Samuel L. Jackson's love of sports shows at the ESPYs
By: Jim Williams
Examiner Sports Columnist
July 19, 2009
There are few actors with the great range of Samuel L. Jackson. He has appeared in more than 70 films from “Pulp Fiction” to “The Incredibles,” becoming one of most recognizable actors in Hollywood. But for Jackson, a lifelong sports fan, hosting the 17th annual ESPYs was a labor of love.
I spoke to him before the taping of the show about his love of sports and how the top names in sports interact with one another at the taping in Los Angeles. The show was taped Wednesday for airing at 9 p.m. Sunday on ESPN.
What is the most fun for you doing the ESPYs?
Jackson » “I enjoy just talking with and having fun with old friends like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Tiger Woods and then meeting people like Michael Phelps, Ben Roethlisberger and Dara Torres — who are great athletes but also great people — makes doing this show such a joy.”
How do you get away with poking fun at the sports stars?
Jackson » “Well everyone is a good sport, and they take my joking in stride. They do more teasing each other, both off stage, in the crowd and back stage than I ever do. So my teasing is mild to what they are doing to each other all show long.”
What about the ESPYs do you think would surprise viewers?
Jackson » "I don't know if it would surprise the viewers, but these great athletes really enjoy the chance to meet and get to know each other. Football players want to meet basketball players or hockey players. Everyone wants to meet the Olympians and golfers. The race drivers are always cool people, so it really is a great chance for people to meet and really talk sports with the best [athletes] in the world."
Joining Jackson are many guest presenters, including Chris Berman, Jeff Gordon, Wyclef Jean, Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, Danica Patrick, Condoleezza Rice, Stuart Scott, Olivia Wilde, Venus Williams and Stevie Wonder.
Since the ESPYs are taped and the winners have already been announced, we've included the list here for your perusal.
Jim Williams is a seven-time Emmy
Award-winning TV producer, director and writer. Check out his blog, Watch this! on
washingtonexaminer.com.
