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QUIZ

He's Baaaad

Test your knowledge of Samuel L. Jackson

By Sean Monkman

Considering he has become an iconic movie figure, Samuel L. Jackson was not an overnight success. His acting career began in the theatre, but he battled a drug problem for many years before making his mark on the big screen. He was just out of rehab when he filmed his breakout role as a crack addict in Spike Lee’s 1991 film Jungle Fever. Jackson went on to assume many memorable roles and has become one of the most prolific — and highest-grossing — screen talents of the last 15 years. He has often portrayed confident, foul-mouthed characters (most memorably in Pulp Fiction) and does so again in Snakes on a Plane, opening in a sea of hype Aug. 18.

1. In his name, what does the initial “L” stand for?
	Lawrence
	Leroy
	Leonard
	Lancelo
	Luther

2. What is the occupation of his character in Snakes on a Plane?
	Fast-talking FBI agent
	Overconfident snake handler
	Standoffish snake charmer
	Happy-go-lucky pilot
	Eager-to-please flight attendant

3. What reason did Jackson give for wanting to do Snakes on a Plane before he even read the script?
	The contract that accompanied the script was his biggest payday ever
	He's a huge fan of co-star Julianna Margulies
	His two favourite things are snakes and planes. Score!
	He loved the title and knew people would find it intriguing
	It was filming in Vancouver. That is all he needed to know.

4. In 2002, Jackson blasted the idea of rappers with no acting experience being pushed into movies as instant stars. He'd be the one to know, given that he has an extensive track record of appearing onscreen with rappers. With which one of the following rappers has he not acted?
	Tupac Shakur in Juice (1992)
	LL Cool J in Deep Blue Sea (1999)
	Busta Rhymes in Shaft (2000)
	Eminem in 8 Mile (2002)
	Ice Cube in xXx: State of the Union (2005)

5. During the 1995 Academy Awards broadcast, what was Jackson's observed reaction to losing out on the best supporting actor award to Martin Landau?
	Laughter and eye-rolling
	He uttered a four-letter word starting with S
	Polite clapping and a thumbs-up to Landau
	He kissed his wife and started to stand up before realizing his error
	There was no reaction to observe; he was in the bathroom

6. In which one of the following Spike Lee films did Jackson not appear?
	Do the Right Thing
	Jungle Fever
	Mo' Better Blues
	School Daze
	Inside Man

7. Jackson had a small but highly regarded role as a collector at an auction in what film co-written by Don McKellar?
	The Cream-Coloured Cello
	The Lavender Trombone
	The Mauve Mandolin
	The Red Violin
	The Turquoise Tuba

8. Jackson publicly campaigned for a part in the Star Wars prequels. He earned the pivotal role of Jedi master Mace Windu, but then worried that the character would die "like some punk." How did Mace Windu meet his (apparent) end?
	His star fighter was blasted out of the sky while he was pursuing a clone trooper that was carrying plans for the first Death Star
	He slipped off a high and narrow Coruscant walkway while trying to avoid the deadly blaster shots from clone troopers that had turned against him
	After a blast of Force lightning from Palpatine, and a lightsaber chop from Anakin Skywalker, he was hurled out of a skyscraper window
	He was cleaning Bantha droppings from the bottom of his shoe and was run over by some Jawas joyriding in a pod racer
	He nicked his forearm during a lightsaber battle, infection set in and, six months later, he died

9. During a famous scene in Pulp Fiction, Jackson’s character (Jules Winnfield) discusses what subject with John Travolta’s character (Vincent Vega)?
	Occupational hazards of being a hit man
	The gay subtext of Top Gun
	French translations of American fast food
	Who’s better: Buddy Holly or Elvis Presley?
	The disappearance of the 45 RPM single

10. Complete the Jackson quote relating to his propensity to not be too fussy with the roles he takes: "Every now and then, I want to do a movie that isn't '_______'. It's that simple."
	Citizen Kane
	Stretching my abilities
	For the Academy voters
	Just for the paycheque
	Typecasting me as the surly, foul-mouthed dude