The Humor Mill Magazine

Volume 3 Issue 13 August 24 -August 30, 2008

Bernard Jeffrey Jeffrey McCollough McCollough Bernard Oct 5, 5, 1957 1957 – – Aug Aug 9, 9, 2008 2008 Oct

Staff

Founder / Publisher Frank Holder Chief Financial Officer Kevin Layne Editor-At- Large Sacre Wills Layout, Design & Graphic Art Editor Bernadette Holder PresidentTelevision Division Ray Murphy, Jr. TV Segment Producer Harlan Endelman Sr. Fashion Editor Melinda Brown Fashion Editor Marc Littlejohn Columnists Tony Spires David Arnold Jackie Fabulous Rodney Perry Joey Wells Publicist Jackie Thomas Movie Reviews Aarona Browning PhotographersThis Issue Frank Holder Jamil Halloway Kevin Campbell Head Shots-Wire Image Photos The content of this Magazine is copy written (2007-’08) by The Humor Mill Magazine, DBA Holder Publishing, LLC. and may not be reprinted or retransmitted or reproduced without proper credit given to its origin.

www.humormillmag.com www.youtube.com/TheHumorMilll www.myspace.com/humormillcomedynewsletter

Special Thanks This Issue Bernie Mac Chuck Gueno Ocean Mika Michelle Phil Sanchez Patrick McKenzie Dee Dee Kelly Crystal Marie Bob Sumner James Dubose Nya Johnson Lamont Ferrell Tagan Lee Toi Crawford Toi Troutman Brian While Joe Torry Joe Clair Chris Spencer Jeru Tillman Melanie Comarcho Walther Latham Yulonda Smith Don DC Curry Bill Bellamy Gary Sturgis Miguel A Nunez, Jr. Camille Winbush Kel Mitchell Alex Thomas Affion Crockett Niecy Nash Louis Faranda Starbucks (in Hollywood)

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Credits

Contents Comedy News

Eddie Murphy makes the news yet again with his latest film project, plus the latest news from Cedric The Entertainer, and news about Kym Whitley on her love cruise with her brother. We also have some statements from so very close friends of the late, great, Bernie Mac.

Urban Hollywood

We have some news from a comedian who is about to jump into a major movie blockbuster next year, plus the latest news from the new ATeam film and who might get the coveted role of Mr. T’s, and the rumors about the new Fast and The Furious project and who is going to return.

Bernie Mac~ A King’s Gone

We the passing of Bernie Mac, we take a look at the career of one of The Original Kings Of Comedy. We examine his career, his life as a family man and most importantly his impact in the comedy communityand not to mention what he did in Hollywood, and what he meant to so many people.

Departments Humor Mail

As usual, here are some of the letters and emails we have gotten from you in the last couple of weeks. Take a look at some of the reader’s thoughts and see if some of them mirror your own.

Star Spotlight~ Tyra Ferrell

By Jackie Fabulous

From one of the hottest black actresses in Hollywood in the late 90’s to today, we look at the career of Tyra Ferrell and we examine her films. Plus we look at some projects that she might be featured in.

Stand Up!

By Sydney Castillo

Our writer this week gives you all of the trial and tribulations of being a comedian trying to make it in Hollywood. Want to know how hard it is in the comedy game? Read this article and hear his venom.

Comedian Ocean Glapion and actress / model Mika Michelle featured in our Style With… section. Photo: Patrick McKenzie

Departments Comedian Of The Week~ One On One With…

Damon Rozier

One of the greatest stories never told is right here with this week's featured comedian, Damon Rozier. After being in a horrific accident that robbed him with his ability to walk, Rozier turned to comedy to not only make those around him laugh, but to try his hand in something new.

Style With…

Ocean Glapion We introduce you Ocean Glapion and what this comedian is all about right here.

All Hail The King

By Rodney Perry

From Bernie Mac’s career early on to his last days, our writer takes you on a journey that the Mac Man traveled. His career from before the Original Kings Of Comedy to his latest film Soul Men, to one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, we take that look into what made him the superstar of Comedy.

Comedian Loni Love during her hosting gig at The Comedy Union in Los Angeles. Photo: Frank Holder.

Columns Thanks Bernie

By Joey Wells

Another look at the career of Bernie Mac from a comedian who never had the chance to meet the Mac Man, to his emotions on the day he heard the news of his passing.

Our Favorite Black Sitcoms Part Two

By Lamont Ferrell

Continuing on with last issue, we are preparing you, our reader, for something special we have planned in the very near future, and to do this, we give you a continuation of our alphabetical listing of the history of Black sitcoms on TV. Make sure you check out our list as we give you something to think about!

Comedian K-Dubb performing live on stage at the world famous Uptown Comedy Club in Atlanta.

Photo: Jamil Halloway

Departments The Stuff Legends Are Made Of

By Tony Spires The Comedy Doctor

The Comedy Doctor reflects on the life of Bernie Mac, well before the Kings of Comedy. We take an insightful look at the times that shaped him into being the man and comedian he eventually turned out to be, and we hear from a comedian from Chicago on what Bernie meant early on in his career.

Movie Review

By Aarona Browning

In keeping with the theme of our Bernie Mac issue, our reporter gives us a review on the latest films from the Mac Man, and what they were all about.

Comedian Tony Roberts performing on stage at the Tribute to Bernie Mac at The Comedy Store hosted by Chris Spencer in Hollywood.

Photo: Frank Holder.

Editor’s Page To All Of Our Readers, I don’t know about any of you, but I think I was more shocked than anyone to hear about Bernie Mac’s passing. As many of you know, there was a vicious rumor (at the time) that Bernie had passed. It was so bad that I had to put out a quick story saying that it was just a rumor. Then I had to investigate where the rumor started from. When I did that, I discovered that Bernie was actually sick and in a coma, and had been in and out of it for days. Bernie was on machines keeping him breathing. When I asked several of his family members about this, they said it was “temporary, and to pray for his better health.” Well, several days after this conversation, and a couple of more phone calls, I get a call at 4 AM on Saturday saying that Bernie Mac had passed during the night.

Looking back on his life and his career, many people have said that he was truly one of the best people you could ever meet, and he was truly a genuine person. I am willing to bet that fact was probably the truest statement made about him.

When a person passes away, the mark of their life can only be what they leave behind. What Bernie left was truly great because people will always remember him, and to simply put it, he made history. Some of that was HIS STORY, and the rest was history that will forever mark a spot in what he meant to Black comedians and comedy in general. That’s how I am sure he wanted to be remembered and loved, as a man who made history and did it his way. We can reflect on it as a story that can be told and not soon forgotten. Bernie Mac, rest in peace.

Frank Holder Publisher Humor Mill Magazine

The Billboard sign outside the Comedy Store during the Tribute to Bernie Mac hosted by Chris Spencer in Hollywood.

Photo: Frank Holder.

Mail Humor Mill; Wow, Kel Mitchell never looked, so….so… Good! Way to go Humor Mill! Love what you guys are doing over there, and I look forward to more of your issues!

Gwen Chelsent Baltimore, MD Ed. NOTE: Yeah, we decided to let everyone in on the latest from Kel, while showing everyone what he’s looking like now.

Humor Mill: Ok, I heard that Bernie Mac was not dead from you guys, but that he was very sick. I had no idea he was even sick. Of course, later on that week the news eventually broke that he was sick and that he had passed away.

Once again, your magazine is in the forefront of everyone else. Bernie, RIP you will be forever missed.

Katrina Delano Chicago, Il. Ed. NOTE: Sorry to say we were on that story, but we do wish that things had turned out different. Bernie Mac will be missed by many people including the folks who were touched by his brilliance and his presence. We miss him already.

Comedian Smokey before his performance behind the scenes at the taping of the new season of Comic View: One Mic Stand Hosted by Kevin Hart, in Hollywood. Photo: Frank Holder.

Mail The Humor Mill: Great issue! I loved your pictorial on Kel Mitchell! Boy, he never looked so good! Oh yeah, keep the scoops coming! I love reading your Mag! Really, VIBE has a lot to learn from you guys!

Thomas Wheeler Salem, UTAH The Humor Mill: I have been seeing this email come to my email junk box for months and I finally decided to open it up. I have never seen anything like this! It opened and the pages flipped! So hot! Then I went through some of the past issues and I was surprised to see some video and movie trailers in the pages. Humor Mill, keep on pushin’ cause you are on the tip of greatness!

Moe B Braithwaite Fort Eustas, VA Ed. NOTE: Thanks for the compliments, and please spread the word to all of your friends because we are about to make some noise!

The Humor Mill; I am a new reader, and I am still undecided if I like your style of a magazine, but I do like the way the pages flip. After my review, I still think there are a lot of comics you are missing.

Comedian B-Phlat after her performance taping of the new season of Comic View: One Mic Stand in Hollywood.

Photo: Kevin Campbell.

UNKNOWN Ed. NOTE: Maybe, but everyone can’t fit in one issue.

Mail The Humor Mill: BET is bringing back Comic View? I think that is a HUGE mistake by them. The last couple of seasons were horrible. They should be giving some new writers a chance at some new shows instead of putting out the same thing and trying to make it work, especially when it has proven to fail.

