Bernie Mac Funeral (Photos)
Actor and comedian Bernie Mac was laid to rest today. A public funeral was held at Chicago’s House of Hope Church where family members, friends and thousands of fans gathered to say goodbye to a good man.
Mac told The New York Times in 2001:
“The success of my comedy has been not being afraid to touch on subject matter or issues that everyone else is politically scared of–it’s a joke believe me. I’m not trying to hurt anybody.”
The day was somber and many celebrities paid their respects to Bernie. Actor Chris Rock, Rev. Jesse Jackson and Samuel L. Jackson were a few of the stars to give emotional tributes at the funeral.
Mac, 50, died a week ago of complications related to pneumonia. Several prominent celebrities sent letters of condolence, including Oprah Winfrey, Senator Barack Obama and Andy Garcia. Actor and stand-up comedian D.L. Hughley joked about Mac’s well known taste in clothes. He said, “Bernie would wear colors that Crayola hadn’t even invented.”
The church seated 10,000 and many fans waited for hours, some overnight trying to get a seat. Chicago mayor Richard Daley praised Bernie’s efforts to make the streets safe for the cities kids. He said, “Bernie wanted to do something personally to get children away from the life of violence. He had a heart and passion….that’s why as the king of comedy, he never lost his soul in Chicago.”
More Photos Below - including four from memorial service.
Photos: WENN
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Filed under: Celebrities
What a fine rep of our city! A great man who will be sorely missed.
BERNIE MAC WAS ONR OF THE BEST COMEDANS OF ALL TIMES, IN MY BOOK BETTER THAN THE OLD ONES. I MEAN BETTER THAN RICHARD PRYOR,AND THOSE GUY’S OF THAT ERA. BERNIE WAS IN MY ERA OS TIMHE WILL SURELY BE MISSED. SLEEP ON BROTHER BERNIE, ILOVE YOU,BUT GO LOVES YOU BEST
Bernie Mac will be missed by all. His show was entertaining. It was a family show. God bless you, Bernie. You will be missed. R.I.P.. He’s making God laugh now with his humor!
Bernie mac was one of a billion. He was one of the worlds most funnest African American men alive. H e always made me laugh through out any movie that he did. I really like him in the kings of comedy. He will be dearly missed by everyone who loved him. I give my deepest regrets to his family.
Bernie Mac since I never got to see you on earth, I feel I will see you in Heaven. “Luv you Bernie Mac”