Chris Tucker recently opened up about his decision to step away from Hollywood despite becoming one of the highest paid actor of his time. Tucker starred in a leading role with Jacky Chan in the Rush Hour movies from 1998-2007. The movie went on to gross approximately $244.4 million, making Tucker the highest paid actor at the time. In an interview with My Classic ATL, the the 51-year-old Rush Hour actor and comedian said,
It wasn’t just about being the biggest Comic or Actor in the world for me. I wanted to become somebody who could contribute to the world, and inspire others in someway. So I’m grateful for the opportunity to have explored that aspect of my life.
In an interview with My Classix ATL, Chris tucker said,
The way I kind of stepped back from Hollywood, at one point being the highest paid actor in Hollywood, I felt like you know it was a ceiling right there. I wanted more — it wasn’t enough. So, I stepped back, lived a little bit, traveled the world and did a lot of humanitarian stuff that really broadened my perspective of the world.
Many have pointed out that Tucker’s statement about him leaving the acting world at the peak of his career as the highest paid actor, reminds them of standup comedian Dave Chapelle who struggled with fame and wanted to live a normal life, which led to Chappelle walking away from a $50 million salary offer for a third season of Comedy Central. Chappelle left fame behind to re-center himself, enjoy life like a normal person and to spend more time with his wife and kids.
It seems like there is more that goes on behind the scenes in Hollywood and the world of fame and fortune than meets the eye and the smart ones who are true to themselves know when enough is enough. These people know when to move away from the limelight, despite the large pay checks they can potential earn if they stayed, to refocus like Chris Tucker and Dave Chapelle did. It takes a lot of self discipline to turn down millions of dollars.
These days Chris (and Dave Chappelle) is back in the Hollywood scene, and still has his humor and is busy doing standup comedy shows. In April 2023, he was booked for several shows across the U.S.
Chris leaving the limelight is a reminder that there is more to life than working round the clock for money, fame and success. You only live once so why not live it to the fullest with a purpose?