Nicola, Montgomery New Orleans, Louisiana Ed NOTE: We can’t say what BET is going to do, all we can do is report the news.

However, after being at the taping of the new season of Comic View: One Mic Stand, we can say that you are in for a pleasant surprise. The talent attached is better than it has been and the comedy will surprise you.

AND Kevin Hart looks like he is going to be a great host! But let’s see the final product, right?

Host Kevin Hart behind the scenes at the taping of the new season of Comic View: One Mic Stand in Hollywood. Photo: Kevin Campbell.

Vanessa Fraction and Bobo Comedians Red Grant, Just Jay, JoeComedians Torry, andTommy SmokeyChunn, at the taping of the new season of Lamb at the taping of the new season of Comic View: One Comic View: One Mic Stand Hosted by Kevin Hart, in Hollywood.

Photo: Frank Holder.

Mic Stand in Hollywood. Photo: Kevin Campbell.

Mail The Humor Mill Magazine; When is The Humor Mill Magazine going to be in print? I have trouble reading it on my computer.

Teddy DuBournay Pittsburg, PA Ed. NOTE: We are in print in some areas, and we are seriously considering launching in every major city.

We just are trying to take a good look at it before we make that jump. After all, we want to be here in the future!

Humor Mill Magazine; I love reading this magazine because of the scoops you guys seem to get. Sometimes you don’t get me the news first, but most of the time you are way ahead of everyone else! You need your own TV Show!

Mike Green Long Island, NY Ed. NOTE: Thanks , and try to do what we do. Please remember to spread the HUMOR! Now, don’t say that too loud! We are trying to get that TV Show on the air now.

Humor Mill Magazine; What’s the deal with Cedric The Entertainer on Broadway?

Unknown ED. NOTE: See the Comedy news…

Comedic actress Lunelle behind the scenes at the taping of the new season of Comic View: One Mic Stand in Hollywood. Photo: Kevin Campbell.

Mail The Humor Mill Magazine; A comedy magazine, and it looks like its going to be here for a while. What ever you do at the Humor Mill, please don’t stop! There are sooooo many magazines that start and then after a couple of issues are gone.

Tasha Smith Lubbock, TX Ed. NOTE: All we can say is we are trying our best, after all we have been around for about 4 years and counting.

The Humor Mill Magazine; Personally I had to write because I have been reading your magazine and I am NOT a fan, like it seems everyone else is. I think you should focus on the real stars instead of those fake comedians who are not funny. I have watched 1st Amendment, Comic View, Def Comedy Jam and all the rest. I am so sick of the sex jokes and the degrading of women I cant take it anymore, and now another magazine pops up to glorify this culture.

Comedian Esau McGraw after an episode taping of the new season of Comic View: One Mic Stand in Hollywood. Photo: Kevin Campbell.

UNKNOWN Ed NOTE: I don’t even think we should respond to this, but we will say this; what are you reading? We don’t glorify anything. Do you work for FOX or something?

CORRECTIONS FROM LAST ISSUE! Ok, we spelled the name of Kel Mitchell’s new movie wrong. It should have been spelled Chicago Pulanski Jones. Besides the minor typos we had, there we really too many to name. ☺ Hey, what can we say? We are doing the best that we can.

Anyway, If you want to send us an email about the articles or your thoughts, all you have to do is send us an email to info@humormillmag.com for all of your comments. Some of these emails and other correspondence may be printed right here in these pages!

Comedian Skillz during a taping of an episode taping of the new season of Comic View: One Mic Stand in Hollywood. Photo: Kevin Campbell.

Mail To The Humor Mill; I keep seeing you write about comedians and their upcoming albums, but I don’t see them anywhere? Who’s up next and where can we get some of these albums? And are they hip hop albums or comedy albums?

Danny Abbott Springfield MA ED NOTE: We know for sure Katt Williams has a comedy and hip hop album (with some stand up skits), and comedian Mike Epps has joined in that regards. We also hear that John Witherspoon has a comedy hip hop album and he goes by the name of 63 Cents, and we can tell you that its hilarious. We even hear that comedian Tony Roberts is in the studio right now recording some of his tracks that is going to turn heads.

Humor Mill Magazine: I am writing because I am liking the direction you are going in with your magazine. Its almost brilliant the way you guys are showcasing young and up-coming talent over there. I am sure you are going to make some waves.

Debra Gibson Washington, DC Ed. NOTE. Uh, one question; why do you say its almost brilliant? We want to know where we can get better, so by all means please write in and give us your opinion.

Comedians Grady and TuRae backstage at the taping of the new season of Comic View: One Mic Stand Hosted by Kevin Hart, in Hollywood. Photo: Frank Holder.

L-R: Eddie Muprhy, Chris Rock, Chris Tucker, Dave Chappelle & Mike Epps Comedic actor actor Eddie Eddie Murphy Murphy continues continues to to make make the the news, news, even even when when he he isis not not trying trying to. to. In In Comedic this case, case, we we discovered discovered that that the the all–black all–black version version of of Ocean’s Ocean’s 11 11 that that isis being being discussed discussed as as aa new new this vehicle for Murphy now has picked up some steam.

As we reported earlier, director Brett vehicle for Murphy now has picked up some steam. As we reported earlier, director Brett Ratner's film film starring starring Murphy Murphy finally finally has has aa name. name. We We hear hear that that the the film film isis going going to to be be titled titled The The Ratner's and instead instead of of being being aa Las Las Vegas Vegas heist heist film. film. ItIt will will star star Murphy Murphy as as the the leader leader of of aa Trump Heist Heist and Trump crew of con artists who land jobs at Donald Trump's Trump Tower so they can steal from its crew of con artists who land jobs at Donald Trump's Trump Tower so they can steal from its residents.

Word on the street is that Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, Chris Tucker and Mike Epps residents. Word on the street is that Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, Chris Tucker and Mike Epps are reportedly reportedly in in consideration consideration to to join join the the cast. cast. Brian Brian Grazer Grazer isis producing producing the the film film for for Imagine Imagine are Entertainment.

If you recall, we also reported a couple of months ago that Ratner is also on on Entertainment. If you recall, we also reported a couple of months ago that Ratner is also board to direct Murphy in the upcoming remake of The Incredible Shrinking Man slated to land board to direct Murphy in the upcoming remake of The Incredible Shrinking Man slated to land in theaters theaters the the beginning beginning of of next next year. year. in

Last issue we also eluded to the fact that comedic actor Cedric The Entertainer was going to go on Broadway, but we didn’t know the name of the play that he was joining or the date of the premiere. Well, we can confirm that Ced is joining the Broadway revival of David Mamet's play titled American Buffalo, also starring John Leguizamo, and we hear that it is now confirmed to start performances on Oct. 31, with an opening set for Nov. 17. The drama, set in a Chicago pawnshop, tells the story of a trio of small-time crooks who come to blows over a plan to steal a valuable buffalo nickel.

The play premiered off-Broadway in 1976 and won the 1977 Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best American Play.

Cedric the Entertainer

John Leguizamo Kevin Hart

We hear that actress Jennifer Lopez is taking another stab at comedy series as she has joined a television series as an executive producer on Maid in Manhattan, a new hour-long comedy-drama for ABC based on her hit 2002 romantic comedy. If you recall, the film starred Lopez as a struggling single mom from the Bronx who worked as a maid at a posh Manhattan hotel. She is courted by a politician guest (Ralph Fiennes) who mistakes her for a wealthy socialite. The TV version will star a young Latina from the Bronx working at a Manhattan hotel who tries to make it in the world. But the series will focus mostly on her relationships with co-workers.

Jennifer Lopez

Comedic actor Shawn Wayans backstage at Trippin’ On Tuesdays hosted by Chris Spencer at The Comedy Store after the tribute to Bernie Mac in Hollywood.

Photo: Frank Holder.

We hear that comedic actress Kym Whitley is about to show a side of her We hear that comedic actress Kym Whitley is about to show a side of her that not many people are used to seeing from her as she opens up her bag that not many people are used to seeing from her as she opens up her bag of emotions. What is it? Well, Whitley is going to expose herself to the of emotions. What is it? Well, Whitley is going to expose herself to the world as she seeks love. Whitley recently set sail on a singles-only world as she seeks love. Whitley recently set sail on a singles-only escapade aboard Tom Joyner's 2008 Fantastic Voyage cruise this spring, escapade aboard Tom Joyner's 2008 Fantastic Voyage cruise this spring, and TV One chronicled the entire adventure in Cruisin’ for Love with Kym and TV One chronicled the entire adventure in Cruisin’ for Love with Kym Whitley. We hear that the special (which premieres Saturday, Aug. 30 Whitley. We hear that the special (which premieres Saturday, Aug. 30 from 10-11 p.m. ET) follows Whitley as she searches for a love connection from 10-11 p.m. ET) follows Whitley as she searches for a love connection during the cruise. After agreeing to host the Speed Dating and Singles Party during the cruise. After agreeing to host the Speed Dating and Singles Party events aboard the Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas, she decided to events aboard the Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas, she decided to make the trip her personal quest for love as well. All of her adventures make the trip her personal quest for love as well. All of her adventures and activities on the ship are chronicled, while her brother and friends try and activities on the ship are chronicled, while her brother and friends try to help Kym find Mr. Right. From St. Thomas to Puerto Rico to Miami, to help Kym find Mr. Right. From St. Thomas to Puerto Rico to Miami, Kym searches for love; from her Speed Dating event to the Mardi Gras Kym searches for love; from her Speed Dating event to the Mardi Gras Party to the Singles Party and at various romantic points on shore, Party to the Singles Party and at various romantic points on shore, cameras track her every move. At the Singles Party she co-hosts, her cameras track her every move. At the Singles Party she co-hosts, her brother turns the tables on her with a surprise contest that has hilarious brother turns the tables on her with a surprise contest that has hilarious results. results.

