Samuel L. Jackson and Bernie Mac were friends long before they starred in Soul Men together. Bernie Mac passed away in August, just after the movie was finished, so Jackson is having to promote the movie alone. Samuel is finding it difficult to make the rounds without his friend, but he has alot of great memories about him, too.
“We used to talk about blowing up and being famous and doing all this stuff and all of that,” said Jackson. “Then, when he got famous, he was here in L.A., and I never saw him because he was too busy doing his TV show every day. I didn’t go by and bother him, but I would run into him at functions, and we got to get together.”
The end of “Soul Men” features a dedication to Mac and Isaac Hayes—”two real soul men.” The singer, who died in August after suffering a stroke, appears in the film as himself. Among the footage is Mac cracking up extras with an impromptu standup routine and an interview with Mac discussing his career in which the comedian says he cherishes “each doggone moment” of his life.
Bernie Mac had one of the most positive outlooks on life I’d ever seen. Just as amazing, I never heard a single negative comment about him from anyone who knew or worked with him. It was quite the opposite, in fact, people raved about working with him. That’s rare in Hollywood. I wasn’t a huge fan but I certainly appreciated the joy he always seemed to have for life. He certainly had profound effects on the people who knew him.
“I haven’t quite processed that Bernie is gone,” said “Soul Men” director Malcolm D. Lee. “I see the movie. I know in my head that he is gone, but it will probably hit me most at the premiere when everyone is around. Right now, I have just been concentrating on making the best film possible on top of that paying homage to him and Isaac (Hayes) at the end of the movie. When it’s all finished and said and done, and I get it out to the public, I think that’s when I will realize he is gone.”
[From Breitbart]
Every time I see an TV ad for Soul Men, and how animated and vibrant Bernie Mac is, for a minute, I don’t remember he’s gone, either. Jackson is keeping his memory alive and laughing in interviews, though, and that’s the best tribute a friend can give.
Soul Men is out in the US today. Here’s the trailer. It looks really funny.
And here are stills from the film, thanks to Allmoviephoto.
Bernie Mac, Isaac Hayes and Samuel L Jackson in a still from Soul Men, which is due out next year
Co-stars Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes, who passed away the same weekend, were both honored in separate memorial services this weekend attended by family, friends, and a multitude of celebrities. Singer Isaac Hayes was remembered in a public service in Memphis, Tennessee on Saturday, where a wide array of celebs were in attendance, from Jesse Jackson, who knew Hayes through his civil rights activism, to fellow Scientologist Kelly Preston. There was also a private service on Sunday, which was attended by Denzel Washington and Tom Cruise.
The weight of soul singer Isaac Hayes’ legacy in Memphis could be measured in a single remark at his memorial service Monday.
“What would you say if you were flying into Memphis and they said you are about to land at Isaac Hayes International Airport,” U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen asked, drawing a huge burst of applause during a four-hour service of music, speakers and video clips.
Cohen, who represented Hayes’ area of Memphis, said the city should celebrate Hayes, an architect of the Memphis sound, as it celebrates Elvis Presley.
“He is a world person who the world will miss,” Cohen said.
The deep-voiced soul singer died Aug. 10 after he was found unconscious at his Memphis residence. No autopsy was performed, but paperwork filed by Hayes’ family doctor, David Kraus, lists the cause of death as a stroke.
About 3,000 fans and friends attended the service. They remembered Hayes for his music and his movies and for his humanitarian work that included building a school in Ghana.
“He was a lovely man, always involved with causes,” the Rev. Jesse Jackson said before the service. “Literacy, civil rights. He was always there, and that’s why we’re all here for him.”
Jackson was among the speakers that included Al Sharpton and actresses and fellow scientologists Anne Archer and Kelly Preston.
Meanwhile, movie and TV actor/stand-up comedian Bernie Mac’s memorial service in Chicago brought thousands of fans, friends and co-stars as well. Jesse Jackson must be racking up the frequent flyer miles, because he attended this service, too. Other mourners included Chris Rock and Cedric the Entertainer, who was reportedly inconsolable at the loss of his Kings of Comedy comrade.
Thousands of mourners came out for a Chicago memorial service honoring Bernie Mac Saturday.
