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Samuel Jackson on Acting and Addiction

The movie actor won critical raves for his portrayal of a crack addict named Gator in the Spike Lee film, "Jungle Fever." That role was a breakthrough for Jackson after 20 years of bit parts, commercials, and all types of theater. He also put in two years as Bill Cosby's stand-in on The Cosby Show. Jackson currently appears in the new film "Fresh", and in this fall's most anticipated release, "Pulp Fiction." (Rebroadcast)

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Other segments from the episode on September 16, 1994

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, September 16, 1994: Interview with Samuel L. Jackson; Review of the television show "Baseball"; Interview with John Turturro; Review of the film "Quiz Show."
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04:04

The History of Baseball in Nine Innings

TV critic David Bianculli previews producer Ken Burns' new, nine-part documentary series, "Baseball." Bianculli says it stopped him in his tracks, and will even appeal to people who aren't fans of the sport.

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15:19

Film Actor and Director John Turturro Honors His Father Onscreen

Actor John Turturro. He co-starred in Spike Lee's film, "Do the Right Thing." He's a favorite of the Coen brothers, who wrote parts specifically for him: he was Bernie the Schmatta in "Miller's Crossing," and the writer Barton Fink in the movie of the same name. He wrote, directed, and starred in the movie, "Mac," based on his father. He's currently co-starring in the new movie "Quiz Show."

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Transcripts are created on a rush deadline, and accuracy and availability may vary. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Please be aware that the authoritative record of Fresh Air interviews and reviews are the audio recordings of each segment.

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22:04

Actor Samuel L. Jackson.

Actor Samuel Jackson. Jackson's won critical raves for his portrayal of a crack addict named Gator in the new Spike Lee film, "Jungle Fever." That role's a breakthrough for Jackson after 20 years of bit parts, commercials, and all types of theater. He also put in two years as Bill Cosby's stand-in on The Cosby Show.

Interview
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16:14

Film Actor Forest Whitaker

Whitaker is one of the most respected character actors in Hollywood, with a reputation for playibg roles that defy stereotypes associated with black actors. Whitaker was the British soldier kidnapped by the IRA in the "Crying Game." In "The Color of Money," he had a brief part as a pool hustler. He also starred in "Good Morning, Vietnam." His biggest starring role was portraying jazz great Charlie Parker in the movie, "Bird." Whitaker is currently co-starring in Robert Altman's new film, "Ready to Wear (Pret-A-Porter)."

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