Denzel Washington Praises Longtime Friend Samuel L. Jackson, Who Stars in Son's First Film: 'My Children's Uncle'

Mar. 15, 2025

Denzel Washington; Samuel L. Jackson in ‘The Piano Lesson’.Photo:Arturo Holmes/Getty; Netflix

Arturo Holmes/Getty; Netflix

Denzel WashingtonconsidersSamuel L. Jacksonpart of the family.

Calling Jackson a “great actor, great friend,” Washington said, “more importantly, he’s family to me. He’s my children’s uncle.”Zoe Jackson, whom thePulp FictionOscar nominee shares with wifeLaTanya Richardson Jackson, “is like our daughter,” Washington added.

Washington also explained how he and Jackson became friends 45 years ago.

“He had a leading role in [an off-Broadway production of]Mighty Gents,” he recalled. “I was an understudy. So I watched him. They fired the guy I was understudying after opening night, I took over. I remember him giving me confidence to do the job. He doesn’t know that until tonight.”

Taylor Hill/WireImage

(Left-right:) Danielle Brooks, Ray Fisher, Samuel L. Jackson, Denzel Washington, John David Washington and Michael Potts backstage at ‘The Piano Lesson’ on Broadway in 2022.Bruce Glikas/WireImage

Bruce Glikas/WireImage

Jackson and Washington have starred on screen together inSpike Lee’s 1990 classicMo' Better Blues, as well as in New York theater.

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Denzel Washington presents Samuel L. Jackson with an honorary Oscar at the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences' 12th Annual Governors Awards in 2022.ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty

ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty

Speaking to PEOPLE exclusively at the MoMA event, Washington says it is Jackson’s “body of work itself, the volume, the quality, the consistency” that he admires most.

Asked about his relationship with Washington, Jackson noted he has known the actor-director’s four kids, who Washington shares with wifePauletta, since “before they were born. We live close together. So they spend a lot of time in my house, hanging out with my daughter and watching films with me. We’ve been we’ve been close for a very long time."

Of appearing inThe Piano Lesson, Jackson added, “I’m glad that I’m part of Malcolm’s first film.”

The Piano Lesson, also starringDanielle Deadwyler, Ray Fisher, Michael Potts,Erykah Baduand Corey Hawkins, is in theaters Nov. 8 and on Netflix Nov. 22.

source: people.com