The public memorial of Bernie Mac drew thousands at the House of Hope church in Chicago on Saturday. Family, friends and countless fans gathered to pay tribute to the comedian. Bernie Mac passed away last Saturday, due to pneumonia complications at the age of 50.

He also had been suffering from sarcoidosis, a rare condition that produces inflammation in tissue, usually in the lungs; doctors believe that the ailment could have had a role.

Some of his fans camped outside the 10,000-seat church in order to make sure they would have a seat at the memorial. Others started arriving hours before the scheduled time, probably after a long road. All of them were just driven by the desire to be there with the Mac Man. The ceremony started shortly after noon.

The ceremony was also star-studded. Fellow comedians from the 2000’s “Original Kings of Comedy,” Cedric the Entertainer, Steve Harvey and DL Hughley couldn’t help but shed tears during the ceremony. When it was their turn to speak at the ceremony, they smoothly mixed sad moments with funny ones, just as Bernie Mac would have probably done himself.

“This dude is a very popular guy. You know y'all were like, 'Let me get four tickets to the funeral!' He's still the hottest ticket in town,” said Cedric, as the Chicago Tribune quoted him. Also, Hughley referred to Bernie’s famous taste in clothes: “Bernie would wear colors that crayon hadn't even invented.”

The Rev. Jesse Jackson told the audience “Bernie Mac is a serious funnyman,” making reference to the well-known fact that there was a huge difference of personality between the on-stage Bernie Mac and the off-stage one.

Oprah Winfrey, Sen. Barack Obama. Rep. Maxine Waters, the O'Jays and Andy Garcia weren’t present at the ceremony; however, they sent condolences and their statements were read aloud. “Michelle and I were so deeply sad to hear about your loss. ... He ... (made) us laugh and laugh hard. Bernie Mac will be sorely missed,” read Obama’s statement.

Actor Samuel L. Jackson also attended the ceremony. He starred alongside Bernie Mac and singer Isaac Hayes in the December movie “Soul Man.” The saddest coincidence is that Isaac Hayes died just a day after Bernie, at the age of 65. He was also paid tribute at the memorial ceremony. A montage of pictures featuring moments of Mac’s career and life was presented and some of Hayes’ songs were played.

A colleague from the “Ocean’s” trilogy, Don Cheadle was also present. There were also funnymen Chris Rock, Mike Collier, Bruce Bruce and George Wallace, Salli Richardson, producer/writer Ali LeRoi, radio host Tom Joyner and many others.