COUPLESSamuel L. Jackson Gushes Over Wife LaToya in Sweet Birthday Tribute: 'My Best Friend, My Love and My Rock'
Samuel L. Jackson honored his other half on her special day.
Oct. 27 2026, Updated 5:50 p.m. ET
Samuel L. Jackson celebrated his wife, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, with a collection of personal photos marking her 77th birthday on October 21, offering fans a glimpse into their life together.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my Wife, my Best Friend, my Love, and my Rock. I love you, LOVE YOU, with All my Being‼️ 💕 💐 💍 🌹," the actor wrote on Instagram.
The Jacksons Enjoyed a Birthday Getaway
Samuel L. Jackson shared photos of LaTanya Richardson Jackson’s birthday celebration.
Among the photos was a sweet moment of the couple standing over a birthday cake decorated with strawberries and flowers. Wearing casual vacation clothes, Samuel, also 77, wrapped his arms around LaTanya as they prepared to cut the cake together.
Other images captured the pair enjoying time on the water. In one, they leaned against a yacht railing, taking in the ocean views and distant mountains. Another showed LaTanya relaxing aboard a boat in a green and white striped outfit, oversized sunglasses and a matching headwrap.
The carousel also included a family portrait featuring their daughter, Zoe Jackson, seated between her parents.
The Photos Also Revisited Their Early Years
The pair share one daughter.
Samuel's birthday tribute reached beyond their recent celebrations, including a vintage black-and-white photograph of the couple during their younger years. In the image, LaTanya playfully rode on Samuel's back as they looked toward the camera.
Other photographs highlighted their decades in the entertainment industry. LaTanya appeared in an elegant mint-green lace gown at an American Theatre Wing event, while another image showed the couple dressed formally for a Hollywood gathering.
Samuel also shared a more playful moment featuring a colorful caricature of LaTanya. She pointed toward the artwork with a broad smile as he held it up for the camera. A more recent portrait showed the couple standing together in coordinated, sophisticated outfits.
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Celebrities and Fans Celebrated LaTanya
LaTanya Richardson Jackson received birthday wishes from stars including Lewis Hamilton, Viola Davis and Paula Patton.
The birthday post drew warm wishes from several familiar names in entertainment and music, as Lewis Hamilton wrote, "Happy Birthday LaTanya❤️❤️."
Viola Davis also wished her a happy birthday, calling her a "QUEEN" and "BEAUTY."
Paula Patton highlighted the throwback photograph, commenting, "This black and white photo is still one of my favorite photos of all time. ❤️❤️🔥🔥 HBD🎂🎂🍰🍰🎉🎉."
Octavia Spencer offered a simple compliment, writing, "Stunning!"
Meanwhile, Waka Flocka Flame praised the pair, commenting, "One of my favorite couples to look up to 💯."
Other well-wishers included Tina Knowles, Busta Rhymes, Sanaa Lathan and Ledisi.
Samuel and LaTanya Have Been Together for Decades
Samuel L. Jackson and LaTanya Richardson Jackson married in 1980.
Samuel and LaTanya's relationship began when they were young and pursuing their interests in the arts in Atlanta, Ga. They married in 1980 and welcomed their daughter, Zoe, in 1982.
Reflecting on their lasting relationship in a 2022 interview, LaTanya summed up what has kept them together: "We made a decision to say, 'We are going to stay together no matter what. We'll figure it out.'"
