“Samuel L. Jackson Thinks He Knows Everything!” — LaTanya Richardson Jackson Exposes The Hard Truth About Directing Her Legendary Husband

In the glitzy world of Hollywood power couples, few duos command as much respect — and intrigue — as Samuel L. Jackson and LaTanya Richardson Jackson.

But behind the red carpets, blockbuster films, and standing ovations lies a refreshingly real marriage dynamic: one where even the world’s most iconic actor has to be told, “Go sit over there.

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions

LaTanya Richardson Jackson, 75, recently sat down for a candid conversation with talk show host Sherri Shepherd — and what she revealed was pure gold.

The actress, director, and two-time Tony Award nominee didn’t hold back as she shared what it was really like directing her Oscar-nominated husband in the 2022 Tony-nominated Broadway revival of The Piano Lesson.

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Spoiler alert: It wasn’t easy.

The Challenge of Directing a Living Legend

When Shepherd asked the inevitable question — does Samuel L. Jackson take direction well? — LaTanya’s response was instant and brutally honest:

“No.

She didn’t even hesitate.

The reason? According to LaTanya, it’s not just that Samuel is an acting legend with decades of experience — it’s that he knows he’s an acting legend.

“Because he’s so old, he thinks he knows everything,” LaTanya quipped, drawing laughs from the audience and from Shepherd herself.

And who could blame Jackson for having a little swagger? With a filmography that spans Pulp Fiction, The Avengers, Star Wars, and more, Samuel L.

Jackson has quite literally been there, done that.

But on her stage, there was no room for ego.

“In this room, it’s about what I say,” LaTanya told her husband during rehearsals.

“I need them listening to me.

In other words, Samuel might be a Jedi Master or S.H.I.E.L.D. director on screen — but in The Piano Lesson rehearsal room? He was just another actor in LaTanya’s cast.

Sherri

“Go Sit Over There”

Directing one’s spouse is a minefield few would dare to navigate.

LaTanya, however, handled it with grace — and a touch of comedy.

Whenever Samuel’s veteran instincts threatened to derail her process, LaTanya had a go-to line ready:

“Okay, go sit over there then, because we’re over here working.

It wasn’t about undermining her husband — it was about maintaining respect, order, and authority in a highly collaborative environment.

And frankly, it worked.

Their experience together in The Piano Lesson not only earned rave reviews but also proved that love, respect, and a little humor can survive even the toughest creative battles.

LaTanya Richardson Jackson on Directing 'The Piano Lesson' (and Her Husband) - The New York Times

Behind the Scenes: Marriage, Family, and Old-School Values

Perhaps the most surprising revelation from LaTanya’s interview wasn’t about Broadway — it was about their home life.

Despite their fame and success, LaTanya maintains a sense of tradition and groundedness that would put many Hollywood couples to shame.

Their daughter, Zoe Jackson, 43, was particularly stunned to see her mother still serving dinner to Samuel — even after long days directing him on stage.

“I cannot believe you fix his plate!” Zoe told her mother.

LaTanya’s response? Calm, matter-of-fact, and powerful:

“I’ve been married 50-something years.

 Of course I fix his plate.

It’s a testament to a generation of love and marriage that values partnership, patience, and yes — knowing when to serve dinner and when to say “go sit over there.

A Power Couple Like No Other

LaTanya Richardson Jackson met Samuel L. Jackson while attending Spelman College, while he was a student at Morehouse College.

They married in 1980 — and over four decades later, they are still standing strong.

They’re not just husband and wife — they’re collaborators, parents, and icons in their own right.

Recently, Samuel and Zoe attended the opening night of Purpose, a new play featuring LaTanya in the role of Claudine Jasper.

Samuel L. Jackson With Hair | Hair Transplant Simulation

It was a powerful show of support — not just from family, but from fellow artists who understand the depth and dedication required to balance marriage, career, and creativity.

Why This Story Matters

In an industry obsessed with image, LaTanya and Samuel L. Jackson remind us what real partnership looks like.

It’s not about perfection — it’s about respect, humor, and knowing when to lead and when to listen.

LaTanya’s bold admission that directing her husband was “hard” isn’t a criticism — it’s a badge of honor.

It’s proof that love doesn’t mean agreeing all the time.

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It means working through challenges, setting boundaries, and — when necessary — laying down the law.

And let’s be honest: it’s comforting to know that even Samuel L.

 Jackson gets told off sometimes.

Final Thoughts: A Lesson From The Jacksons

This isn’t just a story about directing a famous husband.

It’s a masterclass in marriage, leadership, and staying true to oneself.

Latanya Richardson Jackson - Guild Hall

LaTanya Richardson Jackson didn’t just direct The Piano Lesson — she gave all of us a lesson in love, power, and grace.

And as for Samuel?

Well, next time he tries to pull rank at home or on stage, we’re pretty sure he knows what’s coming:

“Okay, go sit over there.