by Michael Jackson recalls special moment when he first met Chris Tucker:
In a revealing new interview with People magazine, the King of Pop Michael Jackson fondly recalled the special moment when he first met his dear friend and Rush Hour star Chris Tucker.
“I remember it like it was yesterday,” Jackson reminisced. “It was at a charity event in the early 90s. Chris was relatively unknown at the time, but he was performing that night and he just blew me away with his energy, his talent, his humor. I was in the audience laughing so hard that my sides hurt!”
According to Jackson, he knew immediately that he had to meet Tucker after the performance. “I just felt this connection, like I had to go talk to him. So I went backstage and we just clicked right away. We must have talked for hours about music, movies, life, you name it. I remember thinking wow, this guy is one of the funniest people I’ve ever met in my life!”
Jackson and Tucker quickly became fast friends and collaborators. Tucker featured prominently in Jackson’s iconic “You Rock My World” music video in 2001 and also had an uncredited cameo in Jackson’s 1997 short film Ghosts. But their most notable team-up was when Tucker landed a starring role in Quentin Tarantino’s 1997 film Jackie Brown, which featured music by Jackson including songs from his smash hit album HIStory.
“Chris was just incredible in that movie – he stole every scene he was in!” Jackson said. “I was so proud of him. That was a big moment for both of our careers.”
Reflecting on their enduring friendship, Jackson effused, “Chris is like a brother to me. He’s been by my side through so much. In this business it’s so rare to find people you can truly trust, that you can just laugh and be yourself around. Chris is one of the most genuine people I know.”
Tucker echoed similar sentiments about Jackson in a statement to People, calling their friendship “one of God’s greatest blessings in my life.”
“Michael has such a beautiful heart and soul,” Tucker said. “He would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. And man, the stories I could tell you about our adventures over the years! All I can say is, it’s never a dull moment with Michael Jackson!”
Both Jackson and Tucker credit their shared Midwestern upbringings and strong spiritual faith for their instant connection upon first meeting.
“Michael and I both grew up in very humble beginnings and we both started performing at churches from a young age,” Tucker explained. “I think that instilled in both of us a similar spirituality and worldview. We bonded over that.”
Indeed, even at the height of fame, Jackson remained a humble artist and humanitarian devoted to healing the world through his music. Tucker admired and related to that mission.
“Michael’s music brings people together from all walks of life,” Tucker observed. “He transcends race, gender, religion – everything. He just wants to make the world a better place. I’ve tried to take that mission to heart in my own career.”
Case in point: Tucker followed in Jackson’s footsteps by using his global platform to give back, including raising money for Jackson’s Heal the World Foundation. In 2010, Tucker also founded the Chris Tucker Foundation to support global education initiatives for underserved youth.
Both stars remain as dedicated as ever to philanthropic causes uniting people worldwide. Jackson sees that shared passion and generosity of spirit as a cornerstone of their abiding friendship.
“Chris has the most giving heart,” Jackson said. “We both try to use our talents to help those in need however we can. That’s what life is really about.”
But it’s not all serious – Jackson and Tucker are infamous for cutting loose and having uproarious times together. As Tucker tells it, some of their most hilarious moments have been during Jackson’s marathon dance rehearsals.
“Michael will dance for six or eight hours straight, no break!” Tucker said. “He tried to teach me some moves but I could barely keep up. I was drenched in sweat and could hardly breathe, meanwhile Michael didn’t even have a drop of sweat on him. He was just gliding around the whole time laughing at me! I said, Michael this is inhuman – I’m about to pass out and you look like you’re just getting started!”
Jackson also enthusiastically recalls their shared love of comedy. “Chris will have me laughing so hard I’m doubled over,” Jackson said. “He always knows how to make me smile, no matter what’s going on.”
Tucker makes a point to keep Jackson’s spirits up during tougher times like embattled court cases. “The world doesn’t see what I see,” Tucker said. “When Michael is going through stuff, he still finds a way to laugh even through the pain. That’s what I love about him.”
It was Tucker who endearingly gave Jackson the nickname “Big Mike” which Jackson adopted as a term of affection. “I’ve had a lot of nicknames over the years but that one is still my favorite!” Jackson chuckled.
“It just reminds me of all the fun memories with Chris. He’s seen me through so much over the decades. Our friendship is a gift and one of my life’s true blessings.”
Likewise, Tucker treasures the irreplaceable bond he shares with the pop legend. “Mike has always been there for me as a friend and mentor,” Tucker reflected. “His advice and support have been invaluable. I love him to death and will always cherish the special memories we share.”
Tucker then lightheartedly added, “And the man can dance, that’s for sure! Mike, we gotta hit the dance floor again soon. Just take it easy on me this time!”
Jackson and Tucker’s heartwarming, hilarious friendship shows the power of bonds between kindred spirits in the entertainment world and beyond. It’s a relationship that has withstood the test of time.
After more than 25 years, Tucker still reminisces fondly on that initial star-struck meeting with Jackson that sparked a lasting brotherhood.
“Mike has just got a heart of gold,” Tucker told People. “I could feel that right away the first time I met him. Little did I know then what a beautiful role he would play in my life all these years later.”
Jackson looks forward to more priceless memories with Tucker in the years ahead. “We’ve been through so much together,” Jackson said. “Chris is one of the only people who really knows me inside and out. His friendship is such a gift and so precious to me. Here’s to another 25 years!”
