First published 2021
Gavin Edwards examines Samuel L. Jackson's transformation from a stuttering bookworm into Hollywood's coolest figure. The author traces Jackson's path through his early revolutionary activities, his struggle with addiction, and his rise to stardom through collaborations with Spike Lee and Quentin Tarantino. Edwards argues that Jackson's coolness extends beyond entertainment value. He connects Jackson's attitude to his identity as a Black man and demonstrates why maintaining composure matters in contemporary culture. The book draws from original interviews and reporting to explore Jackson's personal interests, including golf and martial arts films, alongside his famous use of profanity. Edwards provides guidance for navigating today's cultural tensions by examining Jackson's example. The author includes a comprehensive filmography spanning Jackson's 140-plus movies and features newly created movie posters from various artists reimagining his iconic roles. Edwards offers readers both a detailed map of Jackson's extensive screen career and practical wisdom for living and working with Jackson's trademark confidence and style.
Genres: biography, african-american, contemporary, action
Vibes: fast-paced, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: composure, rise-to-stardom, transformation
Period: 20th-century, 21st-century
343 pages · Kindle Edition · Grand Central Publishing
Content warnings: addiction