Event Fri Jan 20 2012

Chicago Rolls Out the Red Carpet for Bernie Mac

By LaShawn Williams

Bernie Mac's love for Chicago was both evident and undeniable--and at last night's red carpet screening of the documentary I Ain't Scared of You: A Tribute to Bernie Mac, the love Chicago has for him was also evident. "It is a wonderful feeling to see everyone come out and support," said his widow, Rhonda McCullough. "It just shows me how much people really loved Bernie and I'm always touched by it--especially tonight."

Held at ShowPlace ICON Theater, 150 W. Roosevelt Rd., fans, including Chicago sports legends, media personalities, and comedians, came out to celebrate the life and legacy of the late actor and comedian, in support of the Bernie Mac Foundation. For filmmaker Robert Small, attending the Chicago premiere was exciting. "I'm really thrilled to be here; I want to make sure the people here in Chicago think it's legit and that I did my job and stayed true to Bernie," Small said.

Narrated in his voice, I Ain't Scared of You, premiering Sunday, February 19 on Comedy Central, covers the early days of Mac's family life and career in Chicago up through his television and big screen projects. The film boasts hilarious clips and interviews from many of his comedian friends and co-stars including Chris Rock, D.L. Hughley, Mike Epps, Cameron Diaz, Angela Bassett, Don Cheadle and Samuel L. Jackson. For former Chicago Bears star Emery Moorehead, a longtime friend of Mac's, the documentary is sure to be a favorite for the fans. "This movie is going to be a big hit; he was a great comedian and performer and he was one of our own, right here in Chicago." And for fan Lorraine McGregor, the film resonated in a specific way. "I thought it was wonderful and that it caught the spirit [of Bernie Mac]. Even though I never met him, I was able to really see how much people loved him and enjoyed being around him."

For comedian Reggie Reg, known for his spot on impression of Bernie Mac, being part of the festivities was rewarding. "It's absolutely a great honor; when you're an impressionist in this business, it's very important to be told by people that you do well," said Reg. "When I first started doing comedy, I went to the Cotton Club on South Michigan Avenue and Bernie Mac was the emcee. I'm just happy to be a part of all this."

In addition to the screening, fans were treated to musical tributes by singers Adrienne Locke and Javon Watson, as well as the news of a street named after Bernie Mac, scheduled to go up next month in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood.

Photos courtesy of Charles Jackson.