Photo Credit: Getty Images
Samuel L. Jackson shared insights into his 44-year marriage to LaTanya Richardson Jackson in the October/November 2024 issue of AARP The Magazine. Reflecting on their long-lasting union, the 75-year-old actor revealed that overcoming challenges and showing tolerance have been key to their relationship's success. He acknowledged that both he and LaTanya have done things in their marriage that could be considered "crazy," but emphasized that it's important to ask, "Is that a breakup offense?".
Jackson explained that maintaining their marriage requires patience, understanding, and sometimes ignoring each other's flaws. "Everybody's got flaws," he noted, adding that sometimes it's easier to move forward by accepting those differences. He gave an example of his relentless work ethic, something LaTanya, 74, has learned to live with over the years. "I'm going to work all the time until it's time," he said, hinting at his dedication to his craft.
The couple, who met in college, celebrated their 44th anniversary in April and have a 42-year-old daughter, Zoe. In a 2022 interview with PEOPLE, LaTanya shared that they made a commitment early on to stay together, no matter what obstacles came their way. She emphasized that they wanted to challenge the false narrative about Black families often being portrayed as fatherless households. "We decided we would stay together no matter what. We'll figure it out," LaTanya said.
One of the toughest challenges in their marriage came when Samuel battled drug addiction. In his interview with AARP, Jackson recalled a moment when his wife and daughter found him passed out on the floor. His wife contacted his high school friend, who was a drug counselor, and Jackson entered rehab the next day. "I didn't go kicking and screaming because I was tired," he admitted.
Currently, Jackson is promoting the movie adaptation of August Wilson's play The Piano Lesson, which stars him alongside much of the cast from the 2022 Broadway revival directed by LaTanya. The film, set in 1936, follows the Charles family and their heirloom piano, which tells their history through carvings made by an enslaved ancestor. The Piano Lesson hits select theaters on Nov. 8 and will be available on Netflix starting Nov. 22.