Kym Whitley

As As we we reported reported last last issue, issue, and and asas many many of of you you know know by now, comedic actor Bernie Mac passed by now, comedic actor Bernie Mac passed away away on on August 9th at Chicago's Northwestern Memorial August 9th at Chicago's Northwestern Memorial Hospital Hospital from from complications complications due due to to pneumonia. pneumonia. On On Saturday August 16th more than 6,000 Saturday August 16th more than 6,000 fans, fans, friends, friends, family family members members and and famous famous colleagues colleagues of of comedian comedian Bernie Mac gathered at Chicago's House of Bernie Mac gathered at Chicago's House of Hope Hope to to mourn his passing.

The service included the reading mourn his passing. The service included the readingof of condolence condolence letters letters from from children; children; from from Democratic Democratic presidential presidential candidate candidate and and Illinois Illinois senator senator Barack Barack Obama; Obama; and and from from Mac's Mac's hometown hometown Chicago Chicago White White Sox Sox baseball baseball team. team. Also, Also, Mac's Mac's comedy comedy bits bits were were played on large video screens with off-color words played on large video screens with off-color words bleeped bleepedout. out.Cedric CedricThe TheEntertainer, Entertainer,Steve SteveHarvey Harveyand and The Original D.L. Hughley, co-stars with Mac in D.L. Hughley, co-stars with Mac in The OriginalKings Kings of tookthe thestage stagetogether togetherto toremember remembertheir their ofComedy Comedy, ,took fellow fellow comic. comic. Hughley Hughley told told the the crowd crowd that that he he and and others others always always looked looked forward forward to to seeing seeing Mac's Mac's stage stage attire attire each each night night during during the the famed famed comedy comedy tour. tour. He He said: said: "Bernie "Bernie would would wear wear colors colors that that crayons crayons hadn't hadn't even even thought thought of of yet." yet." As As we we prepared prepared for for this this article, article, we discovered that Mac had been at we discovered that Mac had been at Chicago's Chicago's Northwestern Northwestern Memorial Memorial Hospital Hospital since since the the middle middle of of July, in and out of a coma.

July, in and out of a coma.

Bernard Jeffrey McCullough Oct. 5, 1957 - Aug. 9, 2008

Comedic actor Mike Epps and comedian Wil Sylvince backstage at Trippin’ On Tuesdays hosted by Chris Spencer at The Comedy Store after the tribute to Bernie Mac in Hollywood.

Photo: Frank Holder.

Some of Mac's celebrity friends, co-stars and professional associates have issued statements expressing condolences and sharing memories of the comedian.

The following pages are the statements they released:

Samuel L. Jackson, his co-star in the upcoming film Soul Men, says: "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 co-starred 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."

Don Cheadle, who starred with Mac in 2001's Ocean's Eleven and its two sequels, says: "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."

George Clooney, fellow co-star in Ocean's franchise: "The world just got a little less funny. He will be missed dearly."

Brad Pitt, fellow Ocean's colleague, says: "I lament the loss of a ferociously funny and hardcore family man. My thoughts are with Rhonda and their family. Bernie Mac, you are already 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."

Director John Singleton and comedic actor Joe Torry at the Republic during the opening gala for the American Black Film Festival in Hollywood. Photo: Frank Holder.

Some of Mac's celebrity friends, co-stars and professional associates have issued statements expressing condolences and sharing memories of the comedian:

Cedric the Entertainer, one of the Original Kings Of Comedy: "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."

Walter Latham, Producer, Founder of The Original Kings and Queens Of Comedy: "I used to spend a lot of time early on in my career on the road with Bernie. We used to have dinner in his hotel suite many nights. What I remember most are his stories about life. What was so funny is that I never knew what was true and what was embellished. But it was OK because that's who he was. He was an entertainer at his core. I will always remember how much he impacted my life. He was 1/4th of the biggest project I've ever produced. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He will be missed but never forgotten."

Bill Bellamy: “Bernie was one of my closest friends in the game. Someone who was always honest and real. He called me little brother. I always looked up to Mac. He is still an inspiration for me. His words and comedy will reside in all who knew the Mac Man.”

Joe Torry: “Bernie Mac, a true King that earned his Wings. A real pioneer and leader in entertainment and role model for anyone that stays persistent to their dreams. R.I.P.”

Actress Taraji P. Henson and comedian Chris Spencer at the Lincoln Lounge Off The Red Carpet at The Sofitel Hotel during the American Black Film Festival in Hollywood. Photo: Frank Holder.

Some of Mac's celebrity friends, co-stars and professional associates have issued statements expressing condolences and sharing memories of the comedian:

Miguel A Nunez Jr., co-star with Berne Mac in Life: “One of the most prominent things Bernie ever told me was when we were talking about this business and he said ‘Miguel I got to do it my way or I'm not going to do it’. I'm not sacrificing myself for Hollywood and we know that Bernie did it his way and that his way worked for him. Rest In Peace.

Jangle Leg, Jangle Leg!"

Don ‘DC’ Curry: “Bernie was a comedian’s comedian, and a class act that ‘did it his way’. In his stand-up...In his acting...In his life...He was Bernie Mac. The combination of his fearless but compassionate life was phenomenal. I never saw Bernie bow down to anybody, and I never saw him mistreat anybody. In a relatively short life he became one of the greatest. My home boy from the Chi, Rest in peace.”

Camille Winbush of The Bernie Mac Show: "Bernie was like an uncle to me. He always gave me lots of great advice. He also had a special knack for making people laugh. It was an honor to work with him for five years on his show. I will miss him."

Gary Sturgis: “The world of comedy took a big hit with the loss of Bernie Mac. I am so glad to have worked with him, and the advice and kind words he shared with me on the set of Pride will stay with me forever. Bernie was a class act. His style and brand of humor will be greatly missed, and my condolences go out to his family. We love you Bernie!”

Comedian Cocoa Brown performing live on stage at the world famous Uptown Comedy Club in Atlanta.

Photo: Jamil Halloway

Actress Sanaa Lathan at the Lincoln Lounge Off The Red Carpet at The Sofitel Hotel during the American Black Film Festival in Hollywood. Photo: Frank Holder.

Some of Mac's celebrity friends, co-stars and professional associates have issued statements expressing condolences and sharing memories of the comedian:

Kel Mitchell: "Knowing that he came from the same city as I, he grew up on the south-side of Chicago and became such an outstanding talent. Breaking down so many walls in Hollywood and having great cross-over success. Remaining humble and loved by so many people. That's motivation for me and so many other actors and comedians from the city of Chicago. He was truly a role model for us all.

Bernie, know that you made so many of us smile when times was rough. Thank you for your stories, talent and thank you for all the great memories that you shared with us. God bless your soul and your family"

Affion Crockett: "I just worked with him on his last movie, Soul Men. He was so generous with his wisdom and knowledge of the game. I'm proud to call him a mentor. He was very influential in my whole career and will definitely be missed."

Niecy Nash, who played Mac's sister on The Bernie Mac Show: "When I showed up to work, he said something to me that had never been said to me on a set before. He said, 'Baby girl, the script here is not the Bible. Do you, and I'll follow.

I got mine, you get yours.' When he said that, I knew everything was going to be all right. I was happy to have the freedom to make up some funny with him. It was simply delicious. My working experiences with Bernie were so amazing, that from that point on, I wouldn't have cared if he called me in the middle of the night to come and be in a scene where I didn't have anything to do but sit in the background and eat cereal. I would've just done it because I loved him like that."

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."

Melanie Comarcho: “I'm sure Bernie is up in heaven laughing it up with Redd Foxx, Richard Pyor, Robin Harris, Lenny Bruce, and all the other greats who have preceded him. What a wonderful life! We'll miss you much, Bernie.�

The comedian known as Food Stamp performing live on stage at the world famous Uptown Comedy Club in Atlanta.

Photo: Jamil Halloway

Some of Mac's celebrity friends, co-stars and professional associates have issued statements expressing condolences and sharing memories of the comedian:

George Lopez: "He was one of those comics that was unique because of his approach, his look, his voice [and] the content of his material. Bernie fell into that category of people who were inherently different like when you saw them, you knew they were different and when they spoke, you knew they were different. As comics, we're all brothers. I’ll miss him a lot. He was a good friend of mine."

Alex Thomas: “Bernie was a real as it gets!!!”

