Hollywood stars Chris Tucker and Bradley Cooper shared screen space in the touching Silver Linings Playbook, in which Tucker played the mentally ill friend to Cooper’s bipolar protagonist. The film which also starred Jennifer Lawrence in her Oscar-winning role, gave Tucker the opportunity to sink his teeth into a different side of his personality after a 5-year hiatus from films.
In an interview, the Rush Hour star spoke about many things including his career path, film choices, the reasons for breaking away from Hollywood at the time he did, and his experience working with Bradley Cooper in Silver Linings Playbook. Tucker also revealed some lesser-known facts about his co-star with special reference to his dancing skills.
Chris Tucker Was Impressed By Bradley Cooper’s Talent
Chris Tucker has always been an actor who has worked well in partner-based films and ensemble casts, Rush Hour with Jackie Chan being a case in point. The celebrity who is known for his flair for comedy, took on a rather different role in Silver Linings Playbook in which he co-starred with Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence. Apart from the film being appreciated critically, the Money Talks star’s performance was also equally praised.
Tucker also spoke about his experience playing the part of a mentally ill patient whose shades of humor were quite different from his usual comedic roles. Known to be a great mover and dancer as well, the star was asked if he taught his co-star Cooper any cool moves during their time on set. Replying to The Guardian, Tucker revealed a surprising detail about the Guardians of the Galaxy star and said,
“You know what? No. He’s a pretty good dancer. I didn’t have to. But if we ever go dancing, I think he’ll give me a run for his money.”
Tucker’s assessment of Cooper is a clear indicator of the latter’s multi-faceted talent which allowed him to take on various roles in diverse genres while also excelling behind the camera as a director.
Silver Linings Playbook Gave Chris Tucker The Chance To Introspect
For years, Chris Tucker was seen as an actor whose strength was comedy coupled with action. The Friday actor got the opportunity to explore a different aspect of his talent in Silver Linings Playbook, in which he played a mentally ill patient and subsequent friend to Bradley Cooper’s character. Speaking to The Guardian about what attracted him to the film and the role after a 5-year hiatus from acting, Tucker said,
“I did this one because I thought it was a great movie dealing with mental illness. It intrigued me because I was learning at the same time, you know, playing this character.”
Tucker’s performance proved that the actor was more than capable of tapping into a sensitive side of his personality. The film also came at a time when the Jackie Brown star was just coming out of some strife in his personal life, thereby allowing him to channel his emotions organically into the character.
