CHRIS TUCKER
Date of Birth: August 31, 1972
This classroom clown from Atlanta Georgia received his first taste of
stardom while attending high school. One day, one of his teachers suggested
Tucker take his wise-cracking antics to the stage and host the school's
talent show. "I got up there and did it. Ripped it up. After I heard
everyone laughing, I decided this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my
life. It was one of the best feelings I've ever had."
He pursued his early love for stand-up comedy by touring various dance clubs
until The Comedy Act Theater opened in his hometown. At 19, he jumped up on
stage and performed his magic on amateur night. For his pains he received a
standing ovation and an invitation to return as a regular. He continued to
perform at the theater for a year before venturing to Los Angeles to
launch his acting career.
Soon after arriving on the West Coast, Tucker had established himself in the
major comedy clubs and after appearing on Def Comedy Jam, found
himself a bonafide rising star. He made his film debut in 1994 with a small
role in House Party 3. This was quickly followed by a stint in
Friday, playing Smokey. Tucker ended up improvising much of his
dialogue which helped turn the film into a sleeper hit while at the same
time launched his career. Soon after, he played a starring role in the
sci-fi/action blockbuster, The Fifth Element, playing the popular
DJ Ruby Rhod. More starring roles were to follow in films including Money
Talks and Jackie Brown.
Rejoining Money Talks' director, Brett Ratner in the action-packed
Rush Hour, Tucker starred alongside international action superstar
Jackie Chan. With the success of the first film, the two returned at the
start of the new millennium to make the sequel. Tucker's salary skyrocketed from $3 million for the first film to $20 million for the second one. For the third film in the series, he made $25 million, making him one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood.
While his movie career continues its rapid ascent, Tucker remains passionate
about performing live and still appears in comedy clubs and other venues.
Filmography:
Rush Hour 3 (2007)
Rush Hour 2 (2001)
Next Friday (2000) (uncredited)
Rush Hour (1998)
Jackie Brown (1997)
Money Talks (1997)
The Fifth Element (1997)
Dead Presidents (1995)
Panther (1995)
Friday (1995)
House Party 3 (1994)