Chris Tucker, born Christopher Tucker on August 31, 1971, is an American stand-up comedian and actor known for his roles in films like Friday, The Fifth Element, Money Talks and the Rush Hour series.
He began his career in 1992 on the HBO comedy series Def Comedy Jam and gained widespread fame for his role as Detective James Carter in the Rush Hour movies.
Tucker is also involved in humanitarian work through the Chris Tucker Foundation, focusing on making a positive impact in the lives of youth and families by implementing innovative initiatives and funding life-changing programs.
Additionally, he has been recognized for his clean stand-up comedy routines and has a son named Destin with his ex-wife Azja Pryor.
Tucker’s career has been marked by both success in the entertainment industry and his philanthropic endeavors.
Net worth | $5 million |
Profession | Stand-up comedian, actor |
Date of birth | August 31, 1971 |
Nationality | American |
Background
Tucker is the youngest son of Mary Louise and Norris Tucker.
He grew up in Decatur, Georgia, in a Pentecostal Christian household.
Tucker’s father was an independent businessman who owned a janitorial service.
His comedy career began in Los Angeles after graduating from Columbia High School.
Tucker gained fame for his roles in films like Friday, The Fifth Element, Money Talks and the Rush Hour series.
Tucker’s parents are Mary Louise Tucker and Norris Tucker, who played a significant role in shaping his early life and career.
Net worth
Tucker has an estimated net worth of $5 million.
However, there have been fluctuations in his net worth due to financial challenges, including facing IRS issues and lawsuits for unpaid taxes, which significantly impacted his finances.
At one point, he owed the IRS millions of dollars in back taxes, penalties and interest, but eventually settled with the IRS in 2014.
Financial troubles
Tucker has faced significant financial troubles and IRS issues throughout his career.
In 2001, he owed the IRS $11 million for unpaid taxes, and in 2014, he settled a $14 million tax bill with the IRS after a lien was placed on one of his properties.
In 2021, the IRS sued Tucker seeking $9.6 million in federal taxes, tax penalties, and interest for unpaid taxes from 2002, 2006, 2008 and 2010.
His financial difficulties have been attributed to poor accounting and business management, as well as his lavish spending habits.
Additionally, Tucker has faced lawsuits for unpaid taxes, which have negatively impacted his net worth.
In 2014, he settled a $14 million unpaid tax bill, primarily consisting of $12 million in taxes owed and a $2.5 million tax lien.
In 2021, Tucker faced a lawsuit from the IRS, claiming that he owed taxes in 2002, 2006, 2008, and 2010, totaling $9.6 million in federal taxes, penalties and interest.
Career
Tucker’s breakout role came in the 1995 film, Friday, where he played the character Smokey, showcasing his comedic talent and charisma on screen.
This led to further opportunities in Hollywood, including roles in blockbuster hits like The Fifth Element and Money Talks, solidifying his status as a versatile actor capable of both comedic and dramatic performances.
However, it was his role as Detective James Carter in the Rush Hour series that truly propelled Tucker to international stardom.
The chemistry between Tucker and Jackie Chan in these films, along with Tucker’s comedic timing and energetic performance, endeared him to audiences worldwide.
The success of the Rush Hour franchise cemented Tucker’s place as a leading actor in Hollywood.
In recent years, while Tucker has taken a step back from the spotlight to focus on philanthropic endeavors through The Chris Tucker Foundation, he has continued to engage with his fans through stand-up comedy tours and occasional film appearances.
His return to the big screen in the film, Air, showcased his enduring talent and appeal as an actor.
Looking ahead, Tucker has expressed interest in reprising his role in a potential Rush Hour 4, indicating his ongoing commitment to entertaining audiences and staying active in the entertainment industry.
Additionally, his foray into writing a book demonstrates his desire to explore new creative avenues and share his experiences with a wider audience.
Most famous movies
Tucker is best known for his roles in several popular movies, including The Fifth Element (1997), Jackie Brown (1997) and Money Talks (1997)
Others are Rush Hour (1998), Rush Hour 2 (2001) and Rush Hour 3 (2007).
He has also appeared in Friday (1995), Silver Linings Playbook (2012), Air (2023) and the documentary, A Man’s Story (2012).
Tucker is particularly famous for his role as Detective James Carter in the Rush Hour series, where he starred alongside Jackie Chan.
His performances in these films have been praised for their comedic value, with Tucker’s unique style and high-pitched voice making him a standout in the action-comedy genre.
Rush Hour salaries
Tucker’s salary for the Rush Hour movies has been a topic of interest.
For the first Rush Hour film, he earned $3 million.
After the success of the first movie, Tucker negotiated a much higher salary for the sequel.
He was paid $20 million for Rush Hour 2, which was the same amount Tom Cruise was reportedly making at the time.
