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

The icon turns 52 years old today.

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)
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)
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)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)

Next Gallery

Black Stars Who Slayed at the 97th Academy Awards

14 Photos

6 / 13

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

ADVERTISEMENT