History of Samuel L. Jackson in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 6, 2026

Samuel L. Jackson is a highly successful American actor and producer. His filmography has earned over $27 billion globally, making him the highest-grossing actor of all time. Recognized for his prolific career and impact, Jackson was honored with the Academy Honorary Award in 2022 for being a cultural icon with widespread appeal across diverse genres, generations, and audiences.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1991: Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actor

In 1991, Samuel L. Jackson received the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actor for his performance in Spike Lee's Jungle Fever.

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1994: BAFTA Award and Independent Spirit Award for Pulp Fiction

In 1994, Samuel L. Jackson received the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role and the Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead for his performance in Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction.

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1997: Silver Bear for Best Actor for Jackie Brown

In 1997, at the 48th Berlin International Film Festival, Samuel L. Jackson received the Silver Bear for Best Actor for his performance in Quentin Tarantino's Jackie Brown.

2008: Campaigning for Barack Obama

In 2008, Samuel L. Jackson campaigned for Barack Obama in Texarkana, Texas, stating Obama represented the fulfillment of the American Dream.

December 2012: Comparing Django Character to Clarence Thomas

In December 2012, Samuel L. Jackson compared his character in Django Unchained to Justice Clarence Thomas, suggesting they shared a similar moral compass.

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June 2013: Campaigning with Prizeo to fight Alzheimer's

In June 2013, Samuel L. Jackson launched a campaign with Prizeo to raise money for Alzheimer's disease research, which involved reciting fan-written monologues and a scene from Breaking Bad.

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August 2013: Adopting a vegan diet

In August 2013, Samuel L. Jackson adopted a vegan diet for health reasons, attributing a 40 lb weight loss to it.

March 2017: Recommending a vegan diet

By March 2017, Samuel L. Jackson had largely abandoned his vegan diet, but continued to praise and recommend it.

2020: Promoting COVID-19 safety measures

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Samuel L. Jackson encouraged mask-wearing as part of California's "Your Actions Save Lives" campaign and promoted blood donation for those recovered from the virus. He also appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! to read Stay the Fuck at Home.

2021: Academy Honorary Award Recipient

In 2021, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences named Samuel L. Jackson as one of its Academy Honorary Award recipients.

June 2022: Criticizing Clarence Thomas after Roe v. Wade Overturn

In June 2022, following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, Samuel L. Jackson criticized Justice Clarence Thomas, questioning his views on interracial marriage given his own marriage.