Director Malcolm D. Lee Shares His Thoughts On Death of Mac & Hayes

With the passing of Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes, you can't help but think how coincidental it is that both of these talented men were in the same film that comes out this November, 'Soul Men'. The film also stars Samuel L. Jackson.

Directed by Malcolm D. Lee, the film is about two estranged soul-singing legends (Jackson and Mac) agree to participate in a reunion performance at the Apollo Theater to honor their recently deceased band leader. Isaac Hayes plays himself in the film. In issuing the following statement, Lee expressed his thoughts on working with both gentlemen.

'Bernie Mac was a gentleman. Besides being wildly funny, inventive and talented on stage, on television and in film, Bernie was one of the most sincere people I've ever met. Bernie cared about you whether you were his best friend or a total stranger. And that care was genuine.

'Anyone who came into Bernie's presence was surely touched by his spirit. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to collaborate with one of the industry's best entertainers and I (along with countless others) will miss him dearly.'

'Isaac Hayes was a musical genius whose music has and continues to inspire me as a person and a storyteller. A warm spirit and an egoless talent, Isaac was as tireless on the film set as he was in the studio. Working with Isaac has been one of the highlights of my career. The world has lost a true music legend whose influence on all of us is immeasurable. I will miss him and am grateful that I was blessed to have been in the presence of greatness this past year. '

According to showbizspy.com, Lee is re-editing his the film in a bid to honour his deceased actors, but insists he won't be making huge changes to the completed film or altering its release dates, but he is keen to pay a fitting tribute to his stars.

He says, 'This isn't like (Batman film) Dark Knight, where Heath Ledger died while editing was in its infancy; most of our editing is done. We'll go back and see if there is anything we can do better... I want my movie to be a tribute to both of them.'

Niecy Nash, who worked as his sister on 'The Bernie Mac Show' also commented on the passing of Mac, stating, ' His passing is such a major loss to the acting and comedy communities. Everything that I learned and observed from Bernie Mac, I'm going to apply it. Now that I have my own sitcom, I'm going to pay it forward. His great legacy of graciousness and giving will live on. That's how I'm going to keep his memory alive; by expressing the best part of him through me. Bernie Mac was the personification of the word 'real.' He kept it real. That kind of genuine spirit that he carried all time cannot be easily duplicated, but I will do my very best to try.'

Mac died on Saturday from complications relating to pneumonia; Hayes died a day later after collapsing at his home in Memphis, Tennessee.