Within the guesthouse, cocooned by walls covered in lush green velvet, multiple rows of leather rocking chairs and a sofa curve around an expansive mahogany cabinet.
In a corner, an old-fashioned popcorn maker occupies its space, while a mahogany humidor holds a box of cigars. With a soft tap of her nail against a remote control, LaTanya Jackson dims the lights, allowing heavy draperies to block out excess glare as a screen elegantly slides over the armoire.
“This is Sam’s personal space,” she explains. “I don’t mind what he does here. He’s earned it. He and his buddies can gather, smoke cigars, and enjoy whatever they want to watch.” The prominent actor has a fondness for vintage episodes of the “Twilight Zone,” classic Hollywood films from the 1940s and 1950s, and, above all, the works of action film star Chow Yun-Fɑт.
While the Jacksons frequently host charitable events, most of their social gatherings are laid-back and casual. Visitors range from golf buddies and colleagues from New York to Zoé’s friends. When he’s in Los Angeles, the actor tends to stay close to home. “I rise early in the morning to play golf,” he shares. “By ten-thirty, I’m back home and mostly stick around. I spend my time in the screening room watching movies or practicing my golf swing outdoors.”
Lately, Samuel L. Jackson hasn’t had much leisure time due to his busy schedule (moving from “Caveman’s Valentine,” he’s onto “Unbreakable” with Bruce Willis). Nonetheless, he’s returning to Los Angeles to present an award at the Academy Awards. Furthermore, in February, he made another visit to receive a special recognition of his own. The Jacksons’ church honored them as the Family of the Year, highlighting his involvement and contributions.
