Respectfully labeled as one of the hardest working actors in Hollywood, Jackson is an
undisputed star as demonstrated in the fact that his films have grossed the most money
in box office sales than any other actor in the history of filmmaking.
Jackson made an indelible mark on American cinema with his portrayal of ‘Jules’, the
philosophizing hitman, in Quentin Tarantino’s "Pulp Fiction". In addition to unanimous
critical acclaim for his performance, he received Academy Award and Golden Globe
nominations as Best Supporting Actor as well as a Best Supporting Actor award from
the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.
In addition to his supporting role in Rodrigo Garcia’s "Mother and Child", Jackson recently
completed filming the drama "Unthinkable", directed by Gregor Jordan, co-starring
Michael Sheen. He also recently filmed the big screen adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s
play "Sunset Limited" co-starring and directed by Tommy Lee Jones. In 2008, Jackson’s
films included the Neil LaBute thriller, "Lakeview Terrace", which premiered at the
Deauville Film Festival, followed by the Dimension Studios comedy "Soul Men", alongside
the late Bernie Mac. He most recently starred in the Frank Miller action drama "The
Spirit", in which he portrayed the nemesis, “Octopus.”
Jackson made a surprise cameo appearance in the 2008 blockbuster hit, "Iron Man" and
has signed on to reprise the Marvel character “Nick Fury” in "Iron Man 2" (the head of
“S.H.I.E.L.D”) and signed with marvel for an unprecedented nine picture deal to include
Thor, Captain America, S.H.I.E.L.D among others. He also starred in the Doug Liman
directed sci-fi, action film, "Jumper".
In 2007, Jackson had a starring role in the acclaimed drama "Resurrecting the Champ",
and a co-starring role in the very successful horror film for the Weinstein Co., "1408",
based on the Stephen King novel. Earlier that year, Jackson starred in the Craig Brewer
film "Black Snake Moan", and Irwin Winkler’s MGM war drama "Home of the Brave".
In 2006, Jackson starred in New Line’s "Snakes on a Plane", directed by David Ellis, a
horror/drama film. Jackson also starred opposite Julianne Moore in Revolution Studio’s
"Freedomland", directed by Joe Roth, based on the best selling novel of the same name.
He also appeared as ‘Agent Derrick Vann’ in New Line’s "The Man", opposite Eugene
Levy.
In early 2005, Jackson topped the opening weekend box office charts with the success
of the Paramount Pictures film, "Coach Carter". Jackson portrayed real-life high school
basketball coach, ‘Ken Carter’, a dedicated role model and advocate for students
succeeding in the classroom as well as on the basketball court. Coach Carter was
screened as the opening night film of the prestigious Palm Springs Film Festival.
Jackson received the Career Achievement Award for Acting from the Festival.
Jackson also starred in the independent film for Sony Classics, "In My Country", based on
the best-selling novel, "Country of My Skull", by South African writer, Antije Krog.
Jackson portrayed an American reporter who must cope with the aftermath of apartheid
as his newspaper assigns him to cover the Truth and Reconciliation Trials, established
by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, that exposed the worst cases of torture, abuse and
violence. "In My Country" was directed by John Boorman and produced by Bob Chartoff
and Mike Medavoy. Juliette Binoche co-stars.
In 2005, Jackson reprised his role as ‘Agent Augustus Gibbons’ in "XXX: State of the
Union" and as ‘Mace Windu’ in "Star Wars: Episode III – The Revenge of the Sith". To no
one’s surprise, "Star Wars: Episode III – The Revenge of the Sith" made an incredible
impact at the box office breaking numerous opening day records.
In 2004, Jackson “appeared” as the character ‘Frozone’ in the Disney animated actionadventure
film, "The Incredibles" which was released to record box office results. The film
was directed and written by Brad Bird and earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best
Picture as well as two Academy Award nominations.
In 2003, Jackson starred in "S.W.A.T" for Columbia TriStar. Directed by Clark Johnson,
"S.W.A.T." is about an arrested drug kingpin who is transported by a Los Angeles Police
Department S.W.A.T. team and led out of the city and into Federal custody. Plans go
awry when the kingpin offers $100 million to anyone who can free him. Colin Farrell
and Michelle Rodriguez are also in the film.
In 2002, Jackson starred with Ben Affleck in the box office and critical success,
Paramount’s "Changing Lanes". Jackson delivered an intense yet sympathetic
performance of a father who was down on his luck, but intent on getting even with the
man that wronged him. Also in 2002, Jackson starred and executive produced the Sony/
Screen Gems film "Formula 51", with Robert Carlyle; co-starred in the sci-fi thriller, XXX;
and reprised his role as ‘Mace Windu’ in the second installment of George Lucas’ "Stars
Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones."
