Soul Men to Premiere Without Mac and Hayes

Although the comedy, Soul Men, will open on Friday, its premiere will sadly be short two stars. Both Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes died only a day apart back in August after finishing their work on the film. According to Entertainment Weekly, both stars were in not so perfect health throughout the filming. Mac required an oxygen tank on set to help with his lung disease called sarcoidosis, while Hayes was still recovering from a stroke he suffered back in 2007. However, this did not prevent either actor from performing wonderfully in the film.

Mac portrayed fictional singer Floyd Henderson, an aging singer looking to find fame again, and Hayes appeared in the film as himself. The film is filled with Memphis, Tennessee soul music of the 1960s and revolves around the music label, Stax Records.

The film's other star, Samuel L. Jackson, who portrays fictional singer Louis Hinds, wishes his friend, Bernie Mac, could have seen the film. Jackson stated this is "because he did this film, and he did a great job in it, and it's an amazing tribute to what he is and who he's been."

Mac died on August 9, 2008 in Chicago at the age of 50. He passed away due to complications with pneumonia. Hayes died of stroke the very next day, at the age of 65. Both will be sorely missed and their performances in Soul Men are sure to leave fans with good memories.