Bernie Mac, a style that was classic

For those of us who knew him before "Ocean's Eleven" or as one of the infamous "Original Kings of Comedy," the Mac Man will be truly missed.

Bernie Mac had a style of his own that was classic. "I ain't scared at ya" and "Who you wit" became two of his mottoes with a belief that someday he would make it big.

Watching his career grow as a comedian and actor gave Chicagoans and especially South Siders great pride. He was one of us. You could catch him laughing and joking with other customers at Lou's Barber Shop on 71st and Jeffery.

Though his career finally took off, he always remained humble.

He just wanted to make people laugh and with his hit television show "The Bernie Mac Show" on Fox, he did just that. He made us laugh and sometimes even made us cry.

He helped us realized through his personal monologues to America what being a loving uncle or parent was all about. He spoke about true family values in his own way - drawing on his own life, he helped us laugh at ourselves.

You might remember Bernie in his HBO special, "Midnight Mac" filmed here in Chicago as being one of the hottest tickets in town, or you might remember him for coining the phrase "bucket-naked" in the movie "The Players Club."

No matter how you choose to remember Bernard Jeffrey McCullough, a.k.a. Bernie Mac, one thing is for certain - He'll always be remembered here in Chicago.

Who knows, maybe Ald. Leslie Hairston will help get a part of 71st Street renamed in his honor. "Bernie Mac Drive" sure sounds good to me, speed limit 50.

William J. Booker

Chicago