Isaac Hayes died of a stroke; ‘Soul Men’ with Hayes & Bernie Mac could be delayed


Soul Men features Isaac Hayes, Bernie Mac and Samuel L. Jackson
Isaac Hayes’ cause of death has been released, after he was found lying next to a treadmill. He died from a stroke.

The deep-voiced soul singer died on Sunday after he was found unconscious at his Memphis residence. No autopsy was performed, but paperwork filed by Hayes’ family physician, Dr. David Kraus, lists the cause of death as a stroke, sheriff’s spokesman Steve Shular said.

Deputies were among the emergency crews that responded, and sheriff’s department detectives were looking into the death. Kraus told investigators that he had been treating Hayes, 65, for high blood pressure, Shular said.

Family members found Hayes lying on the floor of his home beside a treadmill that was still switched on.

AP via New Zealand Herald

This makes me sad all over again, that he was obviously trying to improve his health by using a treadmill and seeing a doctor for blood pressure, and it was too late.

An idea I rather like, some websites are suggesting that Dimension are considering putting back the release of Soul Men, as the storyline deals with death and the film features both Isaac Hayes and Bernie Mac.

Warning: plot details, potential spoilers for Soul Men ahead

Death is a big subject in the film. The entire plot of the movie revolves around Mac and Jackson eulogizing the death of their friend with music, only now two members of the film’s actual cast really are dead. Three days ago it sounded like a fantastic idea for a film, especially in light of the way Sam Jackson belted out blues tunes in Black Snake Moan. Now, it seems almost too sad to watch. Buying a ticket to Soul Men could end up feeling like you’re purchasing a seat at someone’s funeral.

The movie doesn’t open until November 14th, so that does give the world a little time to grieve for its tragically departed stars. Still, don’t be surprised if Dimension Films decides to delay it a little more, maybe even until next year. November 14th may be too soon, particularly in light of the subject matter.

Cinema Blend

It is so great that the movie will be put back instead of any attempt to cash in on the death of the actors. Particularly in the case of Hayes who is playing himself. This is a very kind and human thing to do, since releasing the film right after the deaths of the actors could generate more ticket sales. Even if it isn’t good business.

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12 Responses to “Isaac Hayes died of a stroke; ‘Soul Men’ with Hayes & Bernie Mac could be delayed”

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  1. K8 says:

    That is an awesome picture of the three of them. Isaac and Bernie will deeply be missed

  2. Snowblood says:

    That IS an awesome picture, and look who else is with them, Samuel L. Jackson – now there’s a talent trinity right there.

    I’m glad they’re pushing back the release, anyway if they didn’t, they know there’d be such a hue & cry of complaints from people, families and so forth, that they wouldn’t dare.

  3. Kevin says:

    No autopsy but family doctor said it was a stroke…Hmmmm.

  4. Roma says:

    Kevin, in most cases like this autopsies are not performed. No need to “hmmmm” about it.

  5. Kevin says:

    Too late Roma, the Hmmmm is outa the bag.

  6. geronimo says:

    Kev, please expand on the Hmmmmm. I’m intrigued.

  7. Kevin says:

    There really wasn’t anything to it in my knowledge G. He was an older gent so anything could happen. Just seems like a stroke wouldn’t have any outward signs so how could his doctor just pull stroke out of the air. I’m not real medically knowledgeabe so who knows. Wish I had more for ya, but I already been deleted once today so I gots to tread lightly.

  8. KateNonymous says:

    “Just seems like a stroke wouldn’t have any outward signs”

    How about this, Kevin? He had a doctor, and maybe he was at high risk for stroke. That would make it a likely cause of death, not something pulled “out of the air.”

  9. geronimo says:

    Oh well, no matter. Maybe it was the slightly ‘not allowed to speculate here because it’s Isaac Hayes’ vibe which sparked my interest. Although of course I could have read that completely wrong. Stroke it is.

  10. KateNonymous says:

    I have no idea what it was. But if he had high blood pressure, it’s entirely possible it was a stroke. Speculate away, but…why?

  11. geronimo says:

    My comment, clearly, was to Kev, kateN.

  12. KateNonymous says:

    My comment, clearly, was a follow-up to the one I made earlier.