Samuel L. Jackson In Goodfellas: A Look At Stacks Edwards

When you think of Martin Scorsese’s iconic crime film, Goodfellas, many faces probably come to mind. You might picture the intense performances from Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, or Joe Pesci. Yet, there is a very familiar face, a star who would go on to become one of Hollywood’s most recognizable actors, who had a rather small, yet truly significant, part in this classic. That, you know, is Samuel L. Jackson. His appearance as Parnell “Stacks” Edwards might be brief, but it is certainly memorable, and arguably, quite crucial to the story's grim progression.

Samuel L. Jackson, a performer who has since graced countless screens with his distinctive voice and powerful presence, took on the role of Parnell “Stacks” Edwards in the 1990 picture. His character, while not a central figure in the sprawling narrative of Henry Hill and his mob partners, plays a surprisingly pivotal part. Stacks, a mob associate, found himself in a spot of trouble, and his actions, or perhaps his lack of them, set off a chain of very serious events for the crew.

The story of Goodfellas, as you might recall, follows Henry Hill and his life entangled with the mafia, showing his relationships with his wife Karen and his fellow mobsters. Stacks Edwards, as played by Jackson, had a real-life counterpart, a participant in the infamous Lufthansa heist. Jackson’s portrayal, even in a minor capacity, gave audiences a glimpse of the commanding talent that would soon make him a household name. He was, in 1990, still a few years out from his true big break, so this role was, in a way, a significant pit stop on his journey to superstardom.

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Table of Contents

• Samuel L. Jackson: The Actor Behind Stacks Edwards
  • Samuel L. Jackson: Personal Details & Biography
• Parnell "Stacks" Edwards: A Small Role, A Big Impact
  • The Real "Stacks" Edwards
  • The Lufthansa Heist Connection
• Samuel L. Jackson's Career Before Goodfellas
• The Unforgettable End of Stacks Edwards
• Goodfellas: A Mob Classic's Ensemble
• Frequently Asked Questions About Samuel L. Jackson in Goodfellas

Samuel L. Jackson: The Actor Behind Stacks Edwards

Samuel L. Jackson’s presence in Goodfellas is, quite frankly, a fascinating piece of cinema history. He steps into the shoes of Parnell “Stacks” Edwards, a character whose brief time on screen still leaves a lasting mark. Jackson, a performer with a knack for commanding attention, even in smaller parts, truly made Stacks feel like a real person caught in a very dangerous situation. He was, as a matter of fact, 40 years old when the movie came out in 1990, playing a character who would quickly meet a very unfortunate end.

His work as Stacks Edwards represents a point in his career just before he became the massive star we know today. It was, in some respects, a stepping stone. This particular role, though minor, allowed him to showcase his ability to play a mob associate, fitting seamlessly into the gritty, authentic world Scorsese created. The character of Stacks, even with limited screen time, felt authentic, which is a testament to Jackson’s skill, even then.

Samuel L. Jackson: Personal Details & Biography

Parnell "Stacks" Edwards: A Small Role, A Big Impact

Parnell “Stacks” Edwards, as portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson, holds a position in Goodfellas that is, quite honestly, more significant than his screen time might suggest. He is the getaway driver, a seemingly simple job that, in the world of mob operations, carries immense responsibility. Stacks was supposed to get rid of the van used in the Lufthansa heist, a crucial piece of evidence. Yet, he failed to do so properly, leaving it exposed, and that, in fact, was a very big mistake.

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This failure to dispose of the vehicle properly had truly dire consequences. It directly led to Jimmy Burke, a powerful figure in the mob, becoming incredibly agitated and, you know, very paranoid. Jimmy Burke, known in the movie as Jimmy Conway, needed to ensure no loose ends remained after such a large-scale robbery. Stacks' oversight meant a huge risk for everyone involved, and that kind of carelessness was just not tolerated in their line of work. It was, basically, a spark that ignited a bloody purge.

The Real "Stacks" Edwards

The character of Parnell “Stacks” Edwards in Goodfellas was, quite remarkably, inspired by a real person. The film, which draws heavily from true events, brought to life figures like Henry Hill, Jimmy Burke, and Tommy DeSimone. Stacks Edwards was a genuine participant in the real-life Lufthansa heist, a massive robbery that took place at John F. Kennedy International Airport in 1978. Here's how things worked out for the real Stacks, according to historical accounts. You can find more details about the actual Lufthansa heist on various historical crime resources, for example, a well-known crime history site might offer further reading on the Lufthansa heist details. Learn more about the Lufthansa Heist.

His role in the actual heist was, just like in the movie, that of the getaway driver. The real Stacks, much like his cinematic counterpart, made a critical error by not properly disposing of the van used in the robbery. This oversight put a lot of pressure on the mobsters who orchestrated the heist, particularly Jimmy Burke, who was the mastermind behind it. It was, in a way, a very human error with incredibly inhuman consequences.

The Lufthansa Heist Connection

The Lufthansa heist was, you know, one of the largest cash robberies in American history at the time. Its success depended on every detail being handled perfectly, especially the immediate aftermath. The mob's rule was simple: leave no trace, leave no witnesses. Stacks' failure to get rid of the van was a direct violation of this fundamental rule. It made the entire operation vulnerable to police investigation and, very significantly, to potential arrests.

