Chris Tucker
Christopher Tucker (born August 31, 1971) is an American stand-up comedian and actor. Tucker made his debut in 1992 as a stand-up performer on the HBO comedy series Def Comedy Jam, where he frequently appeared on the show during the 1990s. He made his cinematic debut in House Party 3 in 1994, and gained greater film recognition in Friday the following year. In 1997, he co-starred in the films The Fifth Element and Money Talks, and appeared in a supporting role in Quentin Tarantino's Jackie Brown. He later gained widespread fame and popularity in the 2000s for playing Detective James Carter in the Rush Hour series, alongside Jackie Chan.
This article is about the American stand-up comedian and actor. For the British make-up artist, see Christopher Tucker.Chris Tucker
Christopher Tucker
August 31, 1971
Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
- Stand-up
- film
- television
1992–present
1
Early life, education, and career[edit]
Christopher Tucker was born on August 31, 1971[1][2][3] in Atlanta, Georgia, the youngest son of Mary Louise (née Bryant) and Norris Tucker.[2] One of six children, Tucker learned early in life that humor had the power to draw attention to himself both at school and at home.[4] His father was an independent businessman who owned a janitorial service.[5][6] Tucker grew up in a Pentecostal Christian household; his parents were members of the Church of God in Christ during his childhood.[7]
Tucker grew up in Decatur, Georgia, and after graduating from Columbia High School, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue his comedy career. His comedy influences were Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy, and Tucker was known by his teachers and high school classmates for making people laugh by doing impressions of Murphy, Michael Jackson, and others.[8]
Philanthropy and political views[edit]
He endorsed Barack Obama in the 2008 primaries.[19][20]
In 2021, Tucker joined the Heal Los Angeles Foundation as an official ambassador. The Foundation is co-founded by Michael Jackson’s son, Prince Jackson, and their purpose is to help inner-city youth in Los Angeles by ending homelessness, child abuse, and hunger in the city.[21]
During the 2022 Halloween Thriller Night hosted by the Heal Los Angeles Foundation, Tucker and Steve Harvey were honored and received the inaugural "Man in The Mirror" Award. The award is given to influential individuals using their platforms for good. Tucker accepted the award that was presented by Prince Jackson.[22]
Personal life[edit]
Tucker has a son named Destin with his ex-wife Azja Pryor.[23] He divides his time between Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Atlanta.[24]
Tucker is good friends with fellow Rush Hour co-star Jackie Chan. He was also close with singer Michael Jackson: introducing and dancing with him at his 30th Anniversary Celebration; appearing in his video "You Rock My World" from the 2001 album Invincible; and attending his memorial service. Tucker's career was also influenced by Jackson, as he is seen dancing and singing to "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" in a scene in Rush Hour 2 and imitating Jackson's dancing style in Friday.
Tucker participated in professor Henry Louis Gates Jr.'s 2006 PBS documentary on the genetic makeup of African Americans, African American Lives, that specifically focused on stories of Native American heritage in African-American communities. Tucker's DNA test results showed African, European, and "likely some Native American" ancestors.[25] Tucker's patrilineal ancestry was also traced back to the Ambundu ethnic group of Angola and one line of his mother's to the Bamileke of Cameroon.[26][27] He also traced his family tree back to the 1830s.[28] Tucker and Gates were shown visiting Angola, the birthplace of some of his ancestors.[29]
In 2014, Tucker settled a $2.5 million tax debt. A representative blamed "poor accounting and business management".[30] In November 2021, the IRS sued Tucker, seeking $9.6 million in back taxes.[31]
Also in 2014, Tucker told an interviewer that he refrains from using harsh profanity in his performances due to his Christian faith.[32]
Tucker's connection to Jeffrey Epstein was covered in the 2020 Netflix documentary series Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich. In 2002, Tucker traveled in Epstein's airplane alongside Bill Clinton and Kevin Spacey for humanitarian purposes in combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa.[33]