Celebrities from the entertainment industry, such as Magic Johnson, paid homage to legendary Los Angeles Lakers player Samuel L. Jackson on his 75th birthday on Thursday.
Jackson and Johnson are known for being close friends on vacation; the two families regularly go on boat trips throughout Europe.
During their European trip in July, Magic Johnson, a five-time champion, and Michael Jordan, a legend of the Chicago Bulls, shared moments captured in photos. In one image, the trio posed alongside their respective wives, showcasing the camaraderie of these three prominent figures.
Beyond enjoying a vacation together, Johnson and Jackson share a common passion for sports. This connection extends to their collaboration on the women-led entertainment start-up “Statement Films,” which secured funding earlier this year. Additionally, the duo has joined forces on philanthropic projects, highlighting their shared interests beyond the realm of sports.
On the occasion of Johnson’s 75th birthday, he took the opportunity to pay tribute to his close friend Samuel L. Jackson. Through a heartfelt message on Twitter, Johnson expressed his admiration and respect for Jackson, emphasizing their shared love for sports and a penchant for learning and memorization. The tweet also hinted at their annual European holiday tradition.
However, an interesting anecdote surfaced from one of their vacations. In 2017, while vacationing in Forte dei Marmi, Italy, Johnson and Jackson were mistakenly perceived as “lazy migrants.” After an enjoyable shopping spree, the two celebrities relaxed on a park bench, attracting a gathering of admirers seeking autographs.
Despite Johnson’s intention to share a joyous moment, the photos garnered unintended attention. Some Italians, as reported by the Independent, misconstrued the situation, viewing Johnson and Jackson as “lazy migrants” who had misused tax dollars. The misunderstanding was swiftly clarified, highlighting the pitfalls of hasty judgments even in the presence of globally recognized entertainers.
