“I Get Paid to Do Michael Jackson”: Endorsing His Michael Jordan Movie, Hollywood Star Chris Tucker Proves His Versatility to Shaquille O’Neal

The movie Air, based on the era-defining deal between Nike and Michael Jordan, came out in the first week of April. The film garnered great responses from critics and fans alike. After almost a month of its release, the cast members are still talking about the ambitious project. Recently, actor and comedian Chris Tucker made an appearance on Inside the NBA to talk about ‘Air‘ and managed to impress Shaquille O’Neal with his versatility.

Chris Tucker plays the role of Howard White in the movie, an important figure in Jordan’s life. Tucker talked about his role in the movie and the preparation he did for the same. Apart from that, he also recalled dancing on the stage at one of Kenny Smith’s parties. Soon he was asked to do his best Michael Jackson impression, and he floored the entire panel.

Chris Tucker’s impromptu Michael Jackson act impresses Shaquille O’Neal and others

Tucker made a surprise appearance on the TNT show. His performance in the movie Air was applauded by Ernie Johnson. Johnson said that the veteran was great in the movie and that he “enjoyed every second of it”. 

While Tucker acknowledged the praise coming from Johnson, Smith jumped in with a throwback story. He said that even though Tucker was great in the movie, he was “terrible” at Smith’s celebrity Poker tournament. Tucker quickly responded with, “But I was good dancing on the stage though.”

The Rush Hour actor added that he also did a Michael Jackson impression at the party. Tucker said, “I did Michael Jackson on the stage and I get paid to do Michael Jackson.”

Chris Tucker and the great Michael Jackson were good friends. Tucker has told countless MJ stories over the years. So it was not surprising when he was asked by Shaq to do an MJ impression on the show. Shaq said, “Let me see it right now.” Tucker, being a genius at his craft, instantly agreed as the panel beatboxed the ‘Smooth Criminal’ tune. He performed a few hook steps of the late music legend and the entire panel applauded him yet again for his spontaneity.

The comedian/actor also talked about his preparation for the role of Howard White in the movie Air.

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Chris Tucker thanked Charles Barkley for helping him with his preparation

Tucker revealed that Charles Barkley helped him prepare for the role of Howard White. White played an important role in finalizing the deal that changed the world. He was also a mentor to Barkley in his early NBA days. Tucker said that he called Barkley asking him about White for his research for the role.

Graciously, Barkley helped him with all the information he had that eventually helped shape the movie. Sir Charles also asked Tucker if it is difficult to play a character based on real life. To which Tucker replied “It’s harder,” as he had to do his research to correctly portray the character.

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