Samuel L. Jackson has revealed new insights into his role in Kendrick Lamar’s groundbreaking Super Bowl LIX halftime performance, sharing how the experience became a pivotal moment both for him and for viewers. The actor’s involvement as Uncle Sam shaped the bold narrative that defined the show, highlighting the significant impact of Samuel L. Jackson’s role in Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show.
How Samuel L. Jackson Joined Kendrick Lamar’s Vision for Super Bowl LIX
Appearing on the Mad Sad Bad podcast with Paloma Faith, Jackson explained that he was initially unaware of the full intentions behind the halftime show. He described stepping into the role with only a vague outline, only realizing during the dress rehearsal how important his part was to Lamar’s vision.
“See, I didn’t know what they were doing,”
Jackson told Faith. As Jackson looked out at the stage, he saw a symbol he hadn’t fully grasped before and remarked,
“It was kinda trippy because it wasn’t until dress rehearsal that I looked up and I looked on that stage and I go, ‘Oh sh—t, that’s a flag. Ah, f—k, we’re being revolutionaries.’ Because I wasn’t listening or paying attention.”
—Samuel L. Jackson, Actor
Jackson took on the character of Uncle Sam, assuming a narrating role similar to his performance in Spike Lee’s 2015 film Chi-Raq. The performance itself became more profound and personal for Jackson once he understood its full context, which dawned on him just as the world was preparing to watch.
The Show’s Bold Message and Cultural Impact
Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show delivered a compelling and direct message about the Black experience in America, achieving the kind of resonance that only a live national broadcast can create. The selection of talent, including SZA, Mustard, and Serena Williams, created a powerful and diverse lineup that pushed cultural and musical boundaries. Audience members and viewers witnessed a performance that stood apart due to its civil rights themes, focus on hip-hop culture, and commentary on racial injustice.
The halftime show reached a historic milestone, attracting 133.5 million viewers domestically and surpassing Michael Jackson’s legendary 1993 performance. Such a vast audience meant Lamar’s message about the Black community, civil rights, and the experience of Black individuals in America was seen and discussed on an unprecedented scale. Reflecting on the performance, Jackson shared,
“I realized you’re being put in this place for a reason and you’re being dressed this way for a reason, and you are a part of change.”
—Samuel L. Jackson, Actor
He added,
“This is an awesome moment of change for people sitting there watching a game—or people who don’t even turn it on until halftime because all they want to see is the show.”
—Samuel L. Jackson, Actor
Jackson’s Path Toward Becoming a Reluctant Revolutionary
In his reflections on the event, Jackson acknowledged how the accidental nature of his participation deepened his sense of responsibility and pride. He explained,
“Something about me or my persona has put me in the right place at the right time in a lot of different moments in my life,”
—Samuel L. Jackson, Actor
“I have to accept that that’s what I’m meant to be sometimes—an agent of change, whether I know it or not,”
Jackson continued. —Samuel L. Jackson, Actor
He concluded with a sentiment that resonated with viewers and participants alike:
“I want to be on the right side of history in terms of what’s going on, and sometimes it’s not by choice. But if I’m part of something that inspires or sparks change, then I’m proud of that.”
—Samuel L. Jackson, Actor
Samuel L. Jackson’s participation in Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show not only amplified its emotional impact but also positioned him as a key figure in a moment focused on civil rights, cultural revolution, and national reflection. As audiences continue to debate and analyze the performance, its significance—both for the Black community and the future direction of such events—remains clear, ensuring it will be remembered for years to come.
