RIP: Two Soul Men

This weekend we lost two multi-talented men from the world of entertainment. Actor/Comedian Bernie Mac died on Saturday while Oscar-winner Isaac Hayes died on Sunday. Coincidentally the two were co-stars in the upcoming drama SOUL MEN (Samuel L. Jackson co-stars). Mac, star of the OCEAN’S film series and Peabody Award Winner for his Fox sitcom “The Bernie Mac Show,” died at the age of 50 of sarcoidosis, a rare autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in tissue. Besides SOUL MEN, Mac has a number of films on the way including a voice in MADAGASCAR 2 and the comedy OLD DOGS with Robin Williams and John Travolta.

Hayes, who won an Oscar for his theme from SHAFT, was found Sunday morning in his home beside a still-running treadmill. He was transported to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead an hour later. Hayes, an accomplished musician who wrote “Soul Man” among other classic R&B songs, may be perhaps best remembered for some of his more recent works like voicing Chef on “South Park” or appearances in movies like HUSTLE AND FLOW and REINDEER GAMES.

There’s obviously much to say about both men that can’t fit into this small space but I urge you to read more detailed obituaries on Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes to learn more about their inspiring lives. No word yet on whether November’s planned release of SOUL MEN will be pushed back.