Samuel L. Jackson’s Harrowing Escape from Death in 1988 New York Subway Accident

Hollywood icon Samuel L. Jackson recently shared a chilling tale of a near-death experience that could have ended his storied career—and his life—back in 1988. The Pulp Fiction star recounted a terrifying incident on a New York subway train that left him literally dragged toward disaster.

During a candid conversation on the Mad Sad Bad podcast with host Paloma Faith, Jackson revealed how he was caught in a nightmare scenario at a subway station. 'I got dragged by the A train,' he said, describing how the doors of the last car clamped down on his foot just as the train began to move. Trapped and helpless, Jackson could only watch as the dark tunnel loomed ahead, with no way to free himself or cling to safety.

In a moment that felt like an eternity, Jackson recalled the sheer panic of staring death in the face. 'I’m sitting there thinking, Oh, I’m going to die,' he admitted. Yet, in a stroke of miraculous timing, a fellow passenger wielding crutches managed to signal for help, slowing the train to a stop just in time.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the 76-year-old actor noted how time seemed to crawl in those life-threatening seconds. 'Things slow down when you’re looking at death,' he mused, drawing parallels to other close calls like car accidents. But even in the grip of fear, Jackson’s thoughts turned poignant—and a bit darkly humorous. 'All I could think of was, it’s going to be a really sad Christmas,' he said, noting the timing just days before the holiday and his birthday. 'It’s gonna be a messed-up Christmas this year.'

The physical toll of the accident was severe. Jackson suffered a complete ACL tear, a partial meniscus tear, and significant cartilage damage, requiring surgical repair of his right knee. He spent ten months on crutches and over a year in rehab, with permanent reminders in the form of screws in his leg. Yet, his spirit remained unbroken, much like the characters he’s brought to life on screen.

This harrowing brush with mortality adds another layer to Jackson’s larger-than-life persona—a reminder that even Hollywood’s toughest stars aren’t immune to life’s unexpected twists.