Entertainment

Chris Tucker Delivers Laughs at the Paramount

Published

10 years ago

September 22, 2014

Actor and Comedian Chris Tucker floored the audience Saturday night at the Paramount Theatre.

Known as “Smokey” in the comedy “Friday” and “Detective James Carter in the “Rush Hour” film series, Tucker kept the audience rolling in laughter during his one-man standup comedy show. Nothing was spared. Ranging from dating and family life to impressions of other celebrities, the jokes kept coming.

In the media for tax evasion and owing the IRS millions of dollars, Tucker was proud to have recently worked things out with the IRS but says he grew tired of the media’s attention on it.

During his show, Tucker delivered in a storytelling fashion, dishing on everyone including himself.

“Madoff didn’t take my money,” he said. “I spent it on Ferraris and everything else. And that’s the last time I have Ron Isley and Wesley Snipes help me with my taxes.”

Tucker joked about family life. “When my parents split up and my dad moved out, we thought it was great, because the house was too crowded anyway.” Tucker said when his father tried to reconcile and move back in, he told his dad, “Hey, be strong.”

Tucker recalled being in trouble in school so often, he became cool with the principal. He said the principal enjoyed the snacks he’d share with him when his behavior landed him in the office. “On days I didn’t get into trouble he was mad, because he was missing those snacks. And I couldn’t get into more trouble, because if they called my mother, the phone was cut off.”

On dating a white woman, Tucker joked about differences. “She made sure I was on time everywhere, took me to Starbucks and enjoyed role playing. It was cool until she wanted to role play, 12 Years a Slave.”

Impressions of singers Anita Baker, Toni Braxton had the audience singing along. Singing Frank Sinatra’s “Luck Be a Lady,” he seemed to have the most fun with.

Tucker’s show was 90 percent clean with minimal cursing. Respectfully, Tucker paused for a moment of silence in honor of fellow comedians Robin Williams and Joan Rivers.

Tucker performance on Def Comedy Jam, co-starred in the 1995 film “Friday” with co-star rapper Ice Cube. He co-starred and executive produced “Money Talks” with Charlie Sheen and appeared in “The Fifth Element.”

In 2006 he negotiated an unprecedented $25 million salary to appear in “Rush Hour 3,” which at the time made him the highest paid actor in Hollywood. In 2012 he appeared in “Silver Lining Playbook” with Robert DeNiro.

Through his Chris Tucker Foundation, Tucker assists the disadvantaged, advocates for South African youth and supports the improved quality of life for those infected by HIV/AIDS.

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Activism

Richmond Seniors Still Having a Ball After 25 Years

The Senior Winter Ball is a symbol of the Commission on Aging’s broader mission of providing enriching life experiences to the local senior community, particularly those in need of them. “Besides the social activities, we focus on issues such as housing, transportation and health,” said Michelle Hayes, the commission’s chairperson. “We get things done for our senior population.”

Published

3 days ago

November 24, 2024

Oakland Post

Myrtle Braxton (l-r), Byran H. Harris, and Michelle Hayes. Photo by Mike Kinney.

By Mike Kinney
The Richmond Standard

For a quarter century, seniors in the local community have had a prime location in the heart of the city to gather and celebrate the holidays.

That is courtesy of the annual Senior Winter Ball, which will mark a milestone this year when it takes place for the 25^th time. The gala will run from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Richmond Memorial Auditorium.

The holiday tradition was started by the City of Richmond’s Commission on Aging in 1999 to entertain and celebrate seniors. The event also raises funds for local senior causes. Attendees wear their finest attire and enjoy dinner and dancing.

“It’s so exciting to see all of the gala attendees all dressed up and seeing their lifetime friends and making new friends as well,” said Bryan M. Harris, secretary for the Commission on Aging. “They will reminisce about old Winter Ball memories and at the same time create new ones.”

Richmond’s very own Chef Josephine Orozco of El Sol Catering will serve at this year’s anniversary dinner. The gala will also feature the band Top Shelf Classics, which plays hits from the 50s through the 80s and has been the gala’s annual performer for the last decade.

The Senior Winter Ball symbolizes the Commission on Aging’s broader mission of providing enriching life experiences to the local senior community, particularly those in need of them.

“Besides the social activities, we focus on issues such as housing, transportation and health,” said Michelle Hayes, the commission’s chairperson. “We get things done for our senior population.”

Myrtle Braxton, 97, has served on the commission for 17 years and is its current vice president. She says her goal is to increase the quality of life for seniors through safe social events.

“So many seniors are isolated and are sometimes forgotten by society,” Braxton said. “So, our commission is their advocate and makes sure they are not left behind.”

Tickets to the 25th Silver Anniversary Annual Senior Winter Ball are $45 per person or $360 for a table of eight. They are available in person via the Main Recreation office at 3230 Macdonald Ave., via email at csdregistration@ci.richmond.ca.us or by phone at 510-620-6793.