Chris Tucker of ‘Rush Hour’ films to host upcoming BET Awards

Reclusive actor-comedian Chris Tucker, who is so selective about his movie roles that he’s only appeared in four movies in the last 15 years, has been tapped to host this year’s BET Awards.

Tucker, who is best known as Jackie Chan’s crime-fighting partner in the three successful “Rush Hour” movies, will host the festivities at L.A.’s Nokia Theatre on June 30. The awards show will be part of the first ever “BET Experience at L.A. LIVE!” -- a three-day festival of concerts, screenings and other events.

Said Stephen Hill, BET’s president of music programming and specials: “We cannot wait for Chris to set fire to the BET Awards stage with his unique brand of mayhem.”

Tucker added in a statement: “I am honored to be asked to host this year’s BET Awards. I’m looking forward to be being part of a really great show.”

Since the last “Rush Hour” film in 2007, Tucker’s only film role was in last year’s “Silver Linings Playbook.”

The “Rush Hour” films, in which Tucker played a wisecracking, high-pitched voiced LAPD detective, were so successful for Tucker that he became a $20-million-a-movie man, placing him in the ranks of other top draws such as Tom Cruise and Will Smith. He earned a reported $25 million for “Rush Hour 3” in 2007.

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