10 Questions – TIME.com

Ask Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. JacksonFrancois Durand / Getty

Samuel L. Jackson is one of the most prolific actors in Hollywood: his films have grossed more than those of any other actor in history. The star of Oscar-winners (Pulp Fiction), mainstream blockbusters (Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith) and cult hits (Snakes on a Plane) is currently juggling a handful of features in different stages of production. His newest movie, Soul Men, co-starring the late Isaac Hayes and Bernie Mac, releases Nov. 7.


41 Questions >>

Submit your question to Ask Samuel L. Jackson (41 other responses).




  1. Posted by Chris Kuechenmeister in Dallas:

    What is your favorite one-liner that you have delivered in one of your movie roles?

  2. Posted by THOMAS YEO in Hong Kong:

    You know my wife and I love to see your movies. You are not only a prolific actor. Your character-acting is real and varied. How do you manage to stay different for so many roles, away from being stereotyped?

  3. Posted by Gabe Lucero in Tempe:

    Do you have any connections with Phoenix? I have a friend that said you were in a picture at one of his parents parties long before you were hugely famous? And do you still smoke Newports?

  4. Posted by KARA L. MOODY in ROANOKE RAPIDS:

    WHEN YOU LOOK BACK AT THE FILM, SOUL MEN, WHAT WILL YOU TAKE WITH YOU ABOUT THE CAST, PARTICULARLY, BERNIE MAC AND ISAAC HAYES?

  5. Posted by Nathan Dunaway in Madison, MS:

    We've seen you play everything from a Jedi Master to a vengeful father. What draws you to particular roles?

  6. Posted by janie marshall in tulsa:

    just wanted you to know that you are beautiful.

  7. Posted by Tai Smith in Alexandria:

    Which leading role could you have done a better job in; "Ray" as played by Jamie Foxx, or "Forrest Gump" as played by Tom Hanks?

  8. Posted by Venice Crassic Paul in Minneapolis:

    PULP FICTION is by far my most favourite movie.Your performance is just out of the world. How many times have you watched it yourself and is there a scene in the movie you wish you could have done better? PS: Do you still own that wallet - 'The brown one' ?

  9. Posted by RAQUEL SLAUGHTER in Columbus, OH:

    Because of your diversified array of talent, you have proven to be a very successful actor. Can you please share personally, your favorite experience of appreciation for your talents (working with actors, directors or simply a person expressing admiration)?
    A fan who truly wishes that they were part of that experience!
    Raquel Slaughter

  10. Posted by Chenita Elliott in Abilene:

    Snakes on the plane were there live snakes during filming?

    Looking forward to seeing Soul Men

  11. Posted by HOWARD BOURDEAU in :

    What is the main thing that you have done in your life you would like to your legacy when you pass.

  12. Posted by cindy wilson in soldotna:

    You share the same birthday as one of my twin daughters so she is particularly fascinated with your career. She is in 10th grade and is in her second year of drama. She has a hard time playing roles that are different from her personality. Do you have any suggestions I could give her on this?

  13. Posted by mrs.walker in memphis:

    can i have a role on your next movie?met you on the eve of the tison and hollyfield fight

  14. Posted by Mercedes Stokes in Middletown,DE:

    How was it working with Bernie Mac

  15. Posted by Karen A Davis in St Louis:

    Do you enjoy being the so called BAD GUY? Because I think you are just great in everything you play in.
    I think that you and Bernie Mac are great together .
    Did you have fun making that movie with Bernie?
    What does your kids think about their father as an actor?
    How much did your life change when you became famous.
    Are your children well rounded.
    Are you in the church?

  16. Posted by Charlele Marcacci in Westminster, CO:

    Do you support Barack Obama's candidacy and, if so, why? You are one of my top 5 favorite actors. I will always watch a movie if you are in it. The best to you and your family.

  17. Posted by Sani Mohammed in Zaria,Nigeria:

    does moral or belief have any place in your choice of movie you appear?

  18. Posted by Rusty Neff in White Salmon, WA:

    What was your most challenging role, and what made it so challenging?

  19. Posted by Shane Mathews in calgary alberta canada:

    What is your secret for absolute, raw, scenery chewing up camera power? From Pulp fiction, Spike Lee joints to being unBreakable...You command attention and a kind of respect, that blows through the screen...how do you do that?

  20. Posted by Carl Sack in Vancouver, B.C.:

    Is the buzz about an Avengers movie (with you as Nick Fury) true? If so, how far along is it?

