By F.N. D'Alessio,Associated Press Writer
Bernie Mac, the Emmy and Golden Globe nominated actor and comedian who worked his way to Hollywood success from an impoverished upbringing on Chicago's South Side, died Saturday at age 50.
"Actor/comedian Bernie Mac passed away this morning from complications due to pneumonia in a Chicago area hospital," his publicist, Danica Smith, said in a statement from Los Angeles.
She said no other details were available and asked that his family's privacy be respected.
The comedian suffered from sarcoidosis, an inflammatory lung disease that produces tiny lumps of cells in the body's organs, but had said the condition went into remission in 2005. He recently was hospitalized and treated for pneumonia, which his publicist said was not related to the disease.
Recently, Mac's brand of comedy caught him flack when he was heckled during a surprise appearance at a July fundraiser for Democratic presidential candidate and fellow Chicagoan Barack Obama.
Toward the end of a 10-minute standup routine, Mac joked about menopause, sexual infidelity and promiscuity, and used occasional crude language. The performance earned him a rebuke from Obama's campaign.
But despite controversy or difficulties, in his words, Mac was always a performer.
"Wherever I am, I have to play," he said in 2002. "I have to put on a good show."
Mac started his comedy career at age 8, with a standup performance at a church dinner. In 1977, at age 20, he took that act to comedy clubs in Chicago.
His film career started with a small role as a club doorman in the Damon Wayans movie "Mo' Money" in 1992. Mac went on to star in the "Ocean's Eleven" franchise with Brad Pitt and George Clooney and his turn with Ashton Kutcher in 2005's "Guess Who?" -- a remake of the Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn 1967 classic "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?" -- topped the box office.
Mac also had starring roles in "Bad Santa," "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle" and "Transformers."
The comedian drew critical and popular acclaim with his Fox television series "The Bernie Mac Show," which aired more than 100 episodes from 2001 to 2006.
The series about a man's adventures raising his sister's three children, won a Peabody Award in 2002. At the time, judges wrote they chose the sitcom for transcending "race and class while lifting viewers with laughter, compassion -- and cool."
The show garnered Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for Mac. He also was nominated for a Grammy award for best comedy album in 2001 along with his "The Original Kings of Comedy" co-stars, Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley and Cedric The Entertainer.
In 2007, Mac told David Letterman on CBS' "Late Show" that he planned to retire soon.
"I'm going to still do my producing, my films, but I want to enjoy my life a little bit," Mac told Letterman. "I missed a lot of things, you know. I was a street performer for two years. I went into clubs in 1977."
Mac was born Bernard Jeffrey McCullough on Oct. 5, 1957, in Chicago. He grew up on the city's South Side, living with his mother and grandparents. His grandfather was the deacon of a Baptist church.
In his 2004 memoir, "Maybe You Never Cry Again," Mac wrote about having a poor childhood -- eating bologna for dinner -- and a strict, no-nonsense upbringing.
Mac's mother died of cancer when he was 16. In his book, Mac said she was a support for him and told him he would surprise everyone when he grew up.
"Woman believed in me," he wrote. "She believed in me long before I believed."
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Associated Press writer Carla Johnson also contributