Happy Birthday, Samuel L. Jackson! He turns 76 today.

And while you could name Nick Fury, Mace Windu, Mr. Glass or half a dozen other of his characters as great, I’m here to tell you there is no doubt in my mind who is best character is.

Jules Winnfield from Pulp Fiction.

Jules is the hitman partner of Vincent Vega(John Travolta in his big comeback role) in the Quentin Tarantino classic (which also turns 30 this year).

Buy this awesome stainless steel burger patty maker on Amazon HERE

Jackson takes Jules all over the emotional spectrum. We’re terrified of him when he’s preparing to kill Bret. We’re laughing at him when he’s getting sprayed with a garden hose to get the pieces of Marvin’s brain out of his hair.

And in any other year besides that insanely talented supporting actor category in 94/95, he wins the Oscar because of the scene we’re preparing to talk about.

After an ambush nearly kills Jules and Vincent, Jules begins to go through something of a transformation. He’s no longer the brash hitman. He’s ready to start a new life, wandering the earth, like Kain in “Kung Fu”.

How about some fancy gourmet coffee stuff like what Jimmy is serving up in PF with this espresso machine from Amazon? Buy one HERE!

And he delivers this monologue..

You read the bible, Ringo?

There’s this passage I got memorized. Ezekiel 25:17.

“The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he who, in the name of charity and good will, shepherds the weak through the valley of the darkness. For he is truly his brother’s keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. And you will know I am the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon you.”

I’ve been saying that shit for years. And if you ever heard it, it meant your ass. I never gave much thought what it meant. I just thought it was some cold-blooded shit to say to a motherfucker before I popped a cap in his ass. But, I saw some shit this morning that made me think twice. See now I’m thinking, maybe it means you’re the evil man. And I’m the righteous man. And Mr. 9 milimeter here, he’s the shepherd protecting my righteous ass in the valley of darkness. Or it could mean you’re the righteous man and I’m the shepherd and it’s the world that’s evil and selfish. Now I’d like that. But that shit ain’t the truth. The truth is you’re the weak. And I’m the tyranny of evil men. But I’m trying, Ringo. I’m trying real hard to be a shepherd.

That hits hard. And Jules’ journey is a life defining one. When Pulp Fiction ends a few moments later, we know many of those characters will likely stay the same.

But Jules has evolved. He’s discovered that he wants more out of life. And goodness, I wish he could have had his own story to see what he would have done with it.

It’s a character I’ve connected through during my uncertain times. And I wish I could have his courage and clarity.

Who’s your favorite Samuel L. Jackson character? Let me know in the comments.

And if you enjoyed this post, please consider helping the blog below. Thank you!

As an Amazon affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases