Samuel L. Jackson and his college sweetheart, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, have shared a lasting love story for more than four decades. Their bond has stayed strong since their student days at Morehouse and Spellman Colleges through raising their daughter, Zoé. A major change came when they left New York City for Los Angeles, where they found the ideal home to raise their precious daughter.
Samuel L. Jackson is one of the most successful and prolific actors of his generation, having appeared in over 100 films, including “Pulp Fiction,” “Star Wars,” and Marvel movies. He is also a producer and a theatre actor who has won several awards and honors for his work. But behind his impressive career, there is another aspect of his life that is equally remarkable: his marriage.
Samuel and his college sweetheart, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, are one of Hollywood’s most enduring couples. They have been together for more than half of their lives, dating since they were both students at Morehouse College in Atlanta in 1970.
In the year 1980, they tied the knot, and just two years later, in 1982, their family expanded as they welcomed their daughter, Zoe. Fatherhood took on a profound significance for Jackson, given his own experiences growing up.
Raised by an absentee father, he understood the impact of not having a solid paternal presence in one’s life. Jackson was determined to break the cycle, and he made a resolute promise to be a present and supportive dad for his daughter. In a 2020 interview, he said:
“I’m a good son, a good father, a good husband–I’ve been married to the same woman for thirty years.”
Throughout their four-decade-long marriage, Jackson and Richardson have faced the usual ups and downs that accompany any relationship. However, their unwavering commitment to each other led them to make a pact early on to stay together no matter the hurdles they encountered.
Jackson and Richardson had a big change in their lives when they moved from New York City to Los Angeles.
This unwritten agreement became the foundation of their enduring love, helping them navigate the pressures of fame, the demands of busy careers, and the constant scrutiny that comes with being in the public eye.
In interviews, Jackson has expressed the profound impact of having a partner who understands the intricacies of the entertainment industry. He credits Richardson, a distinguished actress and producer in her own right, for helping him overcome his drug addiction and supporting his career. He told People:
“She gave me the chance to be the man I was supposed to be.”
Samuel and LaTanya’s Search for a House with ‘Homey Environment’
Jackson and Richardson had a big change in their lives when they moved from New York City to Los Angeles. The couple had been living in New York—where they got married— for many years, renovated a Harlem brownstone, and were raising their daughter, Zoé.
They were also pursuing their theater acting careers until Richardson got a role in the CBS series “Frannie’s Turn.” They decided to relocate for the show and rented a house in Los Angeles, knowing that the show might not last long. Unfortunately, they were right.
Having already poured immense effort into renovating their Harlem brownstone, Jackson was initially skeptical about embarking on another project.
The show was canceled after thirteen episodes, and they had to look for a new home in LA. During a leisurely drive through the San Fernando Valley, Richardson stumbled upon a house that would soon become their cherished home.
It was a half-timber house with brick walls, gabled roofs, and leaded windows. In an interview with Architectural Digest, Richardson said she halted in the middle of the street and declared:
“That’s it, that’s the house.”
Excitedly, she shared her discovery with the real estate broker and Jackson. However, the house needed a lot of work, as it was covered with white paint and had old fixtures. Having already poured immense effort into renovating their Harlem brownstone, Jackson was initially skeptical about embarking on another project.
Nevertheless, he trusted Richardson’s vision and decided to take the plunge. They purchased the house, marking the beginning of a new chapter for their family. Together, with Richardson at the helm of selection, they transformed the house into a warm and inviting space.
The Jackson family wanted a home they could be proud of.
They hired designer Cecil N. Hayes to help them make the house their own. They wanted to make the house cozy, elegant, and with a harmonious blend of contemporary and antique pieces of furniture, art, and accessories.
They also wanted to show their African heritage and their daughter’s talent. In the living room, they adorned the walls with paintings by renowned artists Jacob Lawrence and Samuel Akainyah. Hayes stated:
“The house speaks for LaTanya and Sam
as a total spirit. What you see is exactly who they are.”
Notably, a portrait by their daughter Zoé, who was then a high school senior bound for Vassar, proudly held its place in the art collection. They also added a silk-clad club chair, a curio cabinet from Richardson’s grandmother, and a grand piano.
In the family room, they displayed Jackson’s collection of rustic model houses, which he had bought from different places. In the hallway, they placed two Italian Moors with onyx faces, which Jackson had found in Paris.
In 2000, Jackson and Richardson seized the opportunity to make this opulent haven their own, acquiring the property for a sum of $8.35 million from actress and comedian Roseanne Barr.
The Jackson family wanted a home they could be proud of. They share a love for old-looking and traditional pieces, and they made sure it was reflected in their home. They enjoyed hosting friends and family there, as well as relaxing in their spacious master suite or their lush garden.
Their aim was to create an environment where their daughter Zoé could thrive. Theirs was not just a residence but a sanctuary, where love and support enveloped their daughter as she navigated her formative years. The actor explained:
“We wanted our daughter to live in a homey environment.”
In December 2014, the Jacksons put the home up for sale for $3.2 million and sold it in June 2015 for $2.8 million. After that, the home was renovated and sold again for $3.85M.
Where Do Samuel L. Jackson and His Wife Live Now?
After moving from their LA home, the accomplished actor and his beloved wife settled in a sprawling 11,738-square-foot estate nestled in the prestigious Beverly Park neighborhood of Beverly Hills, California.
In 2000, Jackson and Richardson seized the opportunity to make this opulent haven their own, acquiring the property for a sum of $8.35 million from actress and comedian Roseanne Barr.
The estate consists of three separate structures: the main house, a detached garage, and a pool/guest house, each aspect adding to the allure of this remarkable property. The main house stands as a symbol of timeless sophistication, showcasing exquisite design and craftsmanship, befitting Jackson’s esteemed status in Hollywood.
