I may have been vaguely aware of Hayes as a bearded-sunglasses-wearing icon of funk (my parents preferred Dan Fogelberg), but I mainly knew him through the afternoon movies I would watch on TV every weekend -- that's where I first saw Escape from New York, and where I later saw I'm Gonna Git You Sucka. (Thanks, Comedy Central!) I actually went to the theatres to see his small role as Dave Chappelle's Dad in Robin Hood: Men in Tights. Yes, that was me. I was also the guy who saw Reindeer Games, but I don't remember his part in that because I had that section of my brain removed.

Sadly, I never managed to stumble across his many live-action TV appearances (The A-Team! Miami Vice! Hammer, Slammer & Slade!), but I eventually got around to watching his animated one. I wasn't on board with South Park at the beginning, but I saw the movie in theatres and was blown away. Hayes' character Chef had some of the best lines -- his indignation at being part of the plan called "Get Behind the Darkies" was priceless, and it made me resolve to watch the show more. But I was still never a regular watcher, so when I heard Hayes had left the show, I felt like I'd missed out on an era. Multiply that feeling by a million, and you've pretty much got how I feel today. Rest in piece, Isaac -- the world is less funky without you.

Anyone know where I can pick up a copy of Hammer, Slammer and Slade?