In the early 90s, Chris Tucker was an up-and-coming stand-up comedian, and it looked like he had a long career of road gigs ahead of him.
Then Hollywood came calling.
Instead, Tucker became a bona-fide movie star. He's one of the best known faces of the Friday movie franchise, even though he only appeared in one of the three films. And his roles opposite Jackie Chan in the Rush Hour series — which has a sequel just announced — cemented his name recognition with the public. Most of his roles give him a platform to showcase his energetic, fast-paced comedy chops. He also had a short but memorable turn in Quentin Tarantino's Jackie Brown, and more recently he he got laughs in Hollywood's ode to the emotionally challenged, Silver Linings Playbook.
Now fans have a chance to see Tucker in front of a microphone again. His stand-up tour brings him to the Straz Center (Carol Morsani Hall) June 12, and tickets go on sale this Friday at 10 a.m. Expect strong demand to see him live, so get tickets while you can.
Showtime is Fri., June 12, at 8 p.m. $45.75-$65.75. Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. at strazcenter.org or 813-229-7827.
This article appears in Apr 16-22, 2015.