Friends and family of late comedian Bernie Mac, who died on August 9 from complications due to pneumonia, came stunned to celebrate his life at a memorial service held at Chicago's House of Hope on Saturday. Along with his fellowship, his fellow "Kings of Comedy" � Cedric the Entertainer, Steve Harvey and D.L. Hughley � shared their darling memories of the 50-year-old.
Although it was a sad occasion, the Chicago Tribune reported that Cedric the Entertainer made sure the event was also as funny as the man himself. "This dude is a identical, very popular guy," he told the mourners. "You know y'all were like, 'Let me get four-spot tickets to the funeral!' He's still the hottest ticket in town!"
The Tribune described the four-hour-long memorial table service as part comedy bear witness and part church service of process. A common sense of red was as well felt for Isaac Hayes, who passed away the same weekend as Mac and was also remembered in a video tribute for the comedian.
There was no dearth of kind words for the TV and flick star. "Bernie always aforementioned that he walked only. I don't think that he was alone. I think he was walk with Jesus. I'll see you shortly, Bernie," Steve Harvey told the push, before jocular, "Well, I don't want to check you too soon."
Among the 7,000 mourners were other of Mac's Hollywood friends, including his "Soul Men" co-star Samuel L. Jackson, as well as Don Cheadle, Chris Rock, Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and Reverend Jesse Jackson. Although they weren't in attendance, Oprah Winfrey, "Ocean's Eleven" co-star Andy Garcia and Senator Barack Obama sent their condolences to Mac's married woman, Rhonda, and daughter, Je'Niece.
"Michelle and I were so deeply deplorable to try about your loss. ... He ... [made] us laugh and laugh hard," read the statement from Obama, whose campaign had recently rebuked Mac for joking more or less infidelity, change of life and vehemence at a July fundraiser. But in the statement, Obama admired Mac for saying what others couldn't, adding, "Bernie Mac volition be painfully missed."
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