  21. Posted by Matthew White in Austin, TX:

    Can you see yourself playing an "uncool" character? Someone completely devoid of any social ability?

  22. Posted by Briana Tenorio in Amarillo:

    Is there a movie role that you passed on and later wished that you did?

  23. Posted by Karmen-Rita Chase in Arcata:

    What has helped you with your recovery from substance abuse? What advice could you give to others battling addiction?

  24. Posted by Kathy Moore in London United Kingdom:

    Greetings,

    We are a Black independent film and television company based in London, United Kingdom. Question: Would you be interested in reading a screenplay of an epic historic African feature film shot in Africa & Haiti? If so, how do I submit.

    Kindest Regards,

  25. Posted by A. Patrick Watts in Maryville, Tennessee, USA:

    I recall from a previous interview that you had grown up in Chattanooga, Tennessee during the turbulent years of the civil rights movement. I too am from there, and I would be interested to know how your experiences in those years affected your career decisions and performances later.

  26. Posted by Dan Thomas in Los Angeles:

    Everyone has a perception of what it takes to be successful in Hollywood. Some see it through the lens of race, gender, sexuality, timing, etc. With respect to relative experiences, to what do you attribute your success?

  27. Posted by paul bagus in hamilton, ontario, canada:

    whats your favorite role to date?

  28. Posted by josefina pe in manila, philippines:

    when you were just starting to make a name for yourself in hollywood, did you experience some sort of discrimination because of your skin color? if so, how did you take that and what lesson did you get from that experience?

  29. Posted by Sarah Potts in Los Angeles:

    What is the most ridiculous costume you ever had to don for a particular role?

  30. Posted by John Ford in Dallas:

    Are you excited about your recent and upcoming role as Nick Fury in the Marvel Comics films?

  31. Posted by Terry Byrd in Milan Tennessee:

    Howdy Sam, how are ya? I understand you graduated from and are a big fan University of Tennessee. Major growing pains this year in football but I'm really excited about next year's team already. There is no doubt about Pat Head Summit's prowess (she's from nearby Gleason) and how about the job Bruce is doing in men's hoops?
    My question: Would you email me the next time you attend a UT event? I would be honored to meet you there.

    Peace & Love

    T Byrd

  32. Posted by Zulfi Merchant in Helena, Al:

    Pulp Fiction is my all time favorite movie. What is your favorite role in all the movies you have acted in and why?

  33. Posted by Terry A. Patterson in Richmond, Ca:

    Would it be possible for you to play in the Tahoe Celebrity Golf Week and the 20th Anniversary Celebration of Lake Tahoe's American Century Championship, July 14-19, 2009. Mym, my wife and son's would love to see and maybe meet you. They follow Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley most of the time, but would love to see you at some point.

  34. Posted by David Neale in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA:

    You are the patriarchal hard-a*# of Hollywood. Do you have any interests or hobbies that go against this preconception?

  35. Posted by Terry A. Patterson in Richmond, Ca:

    Would it be possible for you to play in the Tahoe Celebrity Golf Week and the 20th Anniversary Celebration of Lake Tahoe's American Century Championship, July 14-19, 2009. My son's would love to see and maybe meet you. They follow Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley most of the time, but would love to see you at some point.

  36. Posted by Jerry Kaiser in Aurora,Colorado:

    I understand you are in the Guinness record book as being the most prolific actor in the business. Not sure quite what that means but I think it's that you've made more movies than any of your fellow actors EVER. How does that feel?

  37. Posted by Tomm Styde in Atlanta,GA:

    Do they really deserve to die, and what do you hope happens to them?

  38. Posted by mallo uhwet in Abuja,nigeria:

    You are just so distinct.You are too real and i think that is why i love your movies.when i grow up i will love to be like you.Cioas Jackson,Keep it real as always

  39. Posted by Eddie G in Fuengirola,Spain:

    How many times did you say the F word in Pulp Fiction, and how many times did you say Mother before it?

  40. Posted by devon M jones in fremont:

    hey sam are you are great actor i am a fan but i think the movie SNAKES ON A PLANE was retarded so ya but that is just one out of all youre movies. i m only 15 well about to be a =nd your hella csick dood i think you could like get a gold coffin when you die when or if you die so keep doid movies hahahahhahaha oh ya how is life?

  41. Posted by Naruto Uzumaki in :

    sup nigg@ i am not a fan of you because every movie that u are in the movie is ruined esspically star wars a black nigg@ like u shouldnt be in a fantasy movie like that you know

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