Nationwide — Comedian Aries Spears has shared his blunt opinion about Bernie Mac’s comedy, admitting that he has never fully understood the late comedian’s appeal. He made the comments while discussing several acclaimed comedians whose work did not always connect with him. He also acknowledged that his take on Mac could be considered “blasphemous” by some Black comedy fans.
During an appearance on Live From The Green Room, Spears was asked to name comedians whose popularity he has struggled to understand. Bernie Mac immediately came to mind. Spears said Mac’s distinctive voice and delivery sometimes distract him from the jokes. “I just don’t get it,” he said. He explained that he becomes so focused on Mac’s cadence that it can overshadow the material. Spears compared the experience to listening to the adults in Peanuts, whose voices are intentionally muffled and difficult to understand.
According to Complex, Spears knew his comments about Mac could attract criticism. Before naming the comedians, the MADtv alum joked that his answers might be considered “blasphemous by the Black community because we hold these people and these institutions to such high regard.” He also questioned parts of Martin Lawrence’s comedy. Spears said some of Lawrence’s material became so exaggerated that it “bordered buffoonery.” He pointed to the chaotic rat episode of Martin and some of Lawrence’s recurring characters. Spears also compared Lawrence’s character work with Eddie Murphy’s performances in films such as Coming to America.
Tracy Morgan was another comedian Spears discussed, although he made clear that he respects Morgan’s talent. He said Morgan’s surreal style simply does not always work for him and described it as “hard on the palate.” He also said The Wayans Bros. never connected with him, either as a sitcom or from a writing perspective. Spears stressed that his comments were about his personal taste and were not meant to suggest that the comedians lack talent. “It’s an opinion. Why can’t I have an opinion?” he said. “Just because it goes against the grain, it’s viewed as hatred.”
Spears also explained what he prefers in comedy. He named The Cosby Show, A Different World and Charles S. Dutton’s sitcom Roc among the shows he enjoyed. “I like things with a certain amount of highbrow to it,” he said, “along with some edge.” His comments about Bernie Mac come as the comedian’s work continues to receive attention years after his death. Mac died in 2008 at age 50 after building a career that included Def Comedy Jam, The Original Kings of Comedy, The Bernie Mac Show, and several major Hollywood films.
Mac’s daughter, Je’Niece McCullough, recently provided a more personal look at her father’s final years during an appearance on the Dead Talks Podcast. She discussed his battle with sarcoidosis and remembered one of their final exchanges. Mac was intubated at the time but briefly regained consciousness and mouthed the words, “I’m dead.” Her account offered another glimpse into the final days of the comedian whose career continues to be remembered by fans.