Samuel L. Jackson has opened up about a near-death experience that almost ended his life before his rise to stardom. Speaking on the Mad, Sad & Bad podcast with singer Paloma Faith, the Oscar-nominated actor recounted a harrowing incident from 1988 when he was dragged by a New York City subway train just days before Christmas.
The 76-year-old actor said his foot got trapped in the door of the last car on the A line. As the train began moving, Jackson was dragged across the platform with no way to escape. He described the moment as terrifying and surreal.
Jackson said he could see the tunnel approaching and realized there was nothing he could do to stop the train or free himself.
Saved by a Stranger on Crutches
While other passengers frantically tried to pull his foot from the door or remove his shoe, Jackson said it was a stranger on crutches who ultimately pulled the emergency cord, stopping the train and saving his life.
The veteran actor said the man didn’t hesitate. While others pushed and pulled at the stuck foot, the man on crutches moved directly to the emergency brake and yanked it, bringing the train to a halt before it entered the tunnel.
Jackson recalled thinking he wouldn’t live to see his next birthday or Christmas. The accident happened just days before the holiday, and he said all he could think about was how devastating it would be for his loved ones.
In a 2021 Vanity Fair interview, Jackson revealed that he suffered a torn ACL and meniscus in the incident and spent nearly a year recovering. He sued the New York City Transit Authority and received a $540,000 settlement.
The Actor Reflects on Trauma, But Not Philosophy
When Faith asked if the near-death moment changed his outlook, Jackson answered bluntly. He said it didn’t make him more philosophical because, as a Black man who grew up during segregation, existential questions were already a constant part of his life.
Though the accident occurred before his breakthrough roles in Pulp Fiction, Jurassic Park, and the Avengers franchise, Jackson said it remains one of the most traumatic events of his life.
According to GLOBE Magazine, the actor has rarely spoken in such detail about the incident, making this podcast revelation especially powerful.
Samuel L. Jackson’s story is not just one of survival but of the everyday heroism that can make a life-or-death difference—sometimes from the most unexpected source.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.