Star US comic Chris Tucker wants SA audiences to guffaw and think
The comedian has had success with film roles but is back doing stand-up as he believes laughter is good for the soul
Comedian Chris Tucker had a successful career long before other black comedians like Chris Rock became popular among African comedy fans. His career peaked after he appeared in the Rush Hour franchise — action-comedy movies in the mould of Mel Gibson and Danny Glover’s Lethal Weapon series — alongside fellow funny man and action-hero Jackie Chan. Tucker says he was looking for a break from his usual comedy routines when he was offered the role of detective James Carter. His rapport with the established film star Chan helped seal the deal. “I was looking for something different at the time when the role came along — something with a little action as well as comedy,” he says. “Then when I met Jackie Chan, we just clicked.” Before Rush Hour, Tucker had made his name as a stand-up comedian on the HBO television series Def Comedy Jam created by music and fashion mogul Russell Simmons. It is credited with giving African American comics such as Bernie Mac, Martin Lawrence and Tucker opport...
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