Samuel L. Jackson Reflects on Bruce Willis’ Life-Changing Advice

Los Angeles, CA — Samuel L. Jackson recently opened up about the pivotal advice he received from Bruce Willis while filming “Die Hard With a Vengeance” in 1994, which shaped his career significantly.

During a celebration for Willis’ 70th birthday, Jackson recounted the moment Willis advised him to find a beloved character that would allow him to bounce back from less successful projects. Jackson quoted Willis, saying, “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.'”

Willis, known for his iconic role as John McClane in the “Die Hard” series, cited his character as a reliable point in his career, much like Arnold Schwarzenegger‘s “Terminator” and Sylvester Stallone‘s “Rocky” and “Rambo” franchises.

Jackson revealed that it took him 14 years to discover his own character, Nick Fury, which premiered in the blockbuster film “Iron Man” in 2008. “I had a nine-picture deal to be Nick Fury—that, ‘Oh, I’m doing what Bruce said. I’ve got this character now,'” said Jackson.

Since taking on Nick Fury, Jackson has become a central figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, participating in 12 films that have collectively grossed approximately $12.8 billion. The franchise has kept Jackson in the spotlight while solidifying his career beyond any single award recognition.

Reflecting on awards, Jackson expressed a shift in his perspective on success. In a 2022 interview with the Los Angeles Times, he stated, “I was never going to let the Oscars be a measure of my success or failure as an actor. My yardstick of success is my happiness.” He emphasized his preference for enjoyable roles over pursuing accolades, declaring, “I’d rather be Nick Fury. Or having fun being Mace Windu with a lightsaber in my hand.”

Willis, who turned 70 on March 19, has maintained a supportive relationship with Jackson over the years. The two actors also collaborated in the 2000 film “Unbreakable.” As Willis celebrated his milestone birthday, his family paid tribute with heartfelt messages.

Scout Willis, Bruce’s daughter, emphasized the family’s strong unity, stating, “You know, as we always celebrate, we are a huge unit. We are very supportive of one another, and it’s sort of like ironclad.” She noted that the family’s support system has been integral to their collective well-being.

As the entertainment world continues to celebrate both Jackson’s enduring career and Willis’ iconic legacy, fans await their next adventures in film.