Some fans slept outside overnight in hopes of securing a seat inside the House of Hope church on the city’s South Side, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Chris Rock, Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer and Rev. Jesse Jackson attended the emotional service, in which photos from the comedian’s career were shown on projectors and the White Sox organization presented Mac’s widow Rhonda with a No. 1 jersey bearing his name, the paper reports.
Oprah Winfrey, Barack Obama and Andy Garcia also sent condolences.
During the service, Mayor Richard Daley remembered Mac as someone with “a heart and passion.” Daley, who met with Mac a few weeks ago, added: “He knew the street, he knew the people, and that’s why he was a king of comedy. He wanted to do something personally to get children away from the life of violence. . . . He never lost his soul in Chicago.”
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.
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.
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.
People Magazine has more details about Bernie Mac’s death, and they’re heartbreaking. The 50 year-old comic had been in the hospital since July 24 for treatment for pneumonia. He developed the illness due to a new drug he was on to treat his chronic autoimmune disorder, sarcoidosis. The drug suppressed his immune system, which made him vulnerable and resulted in pneumonia. He was put on a ventilator in the hospital and was unable to talk and had trouble breathing. Mac died in a Chicago hospital on Saturday after his heart failed twice. When his heart failed the first time he was revived by doctors and survived for about an hour until he went into cardiac arrest again and passed. His wife of 31 years and his daughter, Je’Niece, 30, were by his side when he died.
The sad thing is that he was cured of one strain of pneumonia but developed another strain in the hospital. He was unable to speak during his hospitalization, but did communicate nonverbally with his wife.
Speaking of a heartbreaking moment between her younger sister, Rhonda, and the 50-year-old actor-comedian – who succumbed to complications from pneumonia in a Chicago hospital at 2 a.m. Saturday – Mary Ann Grossett says that the night before Mac died, “He struggled for his life. He couldn’t breathe.
“He opened his eyes on his own and looked at Rhonda. She called his name, and he opened his eyes and nodded to her. She smiled at him and told him, ‘Don’t leave me … ‘I’m waiting for you to come back.’ He shrugged his shoulders, and she said that’s when she knew he was tired. He signaled to her that his body was tired.”
Rhonda, Mac’s wife since 1977, and their 30-year-old daughter, Je’Niece, 30, were with him when he died. “[The doctors] were working on him,” says Grossett. “They tried to resuscitate him two times. One time he came back for about an hour. Then he went into cardiac arrest the second time.”
Prior to that, the couple had last communicated on July 31. “He told his wife [non-verbally] that he could breathe on his own, and he wanted the ventilator out. He motioned that he wanted it out,” says Grossett.
Lung Disease Contributed
The sister-in-law says Mac’s inflammatory lung disease contributed to his death. “He had sarcoidosis, but it was in remission,” she says. “But because he had it, his immune system was compromised. He had an infection … He was on a new medication that suppresses the immune system, and that’s where the pneumonia came from.”
She reveals that Mac – having trouble breathing and running a fever – was actually hospitalized on July 24, eight days before the date given for his admittance. The actor was diagnosed with pneumonia and immediately placed on a ventilator.
“He was critically ill when he was in the hospital,” says Gossett. “He was in intensive care the whole time.”
She adds that doctors kept the star sedated, although he was conscious at times and he contracted a second strain of pneumonia while in the hospital.
People has more quotes from Mac’s sister in law, Mary Ann Grossett, and she says her sister met the funnyman when they were both just teens and that he told her “Girl, you better come on board this train, because I’m going to be rich.” Mary Ann says that her sister Rhonda will get through the incredible loss of her husband of over 30 years through her faith in God. She said “Not only was she his wife, but she was his best friend. She’s going to miss him dearly.”
Mac’s friends and co-stars have given their respects and regrets at his untimely death. Brad Pitt, George Clooney, and Chris Rock are among the celebrities who have issued statements. I especially like Carl Reiner’s description of how Mac used to cook for his co-workers on the Oceans films.
Brad Pitt: “I lament the loss of a ferociously funny and hardcore family man. My thoughts are with [his wife] Rhonda and their family. Bernie Mac, you are already missed.”
George Clooney: “The world just got a little less funny. He will be dearly missed.”
