Chris Tucker

Tucker made his debut at a local comedy club and had to sneak in because he was underaged.

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A native of Atlanta, GA, Tucker’s proclivity for comedy has been lifelong, beginning when he, the youngest of six children, used humor as an attention-getting device and as a way to get his brothers to allow him to hang around them.  As a child he was heavily influenced by the comedy of Eddie_Murphy and Richard_Pryor. In high school, Tucker was a class clown who made everyone, including his teacher, laugh. It was one of his instructors that suggested Tucker try out for the talent show to display his comedic gifts. He proved a roaring success and following graduation, decided to become a professional.

Tucker made his debut at a local comedy club but because he was underage, Tucker had to sneak in and then do some real fast talking to be allowed to perform. He succeeded and his routine garnered a tremendous response. More local successes followed and this emboldened the then 19-year-old Tucker to try his luck in Los Angeles. Soon after arriving on the West Coast, Tucker had established himself in the major comedy clubs and, after appearing on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam found himself a bona fide rising star.

Tucker made his film debut in 1994 with a small but memorable role in House Party 3. The following year, Tucker appeared in F. Gary Gray’s crazy comedy Friday, playing Smokey, a lazy pot-smoking drug dealer who could be quite rich if only he’d stop using the merchandise himself. Tucker’s hilarious improvisation during filming helped to make the film hit. In his next film, Dead Presidents, Tucker hinted at some real talent as a dramatic actor.

In regard to movies, 1997 proved a very good year for Tucker who was given his first showcase film in the action comedy Money Talks, which he produced. He also had a small but memorable role in Quentin Tarantino’s Jackie Brown and in Luc Besson’s The Fifth Element.

In 1998, Tucker had his second starring role, working opposite international action superstar Jackie Chan in the action-packed comedy Rush  Hour and its sequels, Rush Hour 2 and Rush Hour 3.

He also starred in Michael Jackson’s video “You Rock My World”, and in 2007 was announced to star in the New Line drama film Mr. S: My Life with Frank Sinatra.

On February 13, 2009, Tucker participated in the NBA All-Star Weekend’s Celebrity Game. Other celebrities participating include rapper Master P, NBA Hall of Famers Clyde Drexler and Dominique Wilkins, wide receiver Terrell Owens, and four Harlem Globetrotters.

While his movie career continues its rapid ascent, Tucker remains passionate about performing live and still appears in comedy clubs and other venues.

Tucker made his debut at a local comedy club and had to sneak in because he was underaged.