Caroline’s On Broadway: “A great comedic voice has been silenced and an incredible talent taken from us far too soon. Bernie Mac was a prolific actor and comedian and leaves behind a tremendous legacy. He was an inspiration to many comedians, adored by his legions of fans and widely respected amongst his peers. He truly was an ‘Original King of Comedy’ and the comedy kingdom won’t be the same without him.”

Carl Reiner, Ocean's Eleven costar, says: "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."

Kelly Preston and John Travolta: "We are heartbroken. He will be deeply missed. He was a wonderful, kind and gentle man."

Bob Sumner, Executive Producer of Def Comedy Jam and One Mic Stand: “Whenever I'm asked the question, ‘Who's the best comedian you ever worked with?’ I would say always, hands down Bernie Mac!"

Actor Rockmond Dunbar during the opening gala for the American Black Film Festival in Hollywood. Photo: Frank Holder.

L-R: Laurence Fishburne, Faizon Love, Brandon T. Jackson, Richardo Chavira, Wilmer Valderrama & Taye Diggs We are sure you heard the big news from CBS last week about Oscar nominee and Emmy and Tony Award winner Laurence Fishburne (Of What's Love Got To Do With It, and The Matrix fame) joining the cast of the CBS Paramount Network Television and Jerry Bruckheimer Television series, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, on their network. His character will debut in this season's ninth episode. Next up for Fishburne is the film Days of Wrath with Faizon Love, Brandon T Jackson, Ricardo Chavira (of ABC’s Desperate Housewives fame) Wilmer Valderrama and Taye Diggs.

L-R: Shawn Wayons, Ray Park, Brandon Fraser, Channing Tatum, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje & Saïd Taghmaoui Speaking of hearing some new news, there is another comedian about to make the jump into action blockbuster films. On the heels of following the path of Martin Lawrence (the Bad Boy franchise) and Chris Tucker (the Rush Hour franchise) one of next summer’s tent pole films is the action blockbuster GI Joe: Rise Of The Cobra. This film will be the first action blockbuster for comedic actor Shawn Wayans as he is playing in the film as the character Ripcord. Also starring in the film is Brendan Fraser, Channing Tatum, Dennis Quaid, Ray Park (of Star Wars The Phantom Menace fame- Park was Darth Maul), Arnold Vosloo (of The Mummy franchise) Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (of Oz fame), Saïd Taghmaoui, Brandon Soo Hoo, Byunghun Lee and many, many, more. We hear the film will be directed by Steven Sommers and is about an elite military unit comprised of special operatives known as G.I. Joe, operating out of The Pit, and the prepare to take on an evil organization led by a notorious arms dealer.

Actress Sanaa Lathan at the Lincoln Lounge Off The Red Carpet at The Sofitel Hotel during the American Black Film Festival in Hollywood. Photo: Frank Holder.

Speaking of action blockbuster films, as we reported a couple of issues ago, we can confirm that actor/director/producer Ice Cube has a very strong interest to play Mr. T's famous TV role in director John Singleton's upcoming film version of The A Team. We have also heard that there are other actors who are trying to land that potentially pivotal role in the film and the names that we have heard so far are to join Bruce Willis and Woody Harrelson (both are in negotiations to join the film) are actors Rockmond Dunbar and Ving Rhames. We do know that Singleton has recently met with his production company and offers have gone out, so we will know soon who has landed the roles soon.

John Singleton

Ice Cube

Bruce Willis

Rockmond Dunbar

L-R: Shia LeBeouf, Megan Fox,& John Turturro The summer of 2009 is really shaping up to be an action junkie’s dream summer, as we hear that not only is GI Joe: Rise Of The Cobra slated to debut, but we see that also set for the same release date is the second film of the Transformers franchise titled, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Just when you thought the battle for Earth ended, the battle for the universe has just begun. After returning to Cybertron, Starscream assumes command of the Decepticons, and has decided to return to Earth with force. The Autobots believing that peace was possible finds out that Megatron's dead body has been stolen from the US Military by Skorpinox and revives him using his own spark. Now Megatron is back seeking revenge and with Starscream and more Decepticon reinforcements on the way, the Autobots with reinforcements of their own, may have more to deal with then meets the eye. Returning in the film is Shia LeBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, John Turturro, Isabel Lucas, Nina Dobrev, Rainn Wilson and Tyrese Gibson.

Tyrese Gibson & Taraji P. Henson

Speaking of Tyrese Gibson, we hear more news that Tyrese is planning to join the cast of the unofficial sequel to John Singleton’s film Baby Boy, the 2001 film starring Tyrese as a young man transitioning to adult hood amid the pulls of L.A. street life. The film titled Fight for Love, scheduled to shoot in the fall, will include original cast members Tyrese and Taraji P. Henson, but in different roles. We hear this film has Gibson and Henson playing Sir and Cookie, another struggling couple – this time dealing with two kids, disapproving parents and a number of external forces working against them. In other Tyrese news, news has surfaced on the internet that Tyrese was unable to make an appearance in the forthcoming Fast and Furious project because he had prior commitments to shoot Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.

Actress Vanessa Williams at the Republic during the opening gala for the American Black Film Festival in Hollywood. Photo: Frank Holder.

In other Fast and Furious news, actor Vin Diesel has been reported as saying that he is directing a 20-minute prequel to the upcoming Fast and Furious, set to open June 5, 2009, via Universal Pictures. Diesel will star in the proposed short film along with Michelle Rodriguez, reprising her role as Letty, and Sung Kang returning as Han. Diesel didn't specify the media format for the film (big screen, television, online, etc). In the original film fugitive ex-con Dom Toretto (Diesel) reignites his feud with agent Brian O'Conner (Paul Walker). But as they are forced to confront a shared enemy, Dom and Brian must give in to an uncertain new trust if they hope to outmaneuver him.

More on this as it develops.

Vin Diesel

Michelle Rodriguez Director F. Gary Gray is about to set his place in Hollywood again as a director to be reckoned with. Most famously known for directing such successful films as Friday, Set It Off, The Italian Job, and The Negotiator, Gray has added a couple of more notches in his belt. Recently Gray has completed Marvin: The Life Story of Marvin Gaye and has signed on to the sequel of The Italian Job with the new film The Brazilian Job. Gray is also attached to direct an adaptation of the Oni Press graphic novel Julius, a contemporary urban crime adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. So far no official word on who will star in the film.

F. Gary Gray

One of the best black actors of this generation is returning to television as we hear that actor Courtney B. Vance will join NBC's ER this season in a recurring role as the husband of a new attending physician at Chicago's County General Hospital – a character played by his real wife, Angela Bassett. It should be noted that this is their first television appearance together. Vance returns to NBC after starring for five seasons as Assistant District Attorney Ron Carver on Law & Order: Criminal Intent. ER is preparing for its 15th and final season on NBC. Courtney B. Vance & Angela Bassett We hear that actor Clifton Powell has been cast as a regular in HBO's drama pilot Last of the Ninth, described as a gritty cop drama. The story centers on Joe Dalton (Jonah Lotan), a young Vietnam veteran-tuned undercover cop, and veteran detective John Giglio (Ray Winstone). Michael Gaston will play the lieutenant in charge of the 9th Precinct where the show is set. Lily Rabe will play a plainclothes cop and a potential love interest for Dalton. Fredric Lehne (of Lost fame) will play a bright detective with a drinking problem.

Michael Raymond-James (of True Blood) will play a macho narcotics detective. Powell also will play a detective.

Clifton Powell

Actors Hassan Johnson and Don Cheadle at the Coco Cubana Club celebrating Cheadle’s birthday in Hollywood. Photo: Frank Holder.

Photographer: Patrick McKenzie

Actor and actress Dondre Whitfield and Salli Richardson-Whitfiled at the American Black Film Festival in Hollywood. Photo: Frank Holder.

Most comedians we have interviewed in the past all have similar stories; they grew up listening to either Richard Pryor or Eddie Murphy, they were class clowns, and they wanted that same limelight that fell on both of those comedy superstars. Not to mention the fact that most people along their paths told them that they were funny and they should try out comedy. In all my short lived years of doing the Humor Mill we have never come across ANYONE who has turned a tragic accident into a funny event, a funny thing, a funny story, as a matter of fact, a funny anything.

Well, let us introduce you to a comedian who you are sure to see in the upcoming months, his name is Damon Rozier. After a tragic motor cycle accident about 12 years ago, Damon was crippled, and things looked dim for sure. When the driver cut him off and sent him to his wheel chair, little did anyone know at the time that the accident that was going to send him to a wheel chair for the rest of his life would bring joy to so many other people. Now imagine THAT. It’s hard for us to even grasp the thought of that because taking the ability to walk away from you has to be one of the most depressing things to even imagine. Sprinkle that with the fact that this disability can tear the fabric of any man apart, and his family structure.

Well, Damon did things different. Unlike any comedian who has ever graced the stage before him, he never had thought of performing any comedy routines before, but after his accident and deciding to turn his life around he decided to give it a try. When he did that, the Red Sea parted once again because people found him very funny and he had a clear path to his new found comedy career. This amazes us, because he never even had the aspirations to do comedy, and fast forward years later he is about to be a house hold name, gracing the stage on the new season of Comic View: One MIc Stand (and several other potential projects).

