuit, where it earned seven Oscar nominations, including Best Picture.
Jackson earned his first Oscar nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. CostarsJohn TravoltaandUma Thurmanwere nominated for Best Actor and Actress, Tarantino earned a nom for Best Director and won an Oscar for Best Screenplay with writing partner Roger Avary.
Samuel L. Jackson at the 'Deep Blue Sea' Premiere
Jackson joined costarsLL Cool J(with his wife Simone Smith), Renny Harlin, Thomas Jane and Saffron Burrows on theDeep Blue Seapremiere red carpet in Westwood, California, in 1999.
Samuel L. Jackson Receives a Star on the Walk of Fame
Surrounded by family — daughter Zoe, wife LaTanya Richardson and mother Elizabeth Jackson — the actor got his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on June 16, 2000.
Samuel L. Jackson Attends the 'Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones' Premiere
With Darth Vader by his side, the star posed on theStar Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clonescharity premiere red carpet in L.A. in 2002. Jackson has played Jedi Master Mace Windu in theStar Warsfranchise.
Samuel L. Jackson Attends the 'S.W.A.T.' World Premiere
In Westwood, California, Jackson and costarsJeremy Renner, Olivier Martinez, LL Cool J,Michelle RodriguezandColin Farrellstopped to take a cast photo at the 2003S.W.A.T.world premiere at the Mann Village Theatre.
Samuel L. Jackson and the 'Coach Carter' Cast Pose at the Premiere
In 2005, the cast ofCoach Carter— including Robert Ri'chard, Nana Gbewonyo, Antwon Tanner, Ashanti, Rob Brown amd Rick Gonzalez — joined Jackson on the red carpet at the Chinese Theater in L.A.
Samuel L. Jackson Recieves Career Achievement Award for Acting
At the Palm Springs International Film Festival in 2005, the star was honored with the Career Achievement Award for Acting.
Samuel L. Jackson Celebrates 20th Anniversary of 'Do the Right Thing'
Joined by Director Spike Lee and Danny Aiello, Jackson attended the 20th anniversary screening ofDo the Right Thingat the Directors Guild of America Theater in 2009 in N.Y.C.
Samuel L. Jackson Stars in 'The Hateful Eight'
Jackson was tapped by director Tarantino once again to play Major Marquis Warren, the movie's bounty hunter, in 2015's The Hateful Eight. He won a Hollywood Film Award, along with the cast, for ensemble of the year.
Samuel L. Jackson Shares Throwback Ahead of 'Hateful Eight' Premiere
To amp up the anticipation for the film,Jackson shared a throwbackof his younger self on a horse on Instagram with the caption, "The beginnings of Major Warren! Wait for The H8ful Eight!!"
Samuel L. Jackson in a Selfie with His 'Kong' Costars
The star snapped a selfie withKong: Skull IslandcostarsTom HiddlestonandBrie Larsonas they embarked on their 2016 press tour and wrote on Instagram, "Da 3 Viet Namigos!!! Bout to get our Kong press on."
Samuel L. Jackson Attends 'Incredibles 2' U.K. Premiere
Jackson, who voices Lucius Best a.k.a. Frozone, and costarHolly Hunter, who voices Helen Parr a.k.a. Elastigirl, hit the U.K.Incredibles 2red carpet in London with the animated stars.
Samuel L. Jackson Hangs with Magic Johnson at Dodgers Stadium
Jackson and his close friend, L.A. Lakers legendMagic Johnson, hung out with wives LaTanya Richardson and Cookie Johnson at a Dodgers game in 2018.
Samuel L. Jackson Pays Tribute to Nelson Mandela
The actor celebrated activist and former South African presidentNelson Mandelaon what would've been his100th birthdaywith a photo of the Jacksons visiting the leader before he died in 2013."HAPPY 100THFROM THE JACKSONS‼️🎶🎂👊🏾," he wrote, adding hashtags, #sogladwehadthehonor and #ameetinglikenoother.
Samuel L. Jackson Receives Honorary Award at the 2022 Oscars
Jackson receivedhis first Oscarat the 12th Governors Awards on March 25, ahead of the2022 Oscars.
Though he's never won an Oscar, he's the most-nominated Black actor in Academy Awards history,with 10 nods to his name.
TheAcademy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciencespresented actors Jackson, Elaine May and Liv Ullmann withThe Honorary Award, which is awarded to celebrate extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to motion picture arts and sciences, or for outstanding service to the Academy.Danny Gloverreceived the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, which lauds individuals whose humanitarian work has credited the larger industry.
"We are thrilled to present this year's Governors Awards to four honorees who have had a profound impact on both film and society," Academy President David Rubin said in a statement, adding, "Sam Jackson is a cultural icon whose dynamic work has resonated across genres and generations and audiences worldwide."
Samuel L. Jackson and LaTanya Richardson Discuss the Secret to Their Long Marriage
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In a 2022 issue of PEOPLE,the couple sat down for an intimate interviewto discuss their love and life now.
"In the beginning, we always said the most revolutionary thing that Black people could do was stay together, raise their children with the nucleus of having a father and a mother, since everybody likes to pretend that that's not the dynamic of the African American family. That it's just children out here being raised by women, which we know is false," said LaTanya. "In order to change that narrative, we made a decision to say, 'We are going to stay together no matter what. We'll figure it out.'"
Samuel L. Jackson's Life Now
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions
The actor continues to book several roles per year. In 2025 alone, he appeared in the post-apocalyptic action filmAfterburn, guest-starred in the TV showTulsa Kingand made a cameo inKendrick Lamar'sSuper Bowlhalftime show. In 2026, he will reprise hisTulsa Kingrole inNOLA King, lead the action movieThe Beastand costar withGlen PowellandJenna OrtegainGhostwriter.
Meanwhile, Richardson received her secondTonynomination in 2025 for her performance inPurpose, and the pair turned out in style on Tonys night to celebrate.
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