Valuable Lessons from Hollywood
Taking advice from friends can often lead to unexpected insights, especially in the competitive world of film. This sentiment was echoed in a recent Vanity Fair tribute to Bruce Willis, which coincided with his 70th birthday. Samuel L. Jackson shared a nugget of wisdom given to him by Willis during the filming of their movie, *Die Hard with a Vengeance* in the 1990s.
Insider Advice from a Veteran
In reflecting on his time with Willis, Jackson recounted the actor’s poignant words: “He told me, ‘Hopefully you’ll be able to find a character that, when you make bad movies and they don’t make any money, you can always go back to this character everybody loves.’ He mentioned iconic roles like Arnold Schwarzenegger’s *Terminator*, Sylvester Stallone’s *Rocky* and *Rambo*, and of course, his own *John McClane*.”
A Revelation in Character
Initially, Jackson didn’t grasp the full significance of Willis’s advice. However, after landing his own pivotal role as Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), he realized the truth of those words. “It didn’t occur to me until I got that Nick Fury role — and I had a nine-picture deal to be Nick Fury — that, oh, I’m doing what Bruce said. I’ve got this character now,” he reflected.
Jackson’s Cinematic Journey
Samuel L. Jackson made his first appearance in the Marvel universe with a post-credit scene in the 2008 blockbuster *Iron Man*. Since then, he has established himself as a vital character in over ten films, portraying the strategic leader, Nick Fury. Jackson’s illustrious career, featuring over 150 films, also boasts significant roles in critically acclaimed projects such as *The Hateful Eight*, *The Incredibles*, and *Django Unchained*. His films collectively have achieved an impressive $14 billion in box office earnings.
Reflections on Career Impact
Furthermore, in a 2019 cover story with *The Hollywood Reporter*, Jackson mentioned how he stepped away from the *Die Hard* set to attend the premiere of *Pulp Fiction* at Cannes. Reflecting on this experience, he thought, “This movie’s OK, but *Die Hard*‘s going to change your life. This movie’s not going to change your life.” Ironically, both films significantly impacted his career and legacy.