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Christopher Tucker (born August 31, 1972 in Atlanta, Georgia) is an American actor and comedian, whose distinctive characteristic is his high-pitched voice and portrayal of high-strung characters.

Acting career

Chris Tucker was born in Atlanta, Georgia but was raised in Los Angeles, California.

Tucker's first major movie role was alongside rapper Ice Cube in the 1995 cult favorite Friday. He also starred with Charlie Sheen in 1997 movie Money Talks and alongside Bruce Willis inThe Fifth Element in the same year. He later starred in the 1998 martial arts action comedy Rush Hour and its sequel, Rush Hour 2, in which he played James Carter, an abrasive, wise-cracking detective. Realizing the success of the first Rush Hour film, Tucker held out from studio bosses until they paid his price tag of $20 million for Rush Hour 2, which also became an enormous success. Co-star Jackie Chan received $15 million and gross points.

In 2005, Tucker participated in African American Lives, a PBS program hosted by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. where his roots were traced back to a tribe living in Angola. Tucker would also travel to Angola, the birthplace of his ancestors with Gates. [1]

On April 19, 2005, Tucker was arrested by Georgia State Troopers in McDuffie County for reckless driving and fleeing to elude after he did not pull over instantaneously. Sheriffs claimed he was driving 109 mph in his 2005 Bentley Continental GT. [2] Tucker claimed he was in a hurry because he was late for church.

On May 25, 2005, he testified in defense of Michael Jackson during Jackson's trial on charges of child molestation. Chris Tucker also appeared in Live 8 to introduce Destiny's Child in Philadelphia

Currently, Tucker continues to perform stand-up comedy.

Recent developments

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 nine 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. Tucker will receive $25 million to star in Rush Hour 3, which is scheduled for 2007. As of August 22, 2006, Tucker began filming for Rush Hour 3.

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 the U.S.

Chris is "in talks" for the lead in a Hollywood adaptation of the Hindi film, Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. tentatively titled Gangsta M.D. This film is part of the Munna Bhai series of films. It will be directed by Mira Nair.

He also danced at the Jackson 5 reunion with Michael Jackson, imitating Jackson's moves. [3]

Trivia

• Chris Tucker is a major fan and good friend of Michael Jackson, which can be seen in many of his films.
• Chris Tucker appeared in Michael Jackson's video "You Rock My World" (2001).
• Chris Tucker is a big Atlanta Braves fan.
• Chris Tucker played a small role as the yes-man for an evil tribal chief (played by George Clinton) in 2Pac's music video for "California Love" in 1996.
• Chris Tucker appeared briefly as Mariah Carey's passenger in the video for her 2005 hit "Shake It Off".

Partial Filmography

• 1994 — House Party 3
• 1995 — Friday
• 1995 — Dead Presidents
• 1997 — Jackie Brown
• 1997 — Money Talks
• 1997 — The Fifth Element
• 1998 — Rush Hour
• 2001 — Rush Hour 2
• 2007 — Rush Hour 3
• 2008 — Gangsta M.D. (in talks)

External links

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