Chris Tucker (born August 31, 1972 in Atlanta, Georgia) is an American actor and comedian who has appeared in a number of hit movies.
An African-American comedian known for his loud, high-strung character personality and high-pitched voice, his first major movie role was alongside rapper Ice Cube in the 1995 movie Friday. He also starred with Charlie Sheen in 1997 movie Money Talks and had a remarkable appearance in The Fifth Element in the same year. His best-known role was in the 1998 martial arts action comedy Rush Hour and its sequel, Rush Hour 2, where he played an abrasive, wise-cracking detective. He received $20 million for Rush Hour 2 while Jackie Chan received $15 million.
In 2005, Tucker participated in African American Lives, a PBS program hosted by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. where his roots where traced back to a tribe living in Angola. Tucker would also travel to Angola, the birthplace of his ancestors with Gates.
On April 17, 2005, Tucker was arrested by Georgia State Troopers in McDuffie County for reckless driving and fleeing to elude after he did not pull over right away. Sheriffs claimed he was driving 109 mph in his 2005 Bentley. (citation needed)
On May 25, 2005, he testified in defense of Michael Jackson during Jackson's trial on charges of child molestation.
Currently, Tucker continues to perform stand-up comedy and appeared briefly as Mariah Carey's passenger in the video for her 2005 hit "Shake It Off".
Chris Tucker's last two films were Rush Hour and its sequel, and his next film appearance will be the third film in the hit franchise, scheduled for release in 2007. Despite a flurry at the start of his career, he has only made two film appearances over the past seven years, both as Detective James Carter. Tucker's career trajectory is unusual in that, while he has made such a relatively small number of films, he has already become a member of the unofficial "$20 million per film" club, joining such actors as Will Smith, Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt.
Apart from his stand-up performances he appears occasionally at charity concerts and functions and is dedicated to helping bring attention to African poverty and hunger issues in America.
The Fifth Element (1997)