This lapse in judgment by Stacks directly pushed Jimmy Burke over the edge. Burke, a ruthless individual, understood that any weak link could bring down the entire operation and lead to prison sentences for everyone involved. So, Stacks’ mistake was not just a minor oversight; it was a grave threat to the mob's very existence, at least concerning this particular score. It set the stage for a brutal response, a clear sign that such errors would not be tolerated.

Samuel L. Jackson's Career Before Goodfellas

In 1990, when Goodfellas premiered, Samuel L. Jackson was still building his career. He had been working steadily in film and television for some time, but his truly iconic roles were yet to come. His appearance as Stacks Edwards was, in some respects, a precursor to the powerful performances that would soon define his cinematic persona. It showed a glimpse of the commanding presence he could bring to any character, no matter how small the part. This role, actually, proved he could hold his own alongside acting giants.

Jackson was, perhaps, a familiar face to some, but not yet a household name. His big breakthrough, of course, would arrive a few years later with films that truly cemented his status as a global star. Yet, in Goodfellas, he showed audiences that he was a force to be reckoned with, even in a minor capacity. Playing a mob associate like Stacks Edwards, Jackson demonstrated a capability to embody complex, flawed individuals, a skill that would serve him well throughout his very distinguished career. Learn more about Samuel L. Jackson's filmography on our site.

The Unforgettable End of Stacks Edwards

The fate of Parnell “Stacks” Edwards in Goodfellas is, without a doubt, one of the movie's most chilling and sudden moments. His demise is a direct consequence of his failure to dispose of the Lufthansa heist van. The mob, particularly Joe Pesci’s character, Tommy DeVito, was tasked with tying up loose ends, and Stacks was considered a very dangerous loose end. His death is part of a brutal purge orchestrated by Jimmy Burke to eliminate anyone who could potentially implicate the crew in the robbery.

The scene where Stacks meets his end is brief, yet incredibly impactful. He is killed in his apartment by Tommy, who, as you know, does not hesitate. The source text mentions that Stacks “gets shot out of nowhere,” and that is precisely how it feels on screen. One moment, he is there, seemingly relaxed, and the next, his life is violently ended. This moment, arguably, underscores the ruthless nature of the mob and the severe consequences of even small errors. It is a stark reminder that in their world, mistakes are paid for with lives. This scene, too, is a critical turning point in the film's narrative, signaling a descent into even greater paranoia and violence. You can find more details about key scenes in Goodfellas on this page.

Goodfellas: A Mob Classic's Ensemble

Goodfellas is, essentially, the story of Henry Hill and his tumultuous life within the mafia. It covers his complex relationship with his wife Karen and his various mob partners, showing the highs and very definite lows of that existence. The film is, quite simply, a masterclass in ensemble acting, bringing together a truly talented group of performers who breathe life into these memorable characters. Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, and Lorraine Bracco lead the cast, delivering performances that have become legendary in cinema history.

Beyond the main stars, the movie is filled with a rich cast of supporting characters, each adding to the authenticity and depth of the mob world depicted. Tony Sirico, for instance, appears as Tony Stacks, and Paul Herman plays a dealer. Edward McDonald portrays himself, adding a touch of realism. Louis Eppolito is Fat Andy, while Tony Lip takes on the role of Frankie the Wop. Anthony Powers is Jimmy Two Times, and Vinny Pastore also makes an appearance. These actors, some of whom would become quite recognizable later, helped to create a believable and, you know, very immersive experience for viewers.

The film is also known for its gritty realism, including moments where guns are pointed directly at the camera. This stylistic choice, which happens twice, adds to the raw, immediate feeling of the movie, pulling the audience right into the action and danger. Every character who dies in Goodfellas, including Stacks Edwards, has a reason, a consequence of their actions or the actions of those around them, making the narrative, arguably, very tightly woven and impactful.

Frequently Asked Questions About Samuel L. Jackson in Goodfellas

How old was Samuel L. Jackson in Goodfellas?

Samuel L. Jackson was 40 years old when he played the character 'Stacks Edwards' in the movie Goodfellas. The film was released in 1990, so his age at the time of filming would align with this. This was, in a way, a significant point in his career, just before his major rise to fame.

What happened to Stacks Edwards in Goodfellas?

Stacks Edwards is killed in his apartment by Joe Pesci's character, Tommy DeVito, near the end of the movie. His death is part of a purge orchestrated by Jimmy Burke to eliminate anyone who helped with the Lufthansa heist, particularly because Stacks failed to properly dispose of the getaway van. He is, you know, shot out of nowhere, a very sudden and brutal end.

Was Stacks Edwards a real person?

Yes, the character of Parnell “Stacks” Edwards was inspired by a real person. He was based on a real-life participant in the Lufthansa heist. The movie takes many elements from true events and real individuals involved in the mob activities of Henry Hill and his associates. The real Stacks, apparently, also made the critical mistake of not getting rid of the heist vehicle.