Samuel L. Jackson: A Dad Who Got It Right

Alaina April 20, 2025

Alright, let’s talk about Samuel L. Jackson—yes, the iconic actor whose voice could probably sell anything—but today, we’re not here for his movies or his legendary career. We’re diving into his role as a dad. Samuel knows what it means to be a great father, and he’s put in the work over the years to make sure his daughter, Zoe Jackson, grows up surrounded by love and support. He’s been doing this alongside his wife, LaTanya Jackson (née Richardson), for decades now. So, let’s hear the story of how Samuel balanced fatherhood with fame.

Family First: The Early Days

Back in 1982, Samuel and LaTanya welcomed their daughter, Zoe, into the world. This came just two years after they said "I do" in 1980. Their journey together started way back in college—they met as students at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. In an interview with The Guardian, Samuel reminisced about how their connection blossomed over time. It wasn’t love at first sight, but it was definitely a bond that grew stronger over the years.

Putting Career on Pause for Parenthood

Now, here’s where things get interesting. For almost five years after Zoe was born, Samuel took a step back from his acting career. Can you believe that? The guy who’s now one of Hollywood’s biggest names decided to prioritize his family. He didn’t take on any roles until 1987 when he returned with a part in Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Why did he do it? Well, Samuel grew up without his biological father around, and he didn’t want his own daughter to feel the same void. “It was always important to me that I was part of my daughter’s life,” he once told the Irish Examiner. “She deserved two parents.”

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Samuel went on to explain that staying together as a family wasn’t always easy. “Everybody has a chance to say, ‘F—k it,’ and walk away,” he admitted. “But you also have a chance to say, ‘OK, f—k it, I’m sorry.’ Even if you’re not.” That’s a pretty raw and honest take on marriage and parenthood, right? It shows how much effort Samuel put into making sure his family stayed strong.

Creating Memories with Zoe

During those years away from the spotlight, Samuel poured all his energy into being a dad. He made memories with Zoe that still make him laugh today. In a 2014 appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman, Samuel shared a hilarious story about bedtime routines. “I remember all those times when I read to my daughter when she was little,” he joked. “Everybody says reading stories will put kids to sleep, but it never worked in my house. So, I would just tell her, ‘Go the f—k to sleep.’”

And get this—Zoe eventually started using the same line on him! “She’d look at me when I walked into her room and say, ‘Go the f—k to sleep, Daddy?’” Samuel laughed. “And I’d be like, ‘Yeah, go the f—k to sleep.’” It’s clear that even with all the pressure of being a celebrity dad, Samuel kept things real and relatable with his parenting style.

Zoe Jackson: Following in Her Parents’ Footsteps

Thanks to Samuel and LaTanya’s dedication, Zoe grew up to be an incredibly talented and hardworking woman. With two Hollywood legends as parents, it’s no surprise she followed in their footsteps. Zoe became an actress and producer, carving out her own path in the entertainment industry. But don’t think for a second that Samuel isn’t proud of her. In fact, he credits Zoe as one of his biggest inspirations.

At the BET Awards in 2016, Samuel opened up about how much his family means to him. “The other two people that challenge me on a regular basis are my foundation and support,” he said. “My daughter, Zoe, and my wife, LaTanya. They push me and give me a reason to get up every day and chase life.”

Keep Scrolling to Learn More About Zoe!

There’s so much more to discover about Zoe Jackson, from her career achievements to the unique bond she shares with her dad. If Samuel’s story teaches us anything, it’s that success isn’t just about fame—it’s about building a family that supports and inspires each other. So, keep reading to find out what makes Zoe such a remarkable individual in her own right.