Samuel L Jackson on refusing to work with 50 Cent: “These people think they are worthy of you sharing time”
The world of artistic crossover is increasingly common in the modern era. The path from actor to musician or musician to actor is well-trodden and has, at times, showcased some of the industry’s finest talents. Icons like Barbra Streisand and David Bowie have transitioned seamlessly between the two worlds, proudly representing the musician’s alumni. In contrast, figures like Madonna and Harry Styles have delivered more polarising results, challenging the notion that musical mega-stardom ensures success on the big screen.
While many musicians have crossed over to good effect, there’s a stark contrast between the pantheon of acting greats and those exploring different avenues of their creative careers. One such actor who has squeezed every ounce of creative juice from acting, in all of its forms, is Samuel L Jackson.
Arguably one of the most esteemed actors to never clutch an Oscar, Jackson has built a legacy forged through artistic craftsmanship that’s seen him collaborate with cinema’s greatest directors: Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Spike Lee, George Lucas, Quentin Tarantino, Paul Thomas Anderson and many more.
A true lover of both cinema and theatre, Jackson isn’t just a mega-star for his talented acting chops; he’s there because he earned it. Completing his ten thousand hours and then some, he’s continued laying the bricks on the foundation of actors before him, shapeshifting through mediums and genres to better understand the art of acting.
In an interview with The Telegraph, Jackson spoke about the arc of his career. He said: “I remember when Sir Laurence Olivier died, and I was sitting at home watching television, and they were talking about his career and life,” he continued, “And I said to myself, ‘That’s the kind of career you should have’.”
“I was always trying to transform myself like I did in the theatre,” he added. “I hope I’ve done enough films that everybody who sees my face during my obituary or whatever will be able to say they had at least movies they enjoyed.”
Jackson has always had one foot in the fan camp and another in the actor camp. He has held the sanctity of the art form well above any pursuit of personal endeavour in his career. And while the musician-come-actor crossover is well intended on some counts, on others, its motivation for being another avenue of public exposure is transparent.
So, in 2005, when Jim Sheridan was preparing to shoot Get Rich or Die Tryin’, a semi-autobiographical tale about lead actor 50 Cent’s life, he touted Jackson as a potential suitor for the role of drug kingpin Levar.
Jackson turned down the role because he didn’t want to work with an unproven musician/actor. That year, he told The Mirror: “Hollywood people think because one is successful in one aspect of entertainment, they can bring them into this particular world and make a success out of them.
He continued, “These people think they are worthy of you sharing time on screen with them. I don’t particularly think that. Maybe if 50 Cent does five movies and shows me some talent.”
It was a defiant move of artistic integrity from Jackson, turning down what would have been a significant role in one of the year’s blockbuster hits. However, it was a precedent he followed thereafter, for his role as Steven in Tarantino’s 2012 film Django Unchained saw him act opposite Jamie Foxx, another musician/actor. By that point, Foxx had established itself as an acting powerhouse and achieved something Jackson hadn’t yet: an Oscar win.
Some 20 years after declining Get Rich or Die Tryin’, 50 Cent has gone on to receive multiple acting credits but still awaits the phone call to join Jackson on set and collaborate with the great American actor.
Never Miss A Take
The Far Out Quentin Tarantino Newsletter
All the latest Quentin Tarantino content from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.