Ben Stiller Pays Tribute To His Late "Madagascar 2" Co-Star Bernie Mac

Ben Stiller has paid tribute to his late "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa" co-star Bernie Mac.

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Ben - who reprises his role voicing Alex the lion in the animated sequel - says Bernie, who recorded his lines as Alex's father Zuba before his untimely passing in August aged 50, is the "core of the movie."

He said: "I would hear the scenes with Alex and Zuba cut together while we were doing it and I was always so inspired because he's so great in the movie and he adds so much to it."

"He gives a warmth and humanity to the lion and the father son relationship is really the core of the movie. He's a great voice actor. It's really sad because I think he could have done a lot of these movies."

"Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa" also sees the return of Sacha Baron Cohen, Jada Pinkett Smith, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer and Cedric the Entertainer.

It was recently reported producers are planning a third film in the "Madagascar..." franchise following the success of the original 2005 film and expected popularity of the sequel.