Chris Tucker says he as soon as rotated a personal jet to fly proper again to New York — after already touchdown in Los Angeles — as a result of Michael Jackson wished to see him.
The 51-year-old comic instructed GQ that starring in the ‘Rush Hour’ franchise helped launch him to fame. Additionally, it even offered him the chance to satisfy the music legend, who’s one among his childhood heroes.
Tucker Recalls The Time He First Met Michael Jackson, Having Turned A Plane Around To Do So
“I was in New York for two days waiting to meet MJ,” Tucker recalled. “I took a private jet there. I said, well, I ain’t heard from him, I got to go. Took a private jet back to LA, and as soon as I landed, I had a message: ‘Michael Jackson wants to meet you tomorrow morning.’”
The actor stated he instantly instructed the captain that cash was not a problem. He requested the pilot to take him again to New York earlier than even stepping foot on Los Angeles soil.
“I was still on the plane. I went up to the captain and said, ‘I’ll pay you whatever you want to take me back to New York.’”
Tucker Credits Michael Jackson For Encouraging Him To Make More Movies In Hollywood
Tucker instructed the outlet that the 2 finally grew to become shut buddies, with Jackson pushing him to make extra films in Hollywood.
“He used to always say, ‘Let’s make history,’” Tucker instructed GQ. “‘We want to see more of you, Chris! What are you doing?’”
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Tucker added that on Jackson’s recommendation, he’s solely labored on movie roles that actually encourage him ever since ‘Rush Hour’ got here out in 1998.
Michael Jackson and Chris Tucker through the eighth Annual Palm Beach International Film Festival, 2003 pic.twitter.com/QmCFrYC9IJ
— . | fan account (@aestheticlight) July 30, 2021
Chris Tucker And Michael Jackson: A Friendship Retrospective
Jackson and Tucker loved an extended and shut friendship within the years earlier than the previous’s dying in 2009. Tucker even appeared on stage with Jackson for his Thirtieth-anniversary celebration tour in 2001.
Usher, Michael Jackson and Chris Tucker, September tenth 2001. pic.twitter.com/cMlJgTj0S1
— sabby 🥀 (@whoisitbad_) September 10, 2021
Additionally, the actor additionally starred in Jackson’s 13-minute music video for “You Rock My World” in 2001.
Today, Tucker will likely be making his return to the large display screen and is ready to star in ‘Air,’ a movie produced by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. It reportedly chronicles basketball icon Michael Jordan’s affect on Nike within the Nineteen Eighties.