Chris Tucker is Like The Junk Yard Dog. Here's Why

I couldn't believe when I realized that Chris Tucker hasn't been in a movie in six years. His last movie? Rush Hour 2. His movie opening in about three weeks? Rush Hour 3.

The gut reaction is to think that Tucker is washed up and nobody wants to cast him, but look at the list of films that he has been in. Every one has been a big hit. Tucker holds his cards. Proof? He's getting paid more than $20 million for Rush Hour 3.

This guy is just selective. He was in Toronto today to talk about the film and I asked him what the hell he's been doing. He said he's just been concentrating a lot on his charities (it's true, google "Tucker" and "Africa" and see the results).

It reminds me a lot of Jerome Williams, the Junk Yard Dog, the former NBA player. He was never the best player on his team but he was always a valued contributor. In his early 30s, the Knicks bought out his contact for something in the neighbourhood of $20 million. That means, they paid him $20 million not to play anymore. Rather than find another contract with another team, he said something like, "hey, I have more money than I'll ever need, why keep playing when I can spend time with my family." Smart move.

That's sort of like Tucker. He's choosing the roles he wants, and he doesn't care if he's only in a movie every six years. He's rich beyond belief and is spending his time making a difference in the world.

The interview with Tucker will be up on andPOP sometime around Rush Hour 3's Aug. 10 release date.