In a recent interview, actor Samuel L. Jackson opened up about his past struggles with drug addiction. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Jackson battled with crack cocaine addiction, but remarkably, he managed to continue working and maintain his professional career. While speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, the 70-year-old actor revealed that he used to smoke crack cocaine while working as an understudy on Broadway.
Smoking Crack Behind the Theater
During his time as an understudy for Charles Dutton in August Wilson's play the piano lesson, Jackson would sit on the steps behind the theater and smoke crack while listening to Dutton's performances. He recalls feeling frustrated and angry, thinking that Dutton's portrayal of the character was not right. This experience drove him to smoke crack and escape into his own world.
I'd sit there and smoke crack while i listened to the play. it made me fucking crazy. because i'd be listening to him doing the lines and going, 'that's not right!' Jackson explained.
Encountering Jessica Lange
In another incident, Jackson was smoking crack when he spotted actress Jessica Lange taking a smoke break while working on the play a streetcar named desire. Little did he know that a few years later, he would be co-starring with Lange in the film losing isaiah.
We would smoke cigarettes together in the rain under this awning where we were shooting in chicago, Jackson shared. it was fun. but i never said, 'hey jessica, i used to watch you while smoking crack' or nothing.
Hitting Rock Bottom and Seeking Help
Jackson's addiction reached its lowest point when his wife and daughter discovered him facedown on the kitchen floor. They insisted that he seek help, and he agreed to go to rehab. However, while in the process of getting sober, he received a script from director Spike Lee. Lee wanted Jackson to play a crack addict in his next film, jungle fever. Ironically, this role became Jackson's first sober acting job.
Despite the advice and concerns of those in rehab, Jackson decided to take on the role as a way to distance himself from his drug addiction. He felt that proving himself as a sober actor would be a way to show the world that he had overcome his addiction.
All the people in rehab were trying to talk me out of it, Jackson said. 'you're going to be messing around with crack pipes. all your triggers will be there. blah, blah, blah.' i was like, 'you know what? if for no other reason than i never want to see you motherf**kers again, i will never pick up another drug.' 'cause i hated their a**es.
From Rock Bottom to Success
After taking on the role in jungle fever, Jackson's career began to soar. He auditioned for Quentin Tarantino's indie film reservoir dogs and even though he initially thought one of the actors he read with was terrible, he later discovered it was Tarantino himself. Jackson approached Tarantino at the Sundance premiere of the film and expressed his admiration. Tarantino then revealed that he was writing something specifically for Jackson, and that turned out to be the iconic film pulp fiction.
When Jackson received the script for pulp fiction, he was astounded by its brilliance. He read it twice to fully absorb its impact.
I vividly remember getting to the end of it and being like, 'wow. get the fuck outta here,'” he said. “‘is this shit that good or am i just thinking, because he wrote it for me, i think it's that good?' so boom, i flipped it over and read it through again.
What struggles did Samuel L. Jackson face in his career?
Samuel L. Jackson battled with drug addiction, particularly crack cocaine, throughout the 1980s and 1990s. However, despite his addiction, he managed to continue working and maintain his professional career.
What role did Samuel L. Jackson play in his first sober acting job?
Samuel L. Jackson's first sober acting job was playing a crack addict in Spike Lee's film jungle fever.
How did Samuel L. Jackson's career take off?
After taking on the role in jungle fever, Samuel L. Jackson's career began to soar. He later auditioned for Quentin Tarantino's film reservoir dogs and impressed Tarantino with his talent. This led to his iconic role in pulp fiction, which further cemented his status as a Hollywood superstar.
Samuel L. Jackson's candid confession about his struggles with drug addiction sheds light on the challenges he faced during his career. Despite battling with crack cocaine addiction, he managed to overcome his demons and become one of the most iconic actors in Hollywood. Jackson's journey serves as an inspiration to others who may be facing similar struggles, showing that with determination and perseverance, it is possible to overcome adversity and achieve success.
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