Chris Rock: “Bernie Mac was one of the best and funniest comedians to ever live, but that was the second best thing he did. Bernie was one of the greatest friends a person could have. Losing him is like losing 12 people because he absolutely filled up any room he was in. I’m gonna miss the Mac Man.”
Cedric the Entertainer: “It’s hard to put into words just how I feel and what a painful loss this is. Bernie was a brother, a friend and one of the comic masters of our time. Sharing the marquee with him during the phenomenon of the Kings of Comedy tour bonded us like family, and created a unique moment in comic history marking some of the most meaningful, memorable and fun times of our lives. His comedic approach was his own brand and will definitely stand the test of time. The level of his talent always inspired me and other comedians to ‘bring their A-game.’ I promise you that you never wanted to be the guy who had to follow Bernie’s set! As a husband and father, he was THE MAN and my thoughts and prayers are with his family. He will truly be missed, but so well remembered.”
Don Cheadle: “This is a very sad day for many of us who knew and loved Bernie. He brought so much joy to so many. He will be missed, but heaven just got funnier.”
Ocean’s Eleven costar Carl Reiner: “It’s a tremendous loss because of his age and the fact that he was such a vital, original human being. When I use the word ‘original’ I really mean it. He was like no other person I knew. He lived his life to the fullest, even when we were on the set of Ocean’s. He had his own little apartment and he cooked and invited people to lunch every day and he had food that was for everybody. He made very exotic things. His conversations were always different than any conversations I had with anyone else. They were very family-oriented; he talked about his wife and children with such love and it’s very hard to believe that he’s not with us anymore.”
Actress/comedienne Niecy Nash, who played Mac’s little sister on the hit television series The Bernie Mac Show and acted opposite him in the 2005 film Guess Who, said this about her friend and mentor: “His passing is such a major loss to the acting and comedy communities. Bernie Mac was the personification of the word ‘real.’ He kept it real. That kind of genuine spirit that he carried all the time cannot be easily duplicated, but I will do my very best to try.”
Jenifer Lewis: ”Bernie’s style of comedy was bold, courageous and revolutionary—I never knew anyone who loved to be funny as much as Bernie. He will most definitely be very missed.”
Samuel L. Jackson, Mac’s costar in the November 2008 flick Soul Men: “It goes without saying that Bernie was one of the preeminent comedians of our generation. He was also an attentive husband, a great father and loving grandfather. I feel blessed to have shared years of friendship with Bernie Mac and I’m honored to have finally costarred with him in what I consider to be his finest cinematic acting achievement. My sincere prayer is that his family will be comforted by the warmth of love from all of us who knew and respected this man.”
Bernie Mac was an incredibly talented and funny guy who cherished his family and worked hard for his success. He will be greatly missed.
Here’s Bernie Mac in the Kings of Comedy talking about how it’s a bother to have sex. This has a lot of f-bombs and adult content and is NSFW or for kids, but it’s damn funny:
Here are file photos of Bernie, thanks to PRPhotos.
Bernie Mac has passed away at the age of 50 from complications from pneumonia. The comedian and actor died at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago early Saturday morning:
Bernie Mac, the Emmy and Golden Globe nominated actor and comedian who worked his way to Hollywood success from an impoverished upbringing on Chicago’s South Side, died Saturday at age 50.
“Actor/comedian Bernie Mac passed away this morning from complications due to pneumonia in a Chicago area hospital,” his publicist, Danica Smith, said in a statement from Los Angeles.
She said no other details were available and asked that his family’s privacy be respected.
Mac started his career as a stand up comedian over 30 years ago. He went on to his own sitcom on Fox, The Bernie Mac Show, in 2001, and featured roles in films such as Ocean’s 11, and Charlie’s Angels. Mac planned to retire after he finished work on his film The Whole Truth, Nothing but the Truth, So Help Me Mac. He told David Letterman last year that he wanted to focus on producing and spending time with his family and that “I want to enjoy my life a little bit. I missed a lot of things, you know.”
Mac is survived by his wife of 31 years, Rhonda McCullough, and their daughter Je’Niece, 30.
It was incorrectly reported last week that Mac had passed. His rep said that he was responding well to treatment at that time, and that the reports were inaccurate. Mac was a long time sufferer of sarcoidosis, an auto-immune disorder that causes inflammation in the organs and can affect the lungs.
Our thoughts go out to his family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time.
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