Bad Motherfucker

The Life and Movies of Samuel L. Jackson, the Coolest Man in Hollywood

By: Gavin Edwards

Narrated by: Phil LaMarr

A fascinating exploration and celebration of the life and work of the coolest man in Hollywood, Samuel L. Jackson—from his star-making turns in the films of Spike Lee and Quentin Tarantino to his ubiquitous roles in the Star Wars and Marvel franchises, not to mention the cult favorite Snakes on a Plane.

Samuel L. Jackson’s embodiment of cool isn’t just inspirational—it’s important. Bad Motherfucker lays out how his attitude intersects with his identity as a Black man, why being cool matters in the modern world, and how Jackson can guide us through the current cultural moment in which everyone is losing their cool. Edwards details Jackson’s fascinating personal history, from stuttering bookworm to gunrunning revolutionary to freebasing addict to A-list movie star.

Drawing on original reporting and interviews, the book explores not only the major events of Jackson’s life but also his obsessions: golf, kung fu movies, profanity. Bad Motherfucker features a delectable filmography of Jackson’s movies—140 and counting! The book is a must-listen road map through the vast territory of his on-screen career and more: a vivid portrait of Samuel L. Jackson’s essential self, as well as practical instructions, by example, for how to live and work and be.

Critic reviews

“Bad Motherfucker is as cool and smooth as Samuel L. Jackson himself. Gavin Edwards is an insightful biographer and pop culture analyst who knows how to unearth key details that shine a new light on the most beloved of subjects.”—Jennifer Keishin Armstrong, author of Seinfeldia: How a Show About Nothing Changed Everything

“Samuel L. Jackson has blessed more than 100 films with his intensity and target-seeking line delivery—so much swagger, Marvel remodeled a superhero in his likeness—and Gavin Edwards’ page-turning almanac, crammed with insights, is the map for mainlining those thrills, the shepherd to guide your righteous ass through the valley of darkness.”—Sean Howe, author of Marvel Comics: The Untold Story

“There is no harder working man in Hollywood than Samuel L. Jackson, and Gavin Edwards’ addictive book is a deep dive into every twist and turn of his epic life and career—from Pulp Fiction and Jurassic Park to Snakes on a Plane.”—Andy Greene, author of The Office: The Untold Story of the Greatest Sitcom of the 2000s

“I didn’t know half this stuff—especially the golf stories—and I worked with the bad motherfucker! Sam Jackson is a national treasure.”
—Stel Pavlou, screenwriter of Formula 51 and host of Hunting Atlantis on Discovery

“A rollicking, expletive-filled look at the life and career of ‘The King of Cool’…. Edwards is especially adept in his handling of Jackson’s personal life, including his triumph over cocaine addiction and involvement in the civil rights movement. This highly entertaining consideration of the prolific actor is long overdue."
—Publishers Weekly (starred)

Mr. Jackson's abilities to overcome himself while being someone else!

Mr. Jackson Killer instinctive abilities to play his role like a skilled musician! His roles seem to have rhythm! I liken him to Led Zeppelin, Queen, Stevie Wonder, EWF, WAR, The Boss & last but not lease;
The GODFATHER OF SOUL!
"SAY IT LOUD, I'M BLACK & I'M PROUD"!

REALLY???

NOT ONE LINE WITH HIS VOICE IN IT. STILL ENJOYABLE. Worth the money and time.

Writing was Good but could have more exploration

Good but felt almost like a brief skim of an in-depth work,LaMarr was absolutely brilliant

Loved it

Sam’s story is a good one and shows his depth as an actor and man!

The amount of movies is crazy!

Good book, this man’s career is unparalleled!! And he continues to make quality movies! A most listen!