Comedy, charity work and the love for SA - A conversation with Chris Tucker
Charming, easy-going and with a sense of humour that makes everyone in the room feel comfortable. That is how Newswatch reporter, Portia Cele described international star, Chris Tucker after a media engagement session yesterday.
Clad in a slightly unbuttoned black shirt and a leather jacket, comedian and American actor, Chris Tucker oozes cool.
At a session facilitated by East Coast Breakfast's Darren Maule yesterday, Tucker met with reporters at the radio station in Umhlanga, north of Durban.
Although not a first-time visitor to South Africa, having attended former President Thabo Mbeki's inauguration, it is his first time in Durban.
"The first time I came to the country was to Johannesburg. I touched down for the first time in 1998 to promote the first Rush Hour film. South Africa holds a special place in my heart," he says.
He says audiences in Durban can expect more than just good laughs during tonight's show.
"I talk about what's going on in the world, being a bit older, people know me from the Rush Hour days, and I've grown in the business. I'm a father. It's going to be a lot of good stuff."
Tucker has starred in a number of Hollywood films, including the Rush Hour franchise, the Fifth Element and most recently, The Silver Linings Playbook.
He confirmed Rush Hour co-star, 64-year-old Jackie Chan performs his own stunts.
Industry peers have ranked the 47-year-old amongst other comedy greats, including the likes of Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock and Jim Carrey, who have delved into both filmmaking and stand-up comedy.
He told reporters about the passion he has for youth development and welfare, highlighted by the humanitarian work being spearheaded by the Chris Tucker Foundation.
Here is what fans can expect from the award-winning actor next.