In 2001, Jackson starred in Jersey Franchise/Universal’s "Caveman’s Valentine".
Directed by Kasi Lemmons, the film followed the story of a homeless man in New York
City who discovered a murder. Jackson also served as an executive producer on the
project, which was the most successful independent film of the year. This was
Jackson’s second project with Kasi Lemmons with the first being the applauded, Eve’s
Bayou, which he also produced in 1997.
In 2000, Jackson co-starred opposite Bruce Willis in writer/director M. Night
Shyamalan’s suspense drama, "Unbreakable" for Disney. Jackson’s character, ‘Elijah
Price,’ a highly suspicious and wheelchair bound man with a far-fetched theory, holds
the key to the film’s underlying question of, “Are You Unbreakable?”
Also in 2000, Jackson starred in John Singleton’s "Shaft" in the title role opposite
Christian Bale and Vanessa Williams. Jackson also starred in Paramount’s courtroom
drama "Rules of Engagement" where he played Col. Terry Childers, a military officer on
trial for ordering his soldiers to open fire on civilians. Directed by William Friedkin, the
film co-starred Tommy Lee Jones. Both "Shaft" and "Rules of Engagement" were
screened at the 2000 Deauville Film Festival, where Jackson was honored with a
Lifetime Achievement Award.
In 1999, Jackson starred in Warner Bros. "Deep Blue Sea" for director Renny Harlin.
Jackson also made a cameo appearance in George Lucas’ highly successful and
popular "Star Wars Episode One: The Phantom Menace." In 1998, Jackson also starred
in "The Negotiator" and in Francois Girard’s "The Red Violin."
In 1997, Jackson starred in Jackie Brown, his second film with director Quentin
Tarantino. For the latter he received a Golden Globe nomination and the Silver Bear
Award for Best Actor in a Comedy at the Berlin Film Festival. Later that year he starred
in "187".
Jackson starred opposite Sandra Bullock, Matthew McConaughey and Kevin Spacey in
Joel Schumacher’s 1996 film of the John Grisham novel, "A Time to Kill." For his
performance Jackson received a Golden Globe nomination and an NAACP Image
Award. He also starred opposite Bruce Willis in "Die Hard With a Vengeance," the topgrossing
movie internationally in 1995.
In 1991, Jackson made movie history with his portrayal of a crack addict in Spike Lee’s
"Jungle Fever" when he was awarded the first and only Best Supporting Performance
Award ever given by the judges at the Cannes Film Festival. He also won the New York
Film Critics Award for Best Supporting Actor for that performance.
His other film credits include "Twisted," "Sphere," "The Long Kiss Goodnight," "Hard Eight,"
"Kiss of Death," "Losing Isaiah and Amos and Andrew." Additional film credits include:
"Ragtime," "Sea of Love," "Coming to America," "Ray," "Do the Right Thing," "School Daze," "Mo’
Better Blues," "Goodfellas," "Strictly Business," "White Sands," "Patriot Games," "Jumpin’ at the
Boneyard," "Father and Sons," "Juice, Fresh and True Romance".
On the small screen, Jackson serves as Executive Producer for the animated series for
Spike TV, "Afro Samurai" which premiered in 2007 and returned for a third season in
January 2009. Earlier this month, "Afro Samurai" recently received an Emmy Award
nomination for Outstanding Animated Program from the Television Academy of Arts and
Sciences. The first edition of the "Afro Samurai" video game launched in February 2009.
In 2008, Jackson secured a first look television deal with CBS and their properties to
produce and develop upcoming projects.
On television, Jackson starred in John Frankenheimer’s Emmy Award-winning Against
the Wall for HBO. His performance earned him a Cable Ace nomination as Best
Supporting Actor in a Movie or Miniseries, as well as a Golden Globe nomination.
Jackson’s career began upon his graduation from Morehouse College in Atlanta with a
degree in dramatic arts. He went on to perform in numerous stage plays, including
“Home,” “A Soldier’s Play,” “Sally/Prince” and “The District Line.” He also originated
roles in two of August Wilson’s plays at Yale Repertory Theatre. For the New York
Shakespeare Festival, Jackson appeared in “Mother Courage and Her Children,” “Spell
#7,” and “The Mighty Gents.” While still a student at Morehouse, Jackson made his film
debut in Together for Days.