Jackson praises Mac's 'Soul' performance

Bernie Mac missed out on seeing one of his greatest movie performances before he passed away, Samuel L. Jackson has revealed.

Jackson starred alongside the late comedian in forthcoming comedy-drama film Soul Men, which sees Mac taking on the role of a former backup soul singer. His character reunites with his old music partner to pay tribute to their lead singer, who has recently died.

"He's awesome in the film. I saw it a week before he passed," Jackson explained. "I was talking to his manager, who said he never got a chance to see it.

"That's a tragedy because it's one of the best things he's ever done. It's the Bernie we know and it's the Bernie we love."

The star also admitted that Mac's appearance in the film may surprise fans, explaining: "Bernie was thinner because he'd been sick off and on for a while, so he wasn't that [American] football-looking guy that I used to know."

Mac died on August 9 from complications due to pneumonia.