We all know that Samuel L. Jackson has a bit of a reputation for being the guy that always uses curse words in his films. Well, that is, when he’s not playing Nick Fury in the multi-billion-dollar Marvel Cinematic Universe franchise. But what you probably didn’t know is that Jackson also enjoys daring others, including Tim Roth, to say naughty words on TV too.
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In an interview on “The Late Late Show,” actor Tim Roth tells a story about how Jackson was trying to get Roth to drop an F-bomb on national TV during the Oscars ceremony in 1996. You see, Roth was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Rob Roy,” and was just about to hear the winner for the category.
“I’m sitting there and just before it comes up, Sam Jackson turns to me and goes, ‘Now, Tim. When you lose, say ‘Motherfucker!’” Roth said.
“I missed that, and I always regretted that,” the actor lamented.
Corden asked Roth what expression he made, when he did find out that he lost the award. (He lost to eventual winner Kevin Spacey, who won for his role in “The Usual Suspects.”) “I went ‘Ah’ [Makes mildly surprised, non-face]. Because we’re English and we don’t clap for ourselves,” said Roth.
However, Roth does fulfill a bit of the promise, as he continues to say that he regretted not saying it, and ends the clip by muttering, “Motherfucker” just for good measure.
You can watch the entire scene, as it unfolded over two decades ago below: