Whether he’s cussing people out or saving the world from bad guys, no one can deny the goodness that presents itself onscreen when Samuel L. Jackson arrives. With a career spanning across decades and countless film, TV shows, and theater performances under his belt, it’s no wonder why the Washington D.C.-born actor’s films have grossed $27 billion worldwide, making him the highest-grossing movie actor of all time.
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And as we gear up for his upcoming role in Netflix’s “The Piano Lesson” in November, let’s take a look back at some of his highest-grossing and most iconic roles over the years.
“Jurassic Park”- 1993 ($697,151,153)
In 1993, Jackson starred as John “Ray” Arnold, Jurassick Park’s chief engineer who eventually lost an arm thanks to a velociraptor.
“The Incredibles”- 2004 ($370,243,558)
One of very few animated movies Jackson’s done, his work as Frozone—the best friend to Mr. Incredible who freeze surfaces and create ice was arguably one of his most enjoyable moments (and it’s kid-friendly for a change!).
“Django Unchained”-2012 ($262,562,804)
Playing arguably one of the most hated characters in cinematic history, Jackson starred as head house slave Stephen in the 2012, Quentin Tarantino-directed film, “Django Unchained,” starring Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington and Leonardo DiCaprio.
“Pulp Fiction”- 1994 ($213,928,762)
In 1994, Jackson starred opposite John Travolta as hitman Jules Winnfield in what would become his breakout role in the film industry.
“Glass”-2019 ($135,950,571)
As Elijah Price, a.k.a. “Mr. Unbreakable,” in the 2019 film “Glass,” Jackson is equal parts intelligent and evil. His role earned him a People’s Choice Award nomination.
“The Hateful Eight”- 2015 ($107,100,200)
As bounty hunter “Major Marquis Warren,” Jackson was quite literally kicking ass and taking names in this 2015, Western film.
“The Long Kiss Goodnight”- 1996 ($56,009,149)
As private detective Mitch Hennessey (what a name), it’s incumbent on him to come to the aid of his client, Samantha. And if they fall in love in the process, then so be it.
“A Time to Kill”- 1996 ($43,500,000)
In the 1996 film “A Time to Kill,” Jackson stars as a father who’s hellbent on getting justice for the death of his 10-year-old daughter who was brutally raped and beaten by white men in Southern Mississippi.
For his portrayal, Jackson earned a Golden Globe nomination.
“Snakes on a Plane”-2006 ($28,001,200)
Though Jackson’s character FBI agent Neville Flynn has had enough of those “motherf***ing snakes on this motherfucking plane”—his anger only drove him to help deliver the passengers to safety. Jackson’s performance also helped to make this movie into a cult classic, much like “Pulp Fiction.”
“The Piano Lesson,” on Broadway- 2022 ($23,636,497)
Back in 1987, Jackson first starred in the famed August Wilson play as “Boy Willie.” Fast forward to 2022, the revival of the play — in which Jackson also starred, just in a different role as Doaker Charles — earned two Tony nominations. Jackson was recognized for Best Featured Actor in a Play.
“Shaft”- 2019 ($21,360,215)
As the baddest motha-”shut yo mouth” in the city, Jackson’s hilarious portrayal of Shaft—the famed NYPD detective made this sequel that much more enjoyable.
“Jungle Fever”- 1991 ($11,400,000)
Just two weeks out of rehab for his drug addiction, Jackson took on the role of a crackhead in Spike Lee’s 1991 film “Jungle Fever” completely sober.
“Coach Carter”-2005 ($9,404,677)
Based on the true story of Coach Ken Carter from Richmond, Calif., Jackson’s portrayal of a basketball coach hellbent on getting better results academically from his team earned praise from critics.
“Jackie Brown”- 1997 ($2,130)
In “Jackie Brown,” Jackson starred as Ordell Robbie a gun runner trying to smuggle money in from Mexico. Per Jackson, Ordell was a cool guy—you just couldn’t cross him lest you face his wrath.
Honorable Mention: “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist”- 2024
Known around town as the “Black Godfather,” Jackson stars as Frank Moten a crime mob boss who got robbed at a party during Muhammed Ali’s comeback fight in 1970. As previously reported by The Root, Jackson had a personal connection to this story in that he lived in Atlanta at the time of the fight and his wife lived in the neighborhood where the series was filmed.
Honorable Mention: “Nick Fury” in the MCU
As the former director of S.H.I.E.L.D. and the originator of the Avengers, Jackson’s role as Nick Fury has been the most consistent and beloved characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
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