Happy Birthday, Chris Tucker ! The Life And Times Of The Comedy Legend

The icon turns 52 years old today.

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Happy 52nd Birthday to the legendary Chris Tucker! As we celebrate the milestone in the life of this comedic genius, we are looking back at his remarkable career. Join us as we explore the laughter and the triumphs that have made him an icon in comedy.

Photo By Photo by Unique Nicole/WireImage

Following His Dreams  - Following his high school graduation, Chris relocated from his native Georgia to Los Angeles to claim his stake in comedy and subsequently film.                                                                                                (Photo: Ron Galella, Ltd./WireImage, Getty Images)

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Following His Dreams - In the early 1990s, following his high school graduation, Chris relocated from his native Georgia to Los Angeles to claim his stake in comedy and subsequently film. (Photo: Ron Galella, Ltd./WireImage, Getty Images)

A Star Is Born - After gaining popularity on the local L.A. comedy circuit, Tucker was invited to take part in Russell Simmons’ wildly successful HBO series Def Comedy Jam. It was there his career began to gain momentum and he developed his already brilliant style of fast talking, melodramatic and physical yet relatable comedy style. (Photo: HBO)

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A Star Is Born - After gaining popularity on the local L.A. comedy circuit, Tucker was invited to take part in Russell Simmons’ wildly successful HBO series Def Comedy Jam in 1992. It was there his career began to gain momentum and he developed his already brilliant style of fast talking, melodramatic and physical yet relatable comedy style. (Photo: HBO)

It's a Party! - In 1994, Chris Tucker made his cinematic debut in House Party 3 as Johnny Booze after being recruited from his frequent appearances on Def Comedy Jam. (Photo: New Line Cinema)

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It's a Party! - In 1994, Chris Tucker made his cinematic debut in House Party 3 as Johnny Booze after being recruited from his frequent appearances on Def Comedy Jam. (Photo: New Line Cinema)

T.G.I.F - Who could forget Craig’s fast-talking and hilariously frantic stoner pal Smokey in 1995’s Friday? Shot in only 20 days, this blockbuster saw Chris Tucker’s star rise to prominence. The success of Friday was not only based on box office or the classic one liners, but also on the notoriety Tucker would gain in Hollywood in the films that followed this low budget, yet brilliant comedy.(Photo: New Line Cinema)

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T.G.I.F - Who could forget Craig’s fast-talking and hilariously frantic stoner pal Smokey in 1995’s Friday? Shot in only 20 days, this blockbuster saw Chris Tucker’s star rise to prominence. The success of Friday was not only based on box office or the classic one liners, but also on the notoriety Tucker would gain in Hollywood in the films that followed this low budget, yet brilliant comedy. (Photo: New Line Cinema)

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California Love - Remember Chris Tucker's cameo in 2Pac's "California Love" video? This Hype Williams-directed visual was inspired by Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome and saw Tucker playing the tribal chief's yes-man Tony Cox.(Photo: MTV)

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California Love - Remember Chris Tucker's cameo in 2Pac's "California Love" video in 1996? This Hype Williams-directed visual was inspired by Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome and saw Tucker playing the tribal chief's yes-man Tony Cox.(Photo: MTV)

Photo By Photo: MTV

Money Talks - By 1997, Chris Tucker was starring alongside A-list acts leading men Charlie Sheen and Bruce Willis, appearing in Money Talks and The Fifth Element, respectively.(Photo: New Line Cinema)

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Money Talks - By 1997, Chris Tucker was starring alongside A-list acts leading men Charlie Sheen and Bruce Willis, appearing in Money Talks and The Fifth Element, respectively.(Photo: New Line Cinema)

Rush Hour (1998) - Upon learning that a Chinese diplomat's daughter has been kidnapped, Inspector Lee (Jackie Chan) comes to Los Angeles where he is introduced to Detective Carter (Chris Tucker) and the two must overcome their difference in law enforcement sensibilties to find the missing girl.  (Photo: New Line Cinema)

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Money Does Talk - In 1998, Tucker starred in the martial arts action-comedy Rush Hour alongside Jackie Chan, which grossed over $244 million worldwide. The success of this film set Tucker up to become a Hollywood heavy hitter. (Photo: New Line Cinema)

Hollywood Savvy  - While the entertainment value of Rush Hour sequels Rush Hour 2 and Rush Hour 3 were much talked about, his salary was also a hot topic. Tucker negotiated an unprecedented $20 million for Rush Hour 2 and $25 million for Rush Hour 3, making him the highest paid actor in the biz during that time.(Photo: Harry Langdon/Getty Images)

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Hollywood Savvy - While the entertainment value of Rush Hour sequels Rush Hour 2 and Rush Hour 3 were much talked about, his salary was also a hot topic. Tucker negotiated an unprecedented $20 million for Rush Hour 2 and $25 million for Rush Hour 3, making him the highest paid actor in the biz during that time. (Photo: Harry Langdon/Getty Images)

Chris Tucker and the King Pop  - Chris Tucker and Michael Jackson were good friends and in 2001 they appeared together in the "You Rock My World" video, the first single lifted from Michael Jackson's album Invincible.(Photo: Epic Records)

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Chris Tucker and the King Pop - Chris Tucker and Michael Jackson were good friends and in 2001 they appeared together in the "You Rock My World" video, the first single lifted from Michael Jackson's album Invincible. (Photo: Epic Records)

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Chris' Full Circle Moment  - After a five-year hiatus, which Tucker has attributed to not being pleased with the roles he was offered and "living," he returned to his roots: stand-up comedy. Received well by sold-out crowds across the nation, his comeback preceded transitioning back into film. In December 2012, he starred in the Oscar-nominated Silver Linings Playbook. (Photo: Larry Marano/Getty Images)

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Chris' Full Circle Moment - After a five-year hiatus, which Tucker has attributed to not being pleased with the roles he was offered and "living," he returned to his roots: stand-up comedy. Received well by sold-out crowds across the nation, his comeback preceded transitioning back into film. In December 2012, he starred in the Oscar-nominated Silver Linings Playbook. (Photo: Larry Marano/Getty Images)

Chris Tucker and the Biggest Night in Music  - We're in luck because Chris Tucker will take the stage as host of the 2013 BET Awards. Set your hopes high because when the biggest brand in music and one of the foremost comedians join forces, it'll be explosive! Watch tlhe BET Awards Live from L.A. June 30. (Photo: BET)

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Nowadays, it is a rare blessing when Chris Tucker graces the screen. After a seven years hiatus, he played Howard White in Air, the story of how Michael Jordan reinvented the Nike brand. White was a sports marketing executive who was instrumental in signing Michael Jordan to Nike. Tucker received rave reviews and we are eagerly awaiting his next project. Happy birthday, Chris Tucker!

Comic Power - Chris Tucker gives an air-pound to fans and paps as he departs the New York studios of Live With Kelly & Michael.(Photo: FameFlynet)

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Nowadays, it is a rare blessing when Chris Tucker graces the screen. After a seven years hiatus, he played Howard White in Air, the story of how Michael Jordan reinvented the Nike brand. White was a sports marketing executive who was instrumental in signing Michael Jordan to Nike. Tucker received rave reviews and we are eagerly awaiting his next project. Happy birthday, Chris Tucker!

Photo By Photo: FameFlynet