Saying Goodbye To The Mac Man
Thousands of people gathered today in Chicago at a memorial service to say goodbye to funnyman, Bernie Mac. Some who attended slept outside last night to ensure they would get a seat and some arrived in chartered school buses.
The remaining three ”Original Kings of Comedy”, Steve Harvey, Cedric The Entertainer and D.L Hughley, brought the house down as they broke down in tears. Even as they cried they were able to tell jokes and make the crowd to laugh.
“This dude is a very popular guy,” Cedric said, “You know y’all were like `let me get four tickets to the funeral!’ He’s still the hottest ticket in town.”
Hughley remarking about Mac’s style of dressing said, “Bernie would wear colors that crayon hadn’t even invented.”
Chris Rock and Samuel L. Jackson, who appeared in Mac’s last movie, Soul Men, both gave emotional speeches. Jackson said, “He never turned that kid down for an autograph. He always had time to shake a hand. He was always that kid from Chicago who wanted to make everybody happy and everybody laugh.”
The White Sox organization delivered a #1 jersey with Mac’s name on it to his widow, Rhonda.
Rev. Jesse Jackson said “Bernie Mac is a serious funnyman” who loved his family and cared about the tomorrow’s youth.
“Between birth and death is a dash,” Jackson said. “But between that dash between birth and death, he made a statement.”
Barack Obama could not make the service but sent a statement saying, “Michelle and I were so deeply sad to hear about your loss. … He … (made) us laugh and laugh hard. Bernie Mac will be sorely missed.”
Tribute was also paid to Isaac Hayes who died the day after Mac. Pictures of Mac and footage from his career was shown with Hayes music playing.
America, one thing is for sure, there’ll never be another Bernie Mac. To view a video and photo gallery from the service by following the links below.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/video/?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=2809584
http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/people/1111559,081608bmacg.photogallery
Sources: Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun Times
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