Martin Lawrence Reveals Why He Turned Down The Opportunity To Co-Star Alongside Jackie Chan In ‘Rush Hour’ (WATCH)
Martin Lawrence is making a “true confession” to fans and revealing that he was once asked to star alongside Jackie Chan in the 1998 film, ‘Rush Hour.’ Additionally, the actor is sharing why he turned the opportunity down.
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Martin Lawrence Opens Up About ‘Rush Hour’ Offer & Why He Declined
According to PEOPLE, Lawrence and fellow actor Will Smith appeared on an episode of ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’ on Tuesday, June 4.
Subsequently, a clip from the show, where the pair played a game of “True Confessions,” was released via YouTube.
The game requires participants to choose between two envelopes, open the one they pick, and read the “confession” out loud. The other contestant must then determine whether the statement is true or false.
Lawrence kicked off the game by opening one of his envelopes, which read:
“Jackie Chan asked me to star in ‘Rush Hour’ with him, but I turned it down.”
In response, Smith began to deliberate as he humorously stated, “Jackie Chan likes Black people.” Afterward, the actor attempted to pry Lawrence for more information about Chan’s alleged request.
While giving into Smith’s attempt to unearth more clues about whether the statement was true or false, Lawrence said he and Chan allegedly met for dinner to discuss the request. Additionally, Lawrence alleged that he turned Chan’s offer down because it “wasn’t enough money.”
Fallon initially called cap on Lawrence’s claim. However, Smith believed his fellow ‘Bad Boy’ actor.
“It’s true,” Lawrence told the pair, as Fallon appeared shocked.
The Actor Shared How He Reacted After Seeing The Film’s Success
As the conversation continued, the host asked Lawrence if he got scared after turning down the role and seeing it go on to become a “giant hit.” PEOPLE reports that the film became the ninth highest-grossing movie domestically that year and sparked two sequels.
Lawrence said he wasn’t fazed.
“No, no, no,” the actor replied, before adding. “I was happy for Chris [Tucker]. That’s what it was supposed to be. Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan – and they brought a beautiful franchise with ‘Rush Hour.’”
Martin Lawrence Recently Addressed Rumors About His Health
As The Shade Room previously reported, Lawrence recently set the record straight on his health while appearing as a guest on Hot 97. The 59-year-old told fans that despite what they believe, he’s doing “fine.”
“I’m fine,” he explained. “I’m in God’s hands. I’m blessed, you know. I’m glad to be waking up every day and everything — [there’s] no need for people to be concerned.”
Additionally, Lawrence told fans that he’s “healthy as hell.”
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