Destin Tucker was just a kid when he sat in a crowded movie theater next to his famous dad and waited for an even more famous friend to show up.
His dad is Chris Tucker, the comedian who starred in the “Rush Hour” movies. The friend was Michael Jackson. And Michael, it seemed, was running late.
Destin, who is 28 now, told the story on “Heir Time,” a podcast hosted by Reginae Carter. Reginae is the daughter of rapper Lil Wayne, and her show talks with the children of famous parents about what growing up that way was really like. Complex reported on the interview on Nov. 2.
Destin has built a life of his own since then. He graduated from Morehouse College, and he’s a filmmaker and an actor. For a while he even worked as a 911 dispatcher. These days he films his dad’s comedy shows, and he hopes to help make a documentary about his father someday. This full episode is where he opens up about his family and his work, so it’s the best place to hear Destin in his own words.
Destin Tucker talks about his family on the “Heir Time” podcast
So how did the Tuckers end up at the movies with Michael Jackson?
The friendship started with comedy. Michael got to know Chris Tucker’s work, including the Michael Jackson impressions Chris did in the “Rush Hour” films. The two hit it off, and in 2001 Chris showed up in Michael’s music video for “You Rock My World.” Years later, Chris sat down with Conan O’Brien and talked about his friendship with Michael, including a trip to the movies with him.
Chris Tucker tells Conan O’Brien about his friendship with Michael
Before that movie night, Destin had already been to Michael’s home. His 4th birthday party was held at Neverland Ranch, Michael’s ranch in California.
“I was so young, so I don’t remember all the details. But literally, I see all the pictures. It was full-blown. We had the carnival, Ferris wheels. We had Spider-Man show up to my birthday, Batman. It was magical,” Destin said.
Now back to that movie night. The film was “Bridge to Terabithia,” the 2007 family movie. Destin and his dad were in their seats, and the star they’d come with was nowhere in sight.
“We were waiting for Michael, like, ‘Where’s Michael?'” Destin remembered.
Then someone walked up to them in the packed theater and greeted his father by name.
That someone was dressed from head to toe in a long robe and a full face covering that hid him completely.
“It was Michael Jackson,” Destin said.
“In a theater full of people, Michael Jackson was disguised,” Destin said. That was simply how Michael came out to the movies with his friends that night.
The three of them watched the film together. Destin calls it “the most surreal experience.”
Michael’s music is still a big part of the Tucker house today, too.
“Every time I pass my dad’s room, he’s blasting Michael Jackson, and he’s dancing. He’s having a time,” Destin said.