Samuel L. Jackson Cheers On Wife LaTanya’s Tony Nomination With Instagram Tribute
Samuel L. Jackson is one proud husband, and he’s making sure the world knows it. On May 1, the 76-year-old actor took to Instagram to cheer on his wife, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, who just landed a Tony Award nomination for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play. Her powerful role in Purpose on Broadway has earned her major praise, and Samuel isn’t holding back his excitement.
“CONGRATULATIONS TO THE INCREDIBLE @ltjackson_ ON THIS MOST DESERVED RECOGNITION,” Samuel wrote in all caps, clearly bursting with pride. “WHEN DIAMONDS MEET, TONYS HAPPEN. 💎”
He added a carousel of photos, including one of LaTanya looking reflective in a crisp white shirt, another of her smiling in a floral dress, and a shot of the official Tony nomination announcement.
The outpouring of love didn’t stop there. Stars like Captain Marvel’s Brie Larson dropped heart emojis in the comments, while White Lotus actor Walton Goggins wrote, “LaTanyaaaaaas!!!!!!! 😭😭😭😭😭😭 congratulations LOVE! Proud husband right there.” Samuel also reposted the announcement and clips from the show on his Instagram Stories, while LaTanya shared his sweet tribute on hers as well.
Purpose, the play that brought this nomination, opened on March 17 at Hayes Theater in New York and runs through July 6. Written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and directed by the legendary Phylicia Rashad, the story centers on the Jasper family gathering for a belated birthday celebration. But when an unexpected guest arrives, deep conversations around faith, family legacy, and Black political power unfold.
LaTanya, now a two-time Tony nominee after her first in 2014 for A Raisin in the Sun, spoke to PEOPLE about what this new honor means to her. “Being back on Broadway in a play as monumental as Purpose has been an incredible challenge and a true gift,” she said.
She went on to thank the creative team and her “exceptional ensemble cast: Harry, Jon, Alana, Glenn and Kara,” adding, “My cup is overflowing with the most grateful appreciation.”
The show received six Tony nods in total, including Best Play. Cast members Jon Michael Hill and Harry Lennix were recognized for Best Leading Actor, Glenn Davis for Featured Actor, and Kara Young for Featured Actress. Clearly, the entire team brought something special to the stage.
Samuel and LaTanya, who tied the knot back in 1980, are no strangers to working together. In 2022, they collaborated on the Broadway revival of The Piano Lesson, with her directing and him starring. Their daughter, Zoe, also joined them at the opening night of Purpose, making it a true family affair.