Anyway, we got a chance to catch up with Damon to discuss his comedy aspirations and how he takes his disability to heights that no one could have ever imagined. Here is a portion of the interview.

Humor Mill: First question I am going to have to ask you is (for people out there who don’t know) you are probably the only comic out there who is handicapped in a wheel chair in the comedy game. Can you describe for those folks out there, what made you decide that comedy was going to be something that you wanted to do with the ability to do (comedy) out there, in the comedy world to be able to compete?

Damon Rozier: Wow! That’s deep in itself. What started me doing comedy was the fact that I never really had seen anybody in a wheel chair doing comedy and it kind of bothered me. First of all I have been in a wheel chair for about 11 years and anything I get into is because I never really see people like me doing certain things. So my thing was how beautiful that would be and inspirational, if I can enter the comedy game and stop people from stereo typing me and most of the brothers and sisters in wheel chairs as people who are sad or depressed or whatever…

To hear the complete interview please click here: http://humormill.podhoster.com/

Film Producer Re'Shaun Frear, Casting Director Robi Reed and Comedic Actor Kel Mitchell at the Republic during the opening gala for the American Black Film Festival in Hollywood.

Photo: Frank Holder.

In dedication to Bernie Mac, here is a compilation of his last three theatrical releases.

We love you Bernie☺ Transformers (2007) Directed by Michael Bay Based on the popular 1980’s cartoon, the good Autobots battle against the evil Decepticons over Earth (in a nutshell). It was a great action flick and nominated for 3 Oscars. Bernie Mac played as Bobby Bolivia, a fast-talking car salesman who links the lead character Sam Witwicky (Shia Lebouf) with the first Autobot in the film. Although Bernie was seen for a matter of minutes he was still able to bring that signature delivery we know all too well. Put that one scene on repeat just you can get your Bernie fix…who ya WIT! Ocean’s Thirteen (2007) Directed By Steven Soderbergh In this film Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and the clan are back yet again this time to score a heist on Willy Bank (Al Pacino) after he back-stabs original member Reuben Tishkoff (Elliot Gould). Bernie Mac appears again in the series as Frank Catton, the wise-cracking cardsman who assists in all the heist. In this heist Frank’s big scheme is the “Nuff Said” game. Even when Bernie’s not the star he has a way of owning his roles. Check him out, proving he ain’t scared to roll with the mainstream big boys!

Pride (2007) Directed By Sunu Gonera This film is based on a true story about a man named Jim Ellis (Terrence Howard) who made a difference in the lives of teenagers by starting a championship swim team for Philadelphia Department of Recreation. Bernie Mac magnificently played the groundskeeper, Elston. The character was someone close to how we most remember Bernie a wise man with soul. This was a dramatic film which showed his range as an actor, as well as his ability to be a leading man. It is a very touching film that you should watch.

My Favorite Bernie Mac Movie Quotables: “Boy, just be yourself. If people don’t like you for being yourself…F*** EM!” ~ House Party 3 (1994) “Whoa! My momma dead! Now I gotta cut ya. That’s the rule cut ya, cut ya” ~ House Party 3 (1994) “Good Lord Have Mercy…The Lord is my shepherd…he knows what I want” ~ Friday (1995) “It smells like BEDUSSY!” ~ How to Be a Player (1997) “Blue, you ain’t nuttin. All you do is spin records, that’s all you do. Who you think you is DJ Quick?

Kid Capri?” ~ Player’s Club (1998) “Blue, if I have to raise from this chair it’s gon be trouble, trouble!” ~ Player’s Club (1998) “Stripping business started in Africa. Long time ago, long, long time ago, white man went to Africa and he saw all these bootiful black women, walking around, dancing, working, living, in the nude Bucked Naked” ~ Player’s Club (1998) “Ya’ll done f***ed up the churches money” ~ Player’s Club (1998) “What you call me thigh-high?” ~ Bad Santa (2003) Look out for Upcoming Bernie Mac roles Madagascar 2: Escape to Africa (2008) ~ as Zuba Soul Men (2008) ~ as Floyd Old Dogs (2009) ~ as Jimmy Lunchbox

I never watched his show (The Bernie Mac Show) until it went into reruns. I heard Bernie Mac was so proud to finally get his own show when I heard him jokingly complaining about how it was unfair every one of the Kings Of Comedy got their own joint (Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley Cedric The Entertainer). Bernie so wanted the same chance his boys did; a chance to showcase his God-given gift to keep crowds rolling without having them pay a cover charge.

Bernie just wanted to entertain.

So, finally when I could not find anything else on I watched his show and was amazed that I had not been a loyal follower. Nothing against Steve or D.L. or Cedric but Bernie’s show had a purpose from beginning to end. He was using it to teach a lesson, not show what a Mac (pun intended) he was in his designer suits or how having white neighbors just make an experienced comedy writers job less difficult then developing a plot that requires pieces be put together to make a plot that is coherent, a bit cerebral and educational for children.

Bernie’s show was a lesson wrapped in laughs. He taught family values by showing family means loving not just loving blood related family members. He raised kids not his own both on television and in real life and in both you see his compassion, tough ass persona while letting audiences see how a little girls smile can make him, as with most tough guys, heart melt (being a daddy’s girl myself).

Bernie’s television show is the exact legacy he should leave behind through the entertainment world. When I first saw Bernie, my first thought was “Boy he sho is dark”. Then I thought “How many “motherf*ckers” can one man use in a sentence?” Then I remembered how hard Bernie made me laugh with some dirty ass material. When I found out through his television show that he was a father of kids that he did not actually “father” I knew his jokes about his family was his message to the world that taking care of each other is our job, broke or rich. I learned that dirty material can get a comic in the door but to stay in the room you got to branch out, talk about your actual life and when the occasion calls for it drop a “d*ck” joke on the crowd to remind them “I ain’t scared of you motherf*ckas” like Bernie would remind us when the stage was lit with his gift.

I am sorry I caught his show so close to his passing but I am grateful I got to see his evolution. I paid to see him in person on the “Original Kings of Comedy” tour and by far the audience screamed and clapped for Bernie almost as most as Cedric the Entertainer. Bernie came on stage with no apologies and took no prisoners. I saw Bernie when he began on Def Jam and realized through his performance that he was as funny as he was black. His smile was as wide as it was white and his movie, television, and stand up comedy career was as impressive as it was very short lived.

I like what Bernie Mac’s wife said at his memorial. She loved Bernie with all her heart, but “God loved him more”. Thank you Bernie for the motherf*ckin laughs. www.myspace.com/jackiechampagnie jackiecomedy@yahoo.com

This has been one of the toughest articles that I’ve had to write. Now mind you this is only the third article, but it has definitely been a struggle. Let me give y’all a few reasons why. First of all I’ve been a tad busy writing for the new Comic View show, “One Mic Stand” which is being hosted

by Kevin Hart. Second of all, I forgot. I know what you’re thinking, “How can you forget, this is your job?” This is my job, but I still forget. I forget everything. The only thing that I have never forgotten was my child in the car. I still can’t imagine how you forget that you have your child in the car. I could never forget my son even if I wanted to. He would be so busy trying to get out the car with me, that I would….. Wait a minute. Let me apologize I’ve gotten off track again and forgot my third reason. Actually I didn’t forget, I was just stalling trying to I come up with something to say about our fallen brother Mr. Bernie Mac. I was on a cruise with my girlfriend and I was watching the news when a picture of Bernie appeared on the screen. I had a gut feeling what they were about to say, but I was hoping that maybe the news would be that he pulled through. It was not the case. My phone started vibrating. I knew what the message was. Within 5 minutes I had 7 voice mails and 12 text messages. I wanted to read them, but we were in international waters, and if you ever got a cell phone bill with international charges you understand why I didn’t answer them.

I had mixed emotions. One of my emotions was that of understanding. I heard that he had been struggling with his health for sometime. And I hate to see anyone struggling with health. My second emotion was a selfish one. Selfish because I never got a chance to work with or talk to Bernie. Bernie did something that in this crazy game of Hollywood is unheard of; he asked the powers that be to give him a show publicly. Everybody says that Bernie didn’t get his show until he made reference to the fact that his other colleagues had a show, and that he would like a show.

Some comedians will tell you that story like he did something wrong. A lot of comedians won’t ask for their own show because they’re scared. Well Bernie always said “I ain’t scared of you mothaf*ckers!” The bottom line is that it worked. Not only did it work, the show was a hit, and made it into syndication! If there is a lesson in that story it’s that you have got to speak up for yourself, because if you don’t nobody else will.

I think it’s hard to come up with something because it’s still somewhat surreal. Maybe because he has so much work out right now that it doesn’t seem like he’s out of our lives. I was at the “One Mic Stand” show talking to the man that booked Bernie on Def Comedy Jam, Mr. Bob Sumner. I asked Bob about Bernie and before he told me the story he started smiling, his eyes lit up, and he said his name two times, rubbed his chin and pointed at me, “Bernie, maaan let me tell you about Bernie!”

