SAMUEL L. JACKSON
Photograph by Jeff Riedel
July 19, 2006
Los Angeles

In the San Fernando Valley on a sweltering summer day (earlier, Riedel actually set up his equipment in his underwear), the ''irascible'' Snakes on a Plane star endured this bathroom shot. ''We had a few solid ideas, but this one was last-minute,'' says Riedel. ''I had not seen the film — still haven't — but thought the idea of sitting on the toilet was the most vulnerable position in the event of danger. I considered he might find it clever. I think it's safe to say that he did not. By comparison, I found the snakes to be most delightful and cooperative.''