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Samuel L. Jackson Biography

Birth Name:

Samuel Leroy Jackson

Birth Place:

Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Profession

Actor, producer

Fast Facts

First commercial was for a Southern fast-food chain, Krystal Hamburgers
Stuttered as a child; followed a speech therapist's advice to audition for a play, a decision that set him on his career path
While attending Morehouse College in Atlanta, was temporarily expelled during his junior year for participating in a civil-rights campaign protesting the lack of black-studies programs
While a struggling actor, was a doorman at the renowned Manhattan Plaza New York City apartment complex
Spent two years as Bill Cosby's stand-in for The Cosby Show
Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in June 2000, and placed his handprints and footprints in cement at Grauman's Chinese Theater in January 2006
Was the commencement speaker for his daughter Zoe's 2004 graduation from Vassar College
Provided the voice of God in a 2006 audio book of the Bible's New Testament
Signed a nine-picture deal with Marvel in 2009

2019People's Choice Awards-Favorite Movie Actor: nominated
2011Independent Spirit Awards-Best Supporting Male: nominated
2009Emmy-Outstanding Animated Program (for programming one hour or more): nominated
1998Independent Spirit Awards-Best Supporting Male: nominated
1998Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy: nominated
1998Independent Spirit Awards-Best First Feature under $500,000: winner
1998Berlin Film Festival-Silver Bear for Best Actor: winner
1997Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture: nominated
1995Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television: nominated
1995Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture: nominated
1995BAFTA Film Awards-Best Actor in a Supporting Role: winner
1995Independent Spirit Awards-Best Male Lead: winner
1994National Society of Film Critics-Best Actor - Runner-up: winner
1994Oscar-Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role: nominated
1994Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role: nominated
1991Cannes Film Festival-Best Supporting Actor: winner
1991New York Film Critics Circle-Best Supporting Actor: winner