He Almost Lost His Life in 1988—But It Was Bruce Willis Who Gave Samuel L. Jackson the Role That Would Define Him

In December 1988, Samuel L. Jackson’s life nearly ended on a New York City subway platform. While helping a woman, his foot became trapped in a moving train. A fellow passenger on crutches yanked the emergency cord just in time, saving Jackson’s life. The accident left him on crutches for ten months and led to a $540,000 settlement from the Transit Authority—an event that could have derailed his career before it truly began.

Instead, it became one chapter in a story defined by survival, reinvention, and an enduring Hollywood friendship with Bruce Willis.

The Advice That Changed His Career

In 1994, Jackson joined Willis on the set of Die Hard with a Vengeance, playing reluctant sidekick Zeus Carver. Between takes, Willis offered career advice that would stick with Jackson for decades: find a role like John McClane, the Terminator, or Rocky—an iconic character you can revisit no matter what else happens.

That seed eventually grew into Jackson’s portrayal of Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe—a role that became a career cornerstone, spanning over a decade and multiple billion-dollar films.

The Confidence to Stand Out

Jackson’s rise was fueled by the same confidence that defined his early audition for Pulp Fiction. On his second try for the role of Jules Winnfield, he walked in eating a burger and sipping a shake—initially irritating Quentin Tarantino and the producers. But his commanding presence won them over, and the now-famous “Big Kahuna Burger” made it into the film.

Pranks, Props, and Shared Vision

On the Die Hard set, Jackson and Willis forged a bond rooted in humor and trust. In one infamous prank, Jackson convinced Willis that an “I hate everybody” sign was a harmless prop—only for Willis to be dropped off in Harlem wearing it, sparking genuine tension before the cameras rolled.

Their creative synergy carried over to Unbreakable (2000), where Jackson’s idea to make his character Mr. Glass’s cane out of actual glass added an eerie authenticity. Both actors dreamed of making a trilogy—a vision realized years later with Split (2016) and Glass (2019).

For added realism, the pair even handled real gold bars during filming, a detail that lent weight—literally and figuratively—to their performances.

Navigating Setbacks

Both men faced industry turbulence. In 1997, Willis’s Broadway Brawler collapsed amid on-set conflicts, prompting Disney to cancel the film. But he rebounded quickly with Armageddon and The Sixth Sense, proving his resilience—a trait Jackson has also embodied throughout his career.

A Friendship That Endures

In 2024, Jackson reunited with Die Hard with a Vengeance castmates at the TCL Chinese Theatre to honor Willis, who has since been diagnosed with dementia. The gathering was filled with tributes, shared memories, and visible affection—underscoring a friendship that has spanned three decades, multiple franchises, and countless challenges.

From a near-fatal subway accident to defining Hollywood roles, Samuel L. Jackson’s journey is a testament to resilience and the power of creative partnerships. And at its heart is a friendship with Bruce Willis—one built on respect, shared vision, and a few legendary pranks along the way.

If you want, I can also create a timeline feature tracing every Jackson–Willis collaboration from Die Hard with a Vengeance to Glass, including behind-the-scenes anecdotes. That would make a great companion piece.