Chris Tucker discovered something dangerous about being Michael Jackson’s friend.
If Michael heard you compliment something he owned, there was a good chance he would simply give it to you
Tucker experienced that generosity himself during the years the two became close friends.
Speaking on Lopez Tonight in 2011, Tucker remembered admiring a flat-screen television at Michael’s home.
Michael gave it to him.
Tucker insisted he had only been complimenting the television and had not actually asked for it. But after realizing how generous Michael was, the comedian decided to test just how far that generosity might go.
Then he saw Michael’s Rolls-Royce.
Tucker told him how much he liked the new car.
Michael asked:
“You like it, Chris?”
Tucker said yes.
Michael asked again if he was sure.
Tucker enthusiastically confirmed it.
This time, Michael was ready for him.
According to Tucker’s hilarious impression, Michael basically told him:
Go buy your own. The Rolls-Royce was staying with Michael.
Chris Tucker Tells the Michael Jackson Rolls-Royce Story
Behind the joke was a friendship Tucker clearly treasured.
He had grown up idolizing Michael before eventually meeting him and becoming part of his private circle.
Tucker later described Michael as one of the kindest people he had ever met and said Michael treated him almost like a younger brother.
Their friendship eventually became visible to the public too.
Tucker appeared alongside Michael in the 2001 “You Rock My World” short film, playing the fast-talking friend who accompanies Michael into the nightclub.
The pairing seemed natural because Tucker had been imitating Michael long before they ever met. He even worked Michael references into the Rush Hour movies.
Away from cameras, Tucker remembered much simpler moments.
They would sit around Neverland talking. On one occasion, Tucker said a giraffe casually walked past the window while they were having a conversation.
Michael simply asked if Tucker wanted to meet it.
For Tucker, those memories showed a side of Michael that audiences rarely saw.
Not the untouchable superstar.
Not the carefully choreographed performer.
Just a funny, generous friend who enjoyed making the people around him happy.
And apparently, Michael was willing to give Chris Tucker almost anything.
Almost.
The television was fair game.
The Rolls-Royce definitely was not.