I wasn't going to devote a blog post to comedian Bernie Mac's sad and untimely death this weekend but it was not because I did not admire him greatly - I did. But as is so often the case, I know there are many others who will do a far better job of eulogizing him elsewhere. My friend Frank wrote a personal tribute on his blog yesterday including links to some nice write-ups from Mac's hometown newspaper, the Chicago Tribune.
Then came word that Oscar and Grammy-winning soul legend Isaac Hayes had also passed away. Depending on your age you might know him best for his 1960s music career as a songwriter and performer in the Stax Records stable or his 1970s successes as a popular soul singer or his more recent work as the voice of Chef on the popular cartoon South Park.
I'm sure many people will seek out actor Samuel L. Jackson for comment about working with both Mac and Hayes recently on a film named Soul Men, due for release November 14th.
One Of These Is Not Like The Others.....
Some will joke that Jackson should immediately lie down somewhere safe in his house and not leave until the Summer of Death is over. I'm not worried about him and have never bought into the dumb theory that celebrity deaths happen in threes. We just count them that way.
Actor Morgan Freeman already dodged the Grim Reaper this week by surviving a serious auto accident so I guess it wasn't his time. But just in case there is going to be another black celebrity joining the All-Heaven Squad soon, here are my more likely picks.
1. Harry Belafonte
2. Aretha Franklin
3. Mohammad Ali
I was shocked by Mac and now Hayes as well. I call Paul Newman on the next list.
Posted by: Raul | August 11, 2008 at 06:07 AM
Harry Belafonte's still alive????
Personally, I'd nominate Urkel instead.
Posted by: stacey | August 11, 2008 at 06:22 AM
My vote would go for Michael Jackson, but does he still qualify?
Posted by: Edmund F | August 11, 2008 at 06:29 AM
And Jessie Jackson is still alive! What the hell!
Posted by: Geo | August 11, 2008 at 06:49 AM
How about Obama? Doesn't McCain consider him a celebrity?
Posted by: Lynne_T | August 11, 2008 at 07:25 AM
My List:
Nick Cannon
Bobby Brown
DMX
Wayne Brady in a hotel room with a red ball stuffed in his mouth, plastic bag over his head, needle stuck in his arm,2 midgets, a tranvestite named cookie and Andy Dick
Posted by: db | August 11, 2008 at 09:06 AM
Why the death pool gotta be black?!?
Posted by: John E | August 11, 2008 at 09:44 AM
LOL at John E's comment!
On a more somber and personal note, I had forgotten you had dubbed this the "summer of death." We lost two special needs friends at the end of July. Is it me, or does it just seem like this year is full of more death than most? So sad.
Posted by: Kelly | August 11, 2008 at 11:18 AM
My list:
1. Robert Downey Jr.
2. Michael Rhapapport
Posted by: bruin | August 11, 2008 at 02:39 PM
i dont wish death upon anybody but we seriously need to thin out the heard. we got some really stupid people living among us....
so lets change the topic shall we? why dont we debate on which is hotter?? kristen bell, megan fox or hayden penettiere?
Posted by: mark | August 11, 2008 at 10:09 PM
lets not talk about death. how about the female athletes from scandinavian countries?? the only reason i watch the olympics. yes..U.S women's gymnastics too!!
Posted by: mark | August 11, 2008 at 10:13 PM
i think it's Muhammad.
Posted by: Artt | August 18, 2008 at 11:02 AM