Chris Tucker told Ellen that Michael Jackson went to the movies in disguise — and laughed the loudest

Tucker recalled that Jackson once disguised himself wearing a Spider-Man mask but still got mobbed.
PUBLISHED APR 5, 2025
(L) Chris Tucker 2019, Maryland; Michael Jackson HIStory world tour in 1996; (R)Ellen DeGeneres Grammy CA 2020.(Cover Image Source: Getty Images| (L) Photo by Paras Griffin; (inset) Photo by Phil Dent; (R) Photo by Kevin Winter)
(L) Chris Tucker 2019, Maryland; Michael Jackson HIStory world tour in 1996; (R)Ellen DeGeneres Grammy CA 2020.(Cover Image Source: Getty Images| (L) Photo by Paras Griffin; (inset) Photo by Phil Dent; (R) Photo by Kevin Winter)

Chris Tucker and Michael Jackson became close friends after working together on the 'You Rock My World' music video in 2001. During an interview with the Riley Smiley Morning Show, Tucker revealed that the two connected over jokes. "My biggest moment with Michael was when I made him laugh, and I didn't even know... He would just be laughing," he said. Similarly, while appearing on 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show,' the standup comedian shared several hilarious anecdotes about Jackson. "I have to ask you. You were friends with Michael Jackson, right? Y'all hung out? What kind of things did y'all do together?" DeGeneres dived right into the topic. 



 

"First of all, I had so much fun. It was a blessing to be able to know him. Michael was like a king; he was like a modern-day king, and we did a lot of fun stuff," Tucker recalled. "When we had the chance, we would go; we would do stuff like go to the movies, and Michael was so famous he had to disguise himself, and when he would come downstairs, I'd be like, Where's Michael? And Michael would be covered up," Tyler shared. The 'Rush Hour' actor narrated that Jackson would be covered in a mask, and it was always difficult to recognize him. "I thought we were going to the movies, you're not even dressed. I am dressed, Chris. I just can't go to the movies; we've got to disguise it a little bit." 

Michael Jackson and Chris Tucker Palm Beach Award 2003. (Image Source: Getty Images| Photo by Ray Mickshaw)
Michael Jackson and Chris Tucker Palm Beach Award 2003. (Image Source: Getty Images| Photo by Ray Mickshaw)

"Then we go to movies, and I'm thinking, you know. I'm trying to be secret, too, you know. I'm hiding myself, then suddenly Michael laughs louder than anybody; everybody knows Michael's laughing," Tucker narrated hilariously. "I was like, Michael, shut up, they're going to find out you're in here; it's going to be a riot," the comedian went on about their fun escapade. Tucker then followed up with a second anecdote where he revealed that Jackson once entered a mall wearing a Spider-Man mask. "One time we were out, Michael wanted to go to the racket store or something, and he didn't have a mask. He forgot he was famous; he was like, I got to go to the mall," he said. 



 

Tucker disclosed that he warned Jackson about his identity being busted by the fans: "Michael, you can't go in the mall, man; you forgot who you are," he said. "Well, he said, let's go, and the only thing in the car was a Spider-Man mask. So, Michael said, I'll put this on; we'll go." However, Tucker recalled cautioning the 'Thriller' hitmaker once again, but Jackson didn't listen, and he entered the mall wearing the Marvel superhero mask.



 

Soon enough, the crowd recognized Jackson from his personality and mobbed them; Tucker revealed that they had to be scooted out of the mall by the security. "He was getting away with it when people figured it out because I was with him. That's Michael Jackson, they screamed, and all of a sudden, all went crazy," Tucker shared. The comedian concluded by recollecting that it was always fun with Jackson because he had a great sense of humor. 

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