Tucker’s salary for Rush Hour 3 increased to $25 million, making him one of the highest-paid stars at the time.
These salaries were a result of Tucker’s successful career and the popularity of the Rush Hour franchise.
The first Rush Hour film grossed over $240 million worldwide, leading to two sequels.
Tucker’s performance in the films, alongside martial arts star Jackie Chan, was well-received, and the series became a significant part of both actors’ careers.
Tucker’s salary negotiations for Rush Hour 2 were influenced by the success of the first film and the pay of other high-profile actors like Tom Cruise.
His ability to secure such a substantial salary demonstrated his leverage in the industry at the time.
Awards
Tucker has received several awards and accolades for his work, including a 1999 MTV Movie Award for Best On-Screen Duo (Rush Hour) and Best Fight in 2022.
He has also been recognized for his philanthropic efforts, including his work with various children’s charities and organizations.
In Silver Linings Playbook, Tucker played the role of Cliff Patel, for which he received several accolades, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
The film was well-received by critics and audiences alike, earning over $236 million worldwide on a production budget of $21 million.
It received a total of 47 awards from 91 nominations, including eight Academy Award nominations and four Golden Globe nominations.
Tucker is also known for his comedic timing and delivery, and has made several television appearances, including on Saturday Night Live and Def Comedy Jam.
He has a tremendously popular comedy tour and has made a name for himself in Hollywood as one of the few African American comedians to achieve mainstream success.
The Chris Tucker Foundation
The Chris Tucker Foundation is a non-profit organization that aims to make a positive impact on the lives of youth and families through innovative initiatives and life-changing programs.
The foundation started as an AIDS relief foundation and has since expanded to include local charity work, such as offering scholarships to children from impoverished families and the homeless.
The foundation is dedicated to addressing critical needs affecting today’s generation of young people by engaging a collective community, working with industries of all kinds, and collaborating with community leaders and corporate partners.
The foundation has a strong commitment to youth development and welfare, as evidenced by their annual funding of local organizations and charities with similar goals and missions.
The Chris Tucker Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization and donations to the foundation are tax-deductible.
The foundation’s headquarters are located in Stockbridge, GA, and their service area is worldwide.
The foundation’s hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 8 PM, and contact hours are by appointment only.
The foundation’s impact and measurement are not currently scored by Charity Navigator, as they are either eligible but have not yet received data or their programs are not direct services.
The foundation is not rated by Charity Navigator, and their mission is not available on the organization’s profile.
The foundation is a private operating foundation (other) and is an independent organization or an independent auxiliary.
The foundation’s IRS ruling year is 2015, and their EIN is 56-2431980.
The foundation’s total revenues and expenses are not available, and the salary of key persons is also not available.
The foundation is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of youth and families through innovative initiatives and life-changing programs.
They work with industries of all kinds, including doctors and lawyers, and collaborate with community leaders and corporate partners to address critical needs affecting today’s generation of young people.
The foundation’s commitment to youth development and welfare is evident in their annual funding of local organizations and charities with similar goals and missions.
Personal life
Tucker was previously married to Azja Pryor.
They married in 1997 and had a son named Destin Christopher Tucker, born on September 13, 1998.
However, the couple divorced in 2003.
Destin, now 23 years old, is following in his father’s footsteps and working in the movie industry.
He attended Oaks Christian School and moved to Atlanta after college graduation.
Destin is on good terms with his step-father and has a five-year-old half-sister named Iman Joelle.
Azja Pryor is now married to Cherif A Ndiaye, a Senegalese personal trainer and life coach.
Azja’s net worth is about $1 million, primarily from her career as a casting director and nutritionist.
Real estate
Tucker has owned several properties, including a mansion in Florida, which he sold at a loss during a period of financial difficulties.
In 2011, his $6 million Florida home was facing foreclosure due to unpaid taxes and a mortgage of over $4.4 million.
Tucker also sold a home in California for $2.1 million in 2013.
Despite these setbacks, Tucker still owns a stunning home in Georgia, which he purchased for just $139,000 in 2000 and has seen a significant increase in value.
The Georgia home is particularly impressive, featuring six bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and over 13,000 square feet of living space.
The property includes a tennis court, a circular driveway, a covered drop-off area and a beautifully landscaped entrance.
The backyard boasts a pool, hot tub, and pool house, providing a perfect setting for relaxation and entertainment.
The home’s red brickwork is reminiscent of traditional Georgian architecture, adding to its charm and appeal.
Despite experiencing financial difficulties, Tucker has managed to maintain his wealth and continue to invest in real estate.
His Georgia home is a prime example of his ability to secure valuable properties and enjoy a luxurious lifestyle.
The home’s significant increase in value since its original purchase price demonstrates Tucker’s smart investment choices and his continued success in the entertainment industry.