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November 17, 2008
E-mail a friendYOUNG VOICES
Remembering Bernie Mac
As we all were, I was shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Bernie Mac. The veteran comedian and actor was only 50, and while he had already achieved an incredible amount in his lifetime, it is tragic to consider that he will no longer be around to inspire us, entertain us and make us laugh.
I had the privilege to meet Mr. Mac once, briefly, on the set of The Bernie Mac Show in Los Angeles. Even in that short meeting, I was impressed by his huge presence, his humility and his openness. He seemed like a really good guy. This impression was only reinforced by his appearance on Tavis' program last year.
It's hard not to get a bit choked up reading the transcript again now. He was truly a self-made man, and his story is an inspiration to anyone short on resources and long on motivation. Like Sidney Poitier, who Mac names as a personal hero, Bernie Mac took lemons and made lemonade, distinguishing himself through talent, hard work, and unfaltering commitment to achieving his dreams. His obituary in the New York Times describes a life of struggle and hardship, from which Mac emerged wealthy, successful, admired and famous.
Perhaps the best way to close this post is with a word from the man himself. Back in June 2007 on The Tavis Smiley Show, Mac told a story he was fond of about his decision to become a comedian. It says much about who he was, and gives us only more cause for sadness in the wake of his tragic death.
Bernie Mac, you will be missed.