The world lost a comedy giant today. Bernie Mac, comedian, actor, author, from my hometown Chicago, passed away.
What he meant to me.
In summer of 1994, six months into my career as a comedian, I performed on the same stage as Bernie. He hosted a very special room called Milt Trenier's, a small jazz club located in the basement of the Hyatt on east Ohio street in downtown Chicago. Every tuesday the show started at 8pm. The place was packed by 5. If you weren't there early you could just come the next week. So people would order wings from the restaurant upstairs and get their drink on and the room was always buzzing. The show would start with Bernie's band heating the joint up, they were amazing. Bernie would be introduced and light up the crowd for probably 40 minutes and he always showcased up and coming Chicago (and other but mostly Chicago) talent by having 2 singers and 2 comedians do their thing. He would do sketches, sing, and he had back up dancers, and pleeeeeeeeeeaze do not heckle, you would be incinerated.
I got the opportunity to perform at the coveted show by playing a tape of my set to Ali Leroy, who has made you laugh whether you know him or not as he has written for Bernie and Chris Rock. Ali listened and booked me on the spot for a tuesday 2 weeks away. On the night of the show I was crazy nervous, still cool, but scared. Bernie introduced me, he kind of interviewed me on the spot and clowned me at the same time. It was awesome, he was helping me to relax and rocking the crowd at the same time. I sat down behind my keyboard, and started into my act. Bernie took a seat close by, it was as if he was holding my hand. I hit my set and it certainly could not have gone any better. I got off stage and Bernie said to me on the mic, "Craig if you ever need help with anything, you let me know." Six months into my career as a comedian, Bernie Mac showed me mad love. That is one of the best highlights of my career. Bernie had that ability to be funny and have heart. We would all see that when his show on Fox (Bernie Mac) came on the air. I had the pleasure of being a guest star in an episode (Hair Jordan). He was always lookin out for you. Bernie invited everyone to his dressing room for a soul food lunch. I congratulated him on his success and all he said was "I got a long way to go."
Always humble.
Rest in peace brother.
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10 of 52Morehe always could make laugh. everytime i watch his show it makes think about him being gone it doesnt seem like he's gone
He was definitely one of chi-towns best and will be terribly missed
I remember Milt Trenier's. 2 of my girls were Bernie Mac "Macaroni Dancers"
That was a great venue to see great comedy. I didn't see you there but did you do a show at All Jokes Aside? I think i saw you at a club in Chicago back then...But Bernie was the real deal and if you don't know how a cat is from Chicago and you watch him. That is how it is, real deal. He was the truth.
On Many levels.
Love you Bernie...
Thanks for sharing this even though i am late on this particular post.
i was out of the country when he left us. it was sucky coming back to the states and hearing this news. he left too soon. we will all miss him. i call my neice baby girl because of him. :)
R.I.P.
I am not surprised Craig. He seemed like one of the good ones in the biz. God Bless Bernie
I love this article. I wrote one on my blog also check it out.
I don't mean for this to sound unkind, but there aren't many celebrities that I really care about. I mean, I don't want harm to come to anyone, but there aren't many I really CARE about. Bernie mac was one of those people, though, that I was really... REALLY sorry to hear go. :(
WHY HIM? Why not someone else, like that jerk back in the 3rd grade who used to always push me into a wall whenever we would like up for recess? :(
That's cool that you got to not only meet him, but be a guest on his star and eat with him afterward! I am genuinely sorry for your loss as well as the loss for the rest of us.
Just now seeing this. That's a very touching memory. You're so lucky for having known and worked with him.
He was a hilarious, & a classy man.
Craig,
Sorry for the loss of your friend. I have been there and it is never easy. I enjoyed his show and it is shame we will not see any new material from him.
Take it easy.
J