I wish I had a touching story about how I asked Bernie for some advice and he sat me down and told me what to do. Or that he saw me on stage one night and pulled me to the side and told me how funny he thought I was. Or that he let me stay at his house, and he stopped me from giving up and going home. I don’t have any of those stories. But what I do have is the memories of his first Def Jam appearance, The Mac Show, The Bernie Mac Show, Life, Above the Rim, The Kings of Comedy, Charlie’s Angels, Pride, Ocean’s 11, 12, and 13. Yeah, these I won’t forget. THANKS BERNIE!!! www.myspace.com/joeywells5

I did not personally know Mr. Bernie Mac, although I did brush with him early on in my career. I was backstage at a show in Shreveport La, in 1991. Bernie came around the corner and stopped to address us young bucks. He was cordial, funny and encouraging. I said to him as he approached me “Mr. Mac… I love your work.” He replied, “Mr. Mac? That is my daddy’s name call me Bernie”.

This statement speaks volumes to who Bernie was and what he would eventually become. He held court for a moment then retired to his dressing room. I remember immediately feeling at ease and thinking to myself… “Now that’s one cool dude”.

He is and was the poster child for following your dreams and not giving up despite adversity.

Bernie was a 20 year overnight success. I think the magic of Bernie Mac was his ability to be himself in every situation. Mac began his comedy career in 1977 where he attended Chicago Vocational Career Academy. It would be another 12 years before Bernie would arrive on the national comedy scene. Bernie turned in one of Def Comedy Jam’s most memorable performances exclaiming to the no nonsense audience “I Ain’t Scared of You MuthaF*cka’s… Kick it”. His quick wit and use of famed DJ Kid Capri is un-rivaled to this day. (A side note to Mac’s Def Jam set is that a guy actually bombed horribly right before him – so when Bernie said I ain’t scared… He meant that shit) Bernie’s Star was rising, he tirelessly toured and weekly he would hold court at Chicago’s Cotton Club. The stage at the Cotton Club was near the door of the club, to come in late was to feel the wrath of the Mac Man. There is a saying among actors – There are no small parts just small actors.

Hollywood began calling with numerous “Small” roles. 1992 to 1999 Mac stole scenes in 12 films – from Mo’ Money and Above the Rim to Friday and Life; Bernie proved that he was a force to be reckoned with on the big screen. Even with his success in film and a short foray in television with HBO’s Midnight Mac; Bernie still stood on the sidelines as his contemporary’s were all receiving looks at television shows. The knock on Bernie Mac in Hollywood at that time was that Middle America would not get him. The powers that be didn’t know what to do with him. In 2000 Bernie would become a KING in Spike Lee’s film The Original Kings of Comedy. Mac made a passionate plea to Hollywood – coupled with a Beast of a performance which ultimately housed the story that would eventually become the Bernie Mac Show.

Bernie Mac went from the guy who no one knew what to do with to a viable Hollywood commodity. 2000 to 2008 he appeared in 15 films – from the Ocean series and Charlie’s’ Angels to starring roles in Guess Who and Mr. 3000. It was official Bernie Mac was a movie and television star. The Bernie Mac Show was nominated for 2 Golden Globe Awards, 2 Emmy’s and Bernie also won 4 NAACP Image Awards. Mac was tagged by TV Guide as one of the “50 Greatest TV Dads of all time” and on Comedy Centrals List of the “Top 100 Comedians of all time”.

I didn’t personally know Bernard Jeffery McCullough, but I did learn from him. I learned that fear is not an option, I learned that it is ok to love, protect and cling to your family, I learned that if you want something ask for it, I learned to beat my own drum and the world will eventually dance to my beat, I learned that you can feel a sincere since of loss for someone that you do not personally know. Loosing Bernie Mac has opened my heart; it’s like loosing your best friend, or your favorite uncle. I send my prayers out to the McCullough family and I Thank God for the time he gave us with the Mac Man. In closing if I ever hear anyone speaking ill of Bernie Mac… I’ll Bust They head to the White Meat, cause I ain’t Scared of you MuthaF*cka’s.

Peace and God Bless rp. Comments: www.rodneyperry.com or www.myspace.com/rodneyperry

15 years ago it was very difficult for the masses to see you when the only outlet for urban comedy was HBO’s Def Comedy Jam and BET’s Comic View. Sure there were David Letterman and The Tonight Show but the only brothers that got on those shows either didn’t work urban crowds or they were already stars. Today there has been a major boom in urban stand-up comedy on television. As a comedian, this is encouraging knowing that you can reach all types of audiences across country with all the different programming.

Pick your poison….Last Comic Standing, Who’s Got Jokes, One Mic Stand, Martin Lawrence presents First Amendment of Comedy, TVOne’s the Funny Spot, HBO’s Def Jam and HBO’s Bad Boys of Comedy. All of these shows have helped comics achieve their dreams at different levels. Urban comedy specifically has been considered fFresh” again because of all the new programming.

Although some of them are basic. A microphone, a deejay, a black audience with pretty girls in the front is usually a black comedy TV show starter kit. A few have stepped into the foray of doing something different.

TVOne’s Who’s Got Jokes is a competition show geared towards young up and coming comedians who have little experience and a mixture of veteran comics trying to remain in the spotlight of comedy. You usually don’t find the Patrice O’Neal’s, Tony Roberts, Chris Spencer’s on this type of show because they have been in the game so long that they know this isn’t their lane. They step back and let the young crop of comedians get their first shot at a T.V. taping.

Then you have a show like HBO Def Comedy Jam, where the cream of the crop across the country get together and let the world know exactly why they are at the top of their profession. Def Comedy Jam has been proven to showcase the nation’s best. And if you follow the history of the show you’ll find that today’s funniest Hollywood stars started on that stage; Bernie Mack, Chris Tucker and Cedric The Entertainer to name a few. Its young comedians dreams to one day perform on that same stage that was once graced by these legends.

There are few mainstream shows that features young urban comics like Live at Gotham on Comedy Central.

This show gives you the opportunity to be seen by a non-urban audience. This is great when trying to work on the on the road and do mainstream rooms and or colleges. Many of them do not watch BET or Def Jam and book their talent based off this show. It’s nice as a comic and to have different people from all parts of the country from all walks of life to enjoy your style of funny. Live at Gotham allows you that opportunity.

Now let me play devil’s advocate for a minute. The only problem with having so many shows is that the networks don’t want to repeat the same comics. Therefore the talent pool gets watered down. There is desperation to fill spots and there aren’t enough comics who are ready to fill these spots. So now you get guys who only do stand up in their spare time. They might be the funniest guy in the office and have done stand up a handful of times in town and have 5 minutes of material but aren’t quite ready for what a television taping entails. Sometimes these guys end up on these shows and don’t do well. This to me takes away from the credibility of getting to showcase your talents on that show.

I work hard at this sh*t! For example, I have a group of friends like Clayton Thomas, James Davis, Ron G, and Na’im Lynn and we work are asses off to get spots on television. We hang around veteran comics and talk to them about our sets and insights into the game. We work hard enough where these guys respect us enough to take us on the road to be there opening acts. We work hard to secure our management and agent. We may be funny but this sh*t ain’t no joke to us. It’s a daily grind for us. We put ourselves in the best position to be seen because we really want to make it in this Hollywood game. We write at coffee shops during the day, we do open mike’s for crowds of 12 people even though we are regulars at all the clubs in Hollywood. We drive 70 miles to get 40 bucks to win over an audience who didn’t think they would like us. We worked hard to get those shots on television and we respect them. I say this to say …it hurts us to the core to see dudes who ain’t ready; unprepared, get on these shows and are only in it for the 15 minutes of fame.

I appreciate every opportunity I get to touch a microphone and perform stand up comedy. Like other young comics, I strive to one day be the best of my generation. These new shows aid me in the process as I continue to grow in this field. So to all the comics who aren’t in this for the long run, please put down the microphone, eat a d*ck and continue your day job.

Actress Sanaa Lathan at the Lincoln Lounge Off The Red Carpet at The Sofitel Hotel during the American Black Film Festival in Hollywood. Photo: Frank Holder.

I have been watching the gifted actress Tyra Ferrell for years. She has worked on stage, television and in film. She gained crazy popular notice playing the harried mother who favors one son, Morris Chestnut over the other, Ice Cube in John Singleton's forceful coming-of-age drama, Boyz N the Hood. She appeared in Jungle Fever (1991), with Wesley Snipes and has had roles in cult favorites like Boyz in the Hood (1991), White Men Can't Jump (1992) and Poetic Justice (1993). At one time Ferrell also maintained a recurring role in the television series ER. In 1991. Tyra was listed as one of twelve "Promising New Actors of 1991" in John Willis' Screen World. In 2005 Tyra was nominated for an image award as an outstanding actress in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special for NTSB: The Crash of Flight 323 (2004).

Tyra is one of those actresses that enters a scene and shakes it with her powerful dedication to every character she plays. I have watched her for years and never realized if it is a movie in my DVD collection chances are she is in it and surely makes the film better. Tyra is a versatile black player with stage, TV and film experience who appeared on Broadway in "Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music" (1981) and gained critical acclaim for two totally different but equally impressive performances in 1991 as the attractive, intelligent chic from Bensonhurst who dates John Turturro in Spike Lee's Jungle Fever.

Over the years her roles have dwindled as with many black actresses in Hollywood, but each role she chose, it was apparent she chose them to highlight her gifts, and that each audience member would remember her, if not for just the role, then for her performance.

Tyra Ferrell follows the movie world with a different character that leaves us reminded that her guest roles are never secondary but necessary to carry out the writer’s message. Casting Tyra in any movie know doubt always reminds us that since she helped us “Fight the Power” her power as an actress is never to be questioned.

We know you haven’t seen her in a while, and as her last project was a short film titled, Coochie (2004), we don’t expect to count her out any time soon. After all, there are black plays that tour the country and she may pop up in one of them or a black film that may feature her. Either way, you cant never count out an actress of her caliber.

Cuts - When a family owned barbershop is sold to large chain, the previous owners son Kevin Barnes (Marques Houston) finds himself comanaging the shop and butting heads with the new owner's spoiled daughter, Tiffany (Shannon Elizabeth).

Desmond’s – This series was a British television situation comedy that featured a West Indian cast. It starred Norman Beaton as barber Desmond Ambrose whose shop was a gathering place for an assortment of local characters.

Different Strokes – This sitcom first aired in the late 70’s and starred Gary Coleman (Arnold Jackson) and his older brother played by Todd Bridges (Willis). They both were adopted by the very wealthy Mr. Drummond and lived in a penthouse with him, his daughter and their maid. “What you talking about, Willis!?”

Eve – Rapper Eve starred as Shelly Williams in the series that was about a trio of women who have their own boutique and clothing line. The show follows their dating lives, and that of their three closest male friends.

Everybody Hates Chris - Chris Rock narrates this story of himself growing up as the oldest of three children in Brooklyn, New York during the early 1980s. Uprooted to a neighborhood and bused into a primarily white middle school two hours away by his strict, hard-working parents, Chris is played by Tyler James Williams.

Family Matters - A spin-off from Perfect Strangers: Family Matters focused on Harriet Winslow (Marie Jo Payton) and her family which included her husband, son, two daughters, her sister and her son, her mother and neighbor Steve Urkel. He was originally intended to be a one-shot appearance, but his popularity won him the number-one spot as America's favorite nerd. “Did I do that?”

Fatherhood - Fatherhood takes an optimistic look at the problems, rewards and comedy of family life. Based on a book by Bill Cosby, the richly animated show shows the life and times of Dr. Arthur Bindlebeep, a high school professor, loving husband, devoted son and father of three.

Flip Wilson Show - Although music and guests were an important part of the format, Flip's comedy was the real focus point of the series. Flip's best-known expression was a wide-eyed "The Devil made me do it". This variety series won Two Emmy Awards in 1970 for Best Variety Series and Writing in a Variety Series.

For Your Love - Set in the suburb of Oak Park, Ill, the series followed couples bound by friendship and family. While adjusting to married life, Mel (James Lesure) and Malena Ellis (Holly Robinson Peete) learn the hard lesson that the early years may just be the toughest.

Franks Place – The series chronicled the life of Frank Parrish (Tim Reid), a well-to-do Boston college professor who inherits a restaurant, Chez Louisiane. Frank returns to New Orleans and makes many discoveries about working-class Black culture, the differences between northern and southern lifestyles, and himself.

Fresh Prince - The show starred Will Smith as a street-smart teenager from West Philadelphia who is sent to live with his wealthy relatives in a Bel-Air mansion. His lifestyle often clashes with that of his relatives there.

Game - THE GAME stars Tia Mowry as Melanie Barnett, a medical student, who is also the girlfriend of an eager rookie football player, Derwin Davis (Pooch Hall). Melanie decides to pass on her chance at attending Johns Hopkins Medical School to be with Derwin after he is recently chosen to play for the San Diego Sabres as the new third-string wide receiver.

Gimme a Break – A black housekeeper (Nell Carter) has to maintain order in the home of a widowed white police chief (Howard Morton) and his three daughters in this comedy set in the fictional town of Glen Lawn, California.

Girlfriends – This series starred Tracee Ellis Ross as Joan and revolved around the friendship of her three African-American friends, Toni (Jill Marie Jones), Lynn (Persia White) and Maya (Golden Brooks) all from different walks of life. They all would get advice from Joan’s nerdy co-worker, William (Reggie Hayes).

Good News - This 90’s half-hour comedy series boasts gospel music with a spunky R&B flair. When youthful Pastor David Randolph (David Ramsey) is designated as the temporary replacement for the Church of Life's beloved founding father, the congregation sings... everything but his praises.

Good Times - This 70’s series was a spinoff of the TV series, Maude. In Maude Esther Rolle had portrayed Florida Evans, the black housekeeper, but in Good Times Florida and her family were struggling to survive in a South Side ghetto in Chicago. Florida was married to James Evans (in Maude his name was Henry) and they had three children, J.J., Thelma and Michael. The Evans family also had a next door neighbor, Willona Woods who was also a main character. “Thelma, Thelma, Thelma!”

Goode Behavior - Willie Goode (Sherman Hemsley) is a newly paroled convicted con artist who moves in with his professor son Franklin (Dorien Wilson) and his family.

Grady - "Grady" was the first of three spin-offs from the highly successful "Sanford and Son" franchise. Grady Wilson (Whitman Mayo), Fred's longtime friend, moves out of his old home in Watts and into his daughter's home in Westwood. Unfortunately the series was cancelled after twelve episodes.

Grown Ups - Starring Jaleel White as J. Calvin Frazier the series follows Calvin as he tackles adulthood and realizes that anything is possible if you want it badly enough. This late 90’s sitcom only lasted one season.

Half & Half - stars Essence Atkins and Rachel True as half-sisters Mona and Dee Dee who have only one thing in common: their father. Growing up separately, these two virtual strangers suddenly become neighbors in the same San Francisco apartment building and experience the challenges of sisterhood for the first time.

Hangin with Mr. Cooper – Mark Cooper (Marc Curry), a former NBA basketball player who moved back to Oakland to become a coach at his old high school. He shared his house with his old friend Robin Dumars (Holly Robinson Peete), a music teacher, and the sexy Vanessa Russell (Dawnn Lewis).

Homeboys in Outer Space -The plot centered around an odd couple-type pairing who flew around the universe in a winged car, piloted by a talking computer named Loquatia. It starred Flex Alexander and Darryl Bell. The show was the target of a flurry of protests from the NAACP and other civil-rights organizations for its use of stereotypes. It was cancelled due to low ratings after one season.

In Living Color – Keenan Ivory Wayne’s created and hosted this ground breaking sketch comedy series that introduced the world to upcoming talent such as Tommy Davidson, Jim Carrey, Kim Coles, David Alan Grier, T'keyah "Crystal" Keymah and finally his siblings Kim Wayans and Damon Wayans.

“Homey don’t play that!”

In The House – In the House stars LL Cool J as Marion Hill, an ex-professional football player facing a career-ending injury and reluctantly agrees to become a caregiver to a recently divorced mother of two as she starts a new career.

Jamie Foxx Show - Texas native Jamie King ( Jamie Foxx) is an aspiring actor who heads to Hollywood in hopes to find fame and fortune in the entertainment industry. To support himself, he works at his Aunt Helen (Ellia English) and Uncle Junior's ( Garrett Morris) Los Angeles hotel, the King's Towers.

Julia - The show is about Julia Baker (Diahann Carroll), a young widowed AfricanAmerican woman working as a nurse. She is trying to raise a young son (Marc Copage) alone. Other members of the cast include Dr. Morton Chegley (Lloyd Nolan), Mrs. Waggedorn (Betty Beaird), and Earl Waggedorn (Michael Link). It was one of the best shows of the late 60s/early 70s and is considered a classic.

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Ocean Glapion Let us introduce you to a New Orleans native, comedian Ocean Glapion. This comedian was born in New Orleans, and eventually Ocean moved to Los Angeles at any early age.

Growing up in L.A., as with most comedians in the game today, he was influenced by the comedic talents of many great comedy legends such comics as Eddie Murphy and Richard Pryor.

Ocean Glapion Model: Mika Michelle Grooming: Tamra-Marie Johnson Hair & Make-Up: Tamra-Marie Johnson All Photos: Patrick McKenzie.

Ask any comedian today to name a couple of the most powerful people in the comedy industry and the same name will pop up in every conversation; that name is Bob Sumner.

Being a pivotal person in many careers of today’s most successful comics today Sumner has been able to now escalate his own success into new beginnings with the new show One Mic Stand as an Executive Producer. But that’s not all; Sumner is also creating something that has never been done before with these comedians. He is creating a group of them that he titles The Laugh Mob that will tour the country and set a new standard for comedy today.

Ocean eventually went back to Louisiana to study theatre at Xavier University. He later returned to L.A., where he currently resides, to pursue a career in comedy and acting. Ocean is currently working nightly in the stand-up circuit in LA nationally, in addition to working on an untitled independent film, plus the Comedy Playground pilot, and a series of commercials for Match.com.

