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Samuel L. Jackson's Hell's Kitchen Security Days
24 Oct
Summary
- Jackson was a security guard at Manhattan Plaza in the late 1970s.
- He described Hell's Kitchen as the 'Wild Wild West' during his tenure.
- Vallely felt safe with Jackson on duty as security guard.
In the late 1970s, Samuel L. Jackson worked as a security guard outside Manhattan Plaza, an apartment building housing notable figures like Angela Lansbury and Tennessee Williams. Comedian Jim Vallely, also a resident, shared that it was a "really fun time" living there and felt particularly safe with Jackson on duty.
Jackson described the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood during his night shifts as the "Wild Wild West." The Marvel star recalled his employment as his only "real job" outside of theater, working from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM. This role supplemented his income while he pursued various stage productions.
During this period, Jackson also battled addiction. He decided to seek rehabilitation after a particularly difficult night involving alcohol and cocaine, leading to him being found unresponsive by his family. The 1989 film 'Jungle Fever' was his first role post-rehab.
