Chris Tucker

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. He also appears in the 2012 film Silver Linings Playbook alongside Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence and Robert De Niro. He most recently starred in the war drama Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk (2016) alongside Kirsten Stewart, Vin Diesel, and Steve Martin.

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

Filmography:

Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk (2016)
Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
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)