Bernie Mac the recently deceased actor and comedian was the voice of Zuba father of Alex ‘ Central Park Zoo’ Lion in the next installment of Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
“He brought so much heart and soul,” Jeffrey Katzenberg, head of DreamWorks Animation SKG, told The Associated Press after previewing footage from the film.
“It’s just so hard, because we’re still living with it every day, we’re working with his creative contribution,” Katzenberg told AP. “As we stand here today, there are animators who are animating.”
Katzenberg said animation would continue for another month and additional production would take two months.
“It’s been a real loss for us,” Katzenberg said. “We were so proud of the work that he has done and the contribution that he’s made. And one of the things is that he’s never actually going to ever see what an amazing gift he gave to us.”
Mac died Saturday Aug 9 2008 in the Chicago area from complications due to pneumonia.