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Samuel L. Jackson to host ESPYs
ESPN Release
Accomplished actor and self-proclaimed sports fanatic Samuel L. Jackson will serve as host of the ninth annual ESPY Awards, which will be aired live from the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas Monday, Feb. 12, 2001 (9 p.m. ET, ESPN). |  | | Jackson hosted the 1999 ESPYs in New York. |
Jackson is one of Hollywood's most popular actors, with acclaimed performances in such films as Jungle Fever (1991), Pulp Fiction (1994) and A Time to Kill (1996). He is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Jules, the philosophizing hit man in Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction, which earned him an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actor. He currently stars with Bruce Willis in the supernatural thriller Unbreakable. Jackson previously hosted the ESPY Awards in 1999.
"Samuel has a knowledge and passion for sports that makes him the perfect ESPY host," said Fred Gaudelli, executive producer of the ESPY Awards. "We loved the enthusiasm and fun he brought to the show in 1999 and are thrilled to have him back."
Said Maureen Murray Quinn, executive director of the ESPY Awards, "Samuel L. Jackson is Hollywood's biggest sports fan and it's only fitting and appropriate that this passion translates into hosting 'the Oscars of Sports.'"
The ESPY Awards -- for Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly -- honor the best performers and most memorable moments from the previous year in sports. Overall, there are more than 30 categories, highlighted by 14 awards in which the best of the best in a variety of sports compete head-to-head -- including Male and Female Athlete-of-the-Year, Coach/Manager of the Year and Breakthrough Athlete of the Year. Categories also include Performer of the Year in a variety of professional and college sports. In addition, the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage is presented to an individual whose contributions transcend sports. The winners have included Jim Valvano (1993), Muhammad Ali (1997), Billie Jean King (1999) and Columbine High School coach Dave Sanders (2000).
The ESPY Awards annually support The V Foundation for Cancer Research, established at the inaugural ESPYs in 1993 by ESPN with the late Jim Valvano.
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