There are only a few great talents who can disappear from the spotlight and return to a warm embrace from devoted fans. Chris Tucker is one of them. After the release of third installment of the blockbuster trilogy, Rush Hour 3, Tucker left the business and has remained low-key until now. The funnyman is preparing to embark on his first comedy tour in three years, kicking off on August 19, and plans to invite his loyalists back into his world one joke at a time. BlackEnterprise.com caught up with Tucker to talk comedy, bad movies and good business sense.
BlackEnterprise.com: Long time no see! Your fans have missed you. What have you been up to?
Chris Tucker: Just traveling and enjoying life. I’m also doing a comedy tour from August to September.
BlackEnterprise.com: Why return now?
I have never stopped doing standup in-between films, but now I really have the time. I’ve missed it, so I’m looking forward to being on the road again.
BlackEnterprise.com: In addition to acting, you’re also producing films. What inspired that transition?
Honestly, the lack of good movies being made. I decided to take matters into my own hands and plan to produce the kind of projects that I’m interested in.
BlackEnterprise.com: Was that always a part of your plan?
Tucker: Yes, I always wanted to do my own thing and I love movies. It’s always been my dream to put my imprint into movies and develop compelling stories.
BlackEnterprise.com: How important is it for actors to work behind the camera to become truly successful financially?
I think it’s good if you want to get more of your vision out there. If you’re directing, you got to tell the story to the audience the way you want to and it also gives the actor a little more pull to make that character the way he or she sees fit. So yes, if you can eventually direct, do so. I don’t think it will necessarily ensure financial success; but it will allow you to share your vision with others. I believe if you continue to do good work and accept great projects as an actor, eventually the money always comes because your work will speak for itself.
BlackEnterprise.com: What do you consider your first “big break”?
Tucker: Of course, Def Comedy Jam for my comedic career, but for my acting, definitely Friday. That film became a cult classic—something that no one would have imagined. I auditioned for that role completely improv. We had fun making that film.
BlackEnterprise.com: Folks are still reciting lines from that film! How have you grown as an entertainer?
My personal experiences and opportunities have helped me grow. I’ve been blessed to learn from legends like Sidney Poitier, Quincy Jones, Ruby Dee, Harry Belafonte and James Earl Jones. All of them gave me great advice, and I admire those people who can teach you to learn to appreciate “here is where you [are]†and “where you should take it†as far as your career.
Continue reading on the next page
BlackEnterprise.com: Why have you taken a break from acting?
Good movies just aren’t being made right now. If I was presented with one I most certainly would do it, but I haven’t come across any. I will return to doing film when the time and project is right.
BlackEnterprise.com: At one point you said you were no longer going to play characters who used drugs because you had played a few. How important is it not to get pigeon-holed?
It’s important to keep on reinventing yourself because it will open up more opportunities for you. I never thought about it then until I got caught into [those kind of roles]. It’s so easy to do the same thing that you’ve always done because [people] want you to continue to do that.
BlackEnterprise.com: What’s the best money advice you’ve ever received?
Best money advice I received came from Sidney Poitier (mimicks Poitier’s voice) “Don’t be out there spending all your money because you never know, man. Just save it, just save.†(Laughs)
BlackEnterprise.com: What’s the best financial advice you’d give?
Invest in things that aren’t too risky and that you understand; invest in people who you believe in and trust. Whether it’s in a restaurant business or comedy club, make sure that the people you work with are dependable and reliable. In the past, I have invested in good businesses, but I would do it differently and make sure to find a good, strong partner who knows that business so they can be they can be the creative person ,and I would be the money person.
BlackEnterprise.com: Whats the best money move you’ve ever made?
Building my mother’s house. It’s big enough for everybody (I’m the youngest of six children) to come and visit. At the end of the day the most valuable thing is family. You can make all the money in the world, but with family and love it means nothing.
BlackEnterprise.com: What advice do you have for comedians entering the game today about how to manage their businesses and brands?
Work—stay on the stage—because that’s where you develop new material. When you think about branding yourself, make sure not to put yourself in a box so you can broaden your audience. You should just be known as a funny guy to White, Black, Asian, Latin, whomever like Oprah Winfrey, Coca-Cola or American Express everyone knows these brands Manage your business by trying to have a [future] plan, and always get good advice from people you trust and people who have done what you’re doing before. Listen, learn and apply that to what you’re doing.
Also, always keep that passion, because that’s your value. If you have that, magical doors will continue to open for you.
To get tickets to Chris Tucker’s upcoming show or to see the tour schedule, visit livenation.com.
Click here to see Chris Tucker talk about his side hustles and his first job here.