 |
| Samuel L. Jackson |
Actor Samuel L. Jackson has appeared in more than 100 films over the last three decades, starring in no less than two films a year since 1989. He currently stars in the recently released, Iron Man 2, and he’s already slated to appear in three major films in 2011 and two in 2012. Along with acting in blockbusters such as the Star Wars Prequel Trilogy or Pulp Fiction, Jackson has also done voice-over work in cartoons like Afro Samurai and served as a producer of critically acclaimed movies like Eve’s Bayou. In an industry where most careers flame out faster than a New York minute and black actors are lucky to just be buzz worthy for a few years, Jackson seems to be the man with infinite star power.
But what‘s the secret to his longevity? Is it just his ability to play anything from a miserable crackhead to a master Jedi Knight? His mesmerizing image as a badass? The way the word “mother——” so charmingly and frequently rolls off his tongue? What is it, exactly?
Compared to other black actors of notable stardom, Jackson is the noticeable standout. He’s not the debonair heartthrob á la Denzel Washington, nor is he the composed gentleman like Morgan Freeman (who happens to be Jackson’s former mentor), neither is he the quiet hurricane that is Forest Whitaker. Jackson is something different. He’s not the underdog or the old dog, nor is he the young pup or the lone wolf. What he is, is a unique hybrid, who’s more than capable of leading the pack.
As his Star Wars character, Mace Windu, would say, he is “the force.” The powerful player who’s strength lies in his ability to command your belief, despite himself or his image. As John Shaft, you believed he was the sexy ladies’ man. When he played Elijah Price in Unbreakable you believed he was the dorky villain (more than dorky enough to rock that horrendous Fredrick Douglass style wig). And as Carl Lee Hailey, you believed he was justified in avenging his daughter’s brutal rape in A Time To Kill.
He’s not the typical star in any sense, in fact, in person he’s quite an intelligent, regular kind of guy. But despite his atypical qualities (and the numerous times he’s donned horribly embarrassing wigs in his movies), Jackson is “the man” around Hollywood. His longevity and his craft go hand in hand, and as long he can stand in front of a camera he’ll always be able to convince the audience that he is a true star. –nicholas robinson