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Upon hearing about the untimely death of comedy great Bernie Mac, a good friend of mine sent me an email message in astonishment. “Bernie was really loved, wasn’t he? He made a huge impact on a lot of lives.” She noted. “I guess I’m really most impressed by his impact on whites, who had great, sincere memories of him. They may’ve even loved Bernie more than some of his peers, whom I thought were much more famous.” She confessed.

I knew where she was coming from, so I quickly hit her back. “I agree. They appreciated Bernie way, way more than the people you’re talking about! I think most Black people did too.” I asserted via my trusty keyboard. Not just based on what we considered to be talent, per se, although Mac was exceptionally talented in his own rite. But Bernie Mac was “The Man” because of how his persona reached out and touched the masses of comedy lovers worldwide and transcended the stage and screen.

He impacted millions of people with his stand-up act and his “street-wise brutha-from-roundthe way” kind of cool. It was down to earth and very “Black” in its base form. Arguably not the most “articulate speaker early on, nor the archetypical movie or TV star, Bernie had undeniable star quality that burned through the barriers. In fact, I remember when Hollywood had a hard time deciding what to do with him. But soon they had no choice but to “put him on” because the pure essence of his act, the gift he shared, was universal.

His highly successful, Peabody and NAACP Image Award winning sitcom The Bernie Mac Show, reached across numerous lines and truly crossed-over, in every sense of the word. His more than 35 movies-including several blockbusters-only added to his legend and his lore. “When people love your humanity it’s much greater, far more profound than just being admired as a star.” I expressed to my reflective friend. “Heat” and stardom can eventually make you a superstar. Superstardom can make you an icon. But love, good ole fashioned, down-home love, is the stuff legends are made of.”

I had the pleasure of meeting Bernie Mac on the road in 1992. He was fresh off being the standout performer on the first ever Def Comedy Jam tour. Prior to the tour he’d broken new ground and blew America away with the condensed, TV version of his act. People of my generation vividly remember his first televised Def Comedy Jam appearance on HBO. “I ain’t scared of you mutha fu----!” He blurted out into a theatre packed with instantly adoring fans. And indeed, he wasn’t afraid. In fact, from the moment he delivered that now famous intro, until the day of his passing, he’s had audiences right in the palm of his hand. The microphone, which he made just a bit more symbolic of comedic greatness, was in the other one. One season later he tore the roof off the Def Jam house again with his now classic, Kid Capri-aided “Kick it,” set, which many would say, kicked off his meteoric rise to comedy immortality.

When I met Bernie he was already a 14-year comedy veteran and had, in many cases, a decade or more of experience on his comedy contemporaries who were still largely neophytes in a relatively new and emerging genre. He was already well known among Chicagoans who loved Black Comedy. In fact, basketball legend and Chicago Bull superstar Michael Jordan was one of his early fans.

In those days I managed fellow “King” D.L. Hughley. He was fresh off a winning Def Comedy Jam TV appearance and after much negotiation and a substantial demonstration of tenacity

from yours truly, had recently been awarded the hosting job of a brand new show on BET known as Comic View. D.L. was the first host of that seminal show and I was slated as the show’s first talent consultant-not to be confused with “talent coordinator.”

Veteran comedy personal appearance agent Chris McNeil took notice of the still relatively new phenomenon referred to by some as “Def Jam Comedy” that was taking the nation by storm.

He saw how well the Def Jam tour was doing. He had an idea. Why not take two of the hottest guys of the Def Jam tour and the host of the next hottest show, Comic View (there were many Black stand-up shows at that time) and put them out on tour?

Bernie, D.L. and Def Jam standout Teddy Carpenter were then three of the most dynamic, different and regionally diverse African American comics in the country. D.L. was from Los Angeles, the capital of the West Coast. Teddy was from the nation’s capital Washington D.C., on the east coast. And Bernie was from the capital of the mid-west, Chicago. The “Three The Hard Way” Tour was born. Everybody had input suggesting names for the tour. But the name “Three The Hard Way” was perfect. It was old school, with a taste of the street, like Bernie. I can’t help but think Mac had a hand in naming it.

The tour was an instant hit. The three artists were just the right mix... and they all had respect for each other’s ability. We’d often ride over from the hotel to the venue together in the stretch limo. Being the writer that I am, I took notice of the group dynamic-how they all interacted with one another. They got along famously. D.L. and Teddy were the “young guns,” both with potent, explosive acts, they were anxious to hit the stage and show their wares. They were equally eager to claim the coveted closing or “headliner spot.”

Bernie, on the other hand, was the ultra cool master-with journeyman skill but with a level of star quality that made the two then junior stars give him his “props” and his space. Bernie countered the testosterone with game. He opted to go up first, garner his love from adoring fans and head back to the hotel. He’d let the two “young lions” duke it out. Even then, it was very obvious that “The Mac Man” was special-more than just the man. He was in charge.

People have looked to Bernie his whole career. Native Chicago comic, now an L.A. transplant Evan “E.L.” Lionel, shared his perspective with me during a recent interview. They came up together through the ranks on the south side of Chicago. “I wasn’t his friend because I thought he was going to be famous. In fact, lots of people, including Rob (R.) Kelly was sure I’d hit it big first.” Evan asserted. “I was his friend because that was what he was to me and because we both loved comedy and we loved the arts.”

Evan continued to recall those times back in the day. “In Chi-town, Bernie was the God Father of comedy. He was already famous for hosting two hot spots downtown, “The Cotton Club” and “Spices.” He poured into everyone’s life. He was the guy who not only taught us about comedy. He also talked to us about manhood. He was the oldest of our group and we all looked up to him like a big brother… and we listened to his wisdom. ‘You got to be a pro in this game, if this is what you’re gonna’ do.’ Bernie used to say. ‘It’s about being funny! These people come here to laugh. As soon as two people in the front row fall out and get taken out of here in an ambulance, if you’re on stage, tell the crowd that there’s two seats down front!’

He would tell us. ‘Your job is to be funny and make them laugh.’

Bernie was big on family. ‘The family is what’s important.’ He’d always say. He was a private

person but at the same time he also believed in us Chicago comics sticking together as artists. We’d perform together at the club and then we’d all meet together after the show. It was Bernie, me, Adele Givens and George Wilborn. We didn’t perform for the money. There wasn’t any money.

We did it because we knew it was all about honing our craft. We did stand up, improv and sketch comedy. I was the one with the acting background, so I shared what I knew with the others and our sketches and our improv got good-along with our stand-up.

As much as Bernie was down for the group, he was very much his own man-especially on his philosophy of life and issues that were important to him. Bernie used to always say, ‘the strongest man alive is the man who walks alone. ‘I walk alone, homes.’ That was one of his favorite sayings.

And when it came to going on the road, he had his own philosophy then too. ‘I travel light, homes. It keeps the confusion down.’ He wasn’t one for big entourages.

I was the youngest one of our group in Chicago. On one particular night it showed. Bernie was the host of the weekly comedy night at a popular nightclub on the south side called “The Dating Game.” Bernie brought me up. I was doing well. All of a sudden this certain brother in the front started heckling me. So I let him have it. I ripped into him for a good while. The crowd was with me. They were cracking up. I finished my set and got off stage to thunderous applause.

What I didn’t realize is that that dude was a killer and he didn’t appreciate my making fun of him.

He had a .45 on him and he was making his way towards me to take me out. Bernie saw it all taking shape from across the room and made his way to where I was going to be murdered. Bernie intercepted the furious gangster in the nick of time. He made him put his gun away and respectfully set him straight. ‘Don’t mess with him, homes. Evan is with me.’

Bernie saved my life that night. Afterwards, Bernie let me have it. You can’t just be making fun of people like that! When you talk about somebody, it’s got to be funny to them first!’ That was one of life’s lessons that you never forget.” Bernie Mac was, and via his work, is still a comedian, actor, family man, humanitarian and friend to many, whom will never be forgotten. He made his mark on the world of comedy and the world at-large. Like all great comics, his legacy is evident in the performances of the new generations of urban comics. He will be sorely missed but at the same time, he still lives, as he left a body of work for us to enjoy for generations to come.

Thanks to all of you for reading the column. Many thanks to comedian E.L. (Evan Lionel) for sharing some rare insight on his times with Bernie Mac. It’s my pleasure to share these insights with my people. It’s food for thought. If you can’t chew it, don’t swallow it. May God bless you all abundantly. Until next time, be safe, be smart, be successful, be thankful. One Love, for real.

Holla at your Doctor! # # # Tony Spires is a Los Angeles-based filmmaker, event producer, personal manager, poet, musician, award-winning playwright, critically acclaimed director and co-writer of the 2007 NAACP Award nominated, “Ali: The Man, The Myth, The Peoples’ Champion and columnist for The Humor Mill Magazine. He is also co-founder of the newly formed youth arts organization Full Vision Arts Foundation. Known as The Comedy Doctor in comedy circles, he is perhaps best known as the founder of the nationally reputed Bay Area Black Comedy Competition & Festival and as writer/director/producer of the acclaimed feature film, “Tears Of A Clown” now available on DVD. Email Tony at: ComedyDoctor@BlackComedyCompetition.com. Visit him at: http://www.TonySpires.com.

Bernard Jeffrey McCollough Oct 5, 1957 – Aug 9, 2008