Samuel L. Jackson is one of the most iconic actors in the history of cinema. His commanding presence and booming voice have made him a fan favorite in genres ranging from action to drama. But it is his portrayal of some of the most unforgettable characters that has cemented his place in cinematic history. From Jules Winnfield in Pulp Fiction to Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, here is a list of Samuel L. Jackson’s most memorable characters.
Jules Winnfield – Pulp Fiction (1994)
Undoubtedly, the character of Jules Winnfield in Pulp Fiction is one of the most iconic roles played by Samuel L. Jackson. The character’s bible-quoting, philosophical musings combined with his legendary death stare and his signature delivery of the line “Say what again, I dare you” make him the ultimate badass.
Mace Windu – Star Wars prequels (1999-2005)
Samuel L. Jackson took part in the Star Wars franchise as Jedi Master Mace Windu, one of the highest-ranking members of the Jedi Order. His performance as a wise and powerful Jedi was commendable, and his iconic purple lightsaber became one of the signature props of the franchise.
Nick Fury – Marvel Cinematic Universe (2008-2019)
Nick Fury was originally a comic book character and director of S.H.I.E.L.D. but it was Jackson’s portrayal of the character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe that brought him to the forefront of pop culture. Jackson’s Nick Fury played a vital role in the MCU’s storyline, bringing together the Avengers and battling alien threats such as Thanos.
Mr. Glass – Unbreakable and Glass (2000, 2019)
In M. Night Shyamalan’s thriller, Unbreakable, Samuel L. Jackson portrayed Elijah Price aka Mr. Glass, a villain with a rare disease that causes his bones to break easily. Jackson’s ability to portray a character that seems both evil and sympathetic at the same time was impressive, and his reunion with Bruce Willis in the sequel, Glass, was a tour de force.
Eddie George – Jungle Fever (1991)
In Spike Lee’s Jungle Fever, Samuel L. Jackson played Eddie George, a drug addict who constantly struggles with his addiction. His performance in the film showcased his ability to delve deep into complex characters with unmatched authenticity.
There are a lot of other characters that Samuel L. Jackson has portrayed over the years, each equally memorable in their own right. From the flamboyant Gator in Jungle Fever to the fearsome robotic voice of Frozone in The Incredibles, Jackson’s range as an actor has never been in doubt. He has left an indelible mark on cinema history and his future work is eagerly anticipated by fans around the world.