Samuel L Jackson

Samuel L Jackson

Samuel L Jackson used Jonathan Ross as his inspiration for his latest on-screen character.

The 66-year-old actor stars as internet billionaire Valentine in 'Kingsman: The Secret Service', and has revealed his character was partially influenced by the British TV host, who is famous for his lisp.

He explained: "I did the lisp because people tend to dismiss people who have defects.

"In interesting sorts of ways. And especially ... speech defects.

"I stuttered when I was a kid. People laughed at me when I talked. Smart people."

Jane Goldman, Jonathan's wife, co-wrote the screenplay for 'Kingsman', and Samuel says the presenter was a model for his character's lisp.

He told The Guardian newspaper: "I remember the first time I met Jonathan Ross on TV, and even I was distracted by his speech impediment. I spent more time dealing with that than talking to him.

"And it's something [Goldman and I] talked about a lot. We had a lot of discussion about my lisping. You know, the way Valentine would say things. She would say, 'No, he wouldn't say it that way!' And I would say, 'Yes, I would'. So we would go on like that."

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