Christopher Tucker began his film career as "Smokey" in Friday along-side rapper/actor Ice Cube. Next, in 1998, he starred in Rush Hour, as Detective James Carter, with martial arts expert/actor, Jackie Chan, making over $20 million himself.Then, in 2000, his son, Destin Christopher Tucker, was born, which I believe is most likely the reason for his leave of absence. Although later, in 2001 he starred in Rush Hour 2, but not until 2007 was he in another movie(Rush Hour 3).

I personally believe he was just relaxing after he had made the title of being a member in the unofficial "$20 million in one movie club" and having a newborn son. He just didn't need to act anymore, it may come as a surprise but before Rush Hour he had already been in 7 other movies. Reasonably his family is more important to him, along with the fact that he made as much money as Brad Pitt or Will Smith makes in one movie, and perhaps he felt he had enough acting under his belt. Everyone needs a vacation.