The beloved actor and comedian died from complications due to pneumonia in a Chicago hospital. He is best known for his hit series “The Bernie Mac Show” in addition to his work in numerous films, including the “Ocean’s” trilogy. He had recently finished filming the movie “Soul Men” (with Samuel L. Jackson and Issac Hayes), which opened in theaters last month.
A legendary soul singer, songwriter, musician and producer, whose career hit its peak with the single and album “Shaft” from the Oscar-winning soundtrack to the 1971 film, was a gifted vocalist. Hayes was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002. He died the same weekend “Soul Men” costar Bernie Mac passed.
The youngest son of O’Jays lead singer Eddie Levert and one-third of R&B trio LeVert died while serving time in jail for non-payment of child support after falling ill and being denied medication. His death is still being investigated. His brother Gerald, a fellow member of LeVert, died in 2006.
Moore, who played the slick-talking pimp in the 1975 film “Dolemite,” died from diabetes. He called himself “The Godfather of Rap” because of the numerous hip-hop artists who used his recordings in their works. Snoop once told the Los Angeles Times: “Without Rudy Ray Moore, there would be no Snoop Dogg.”
As the vice-president of Def Jam and engaged to be married, Stewart appeared to have it all before his suicide in November. Family and friends say the once happy executive had become depressed in the weeks leading to his death. He took Jay-Z’s role following the rapper’s departure from the label and was known for his penchant for discovering and nurturing new talent.
Carr, seated center, dedicated her life to fighting segregation and helped organize the Montgomery bus boycott with friend Rosa Parks during the Civil Rights Movement. President-elect Barack Obama pushed her along the Edmund Pettus Bridge with Reverend Joseph Lowery, left, commemorating the 1965 Selma-Montgomery Voting Rights March in Selma, Alabama.
Kitt, one of the original diva’s of her time who rose to fame in the 1950’s as a singer and actress, died of colon cancer on Christmas Day. She was born to a poor Black mother and White father in South Carolina but spent most of her adulthood using her sex appeal and feminine wilds to contribute to great performances on-screen, on Broadway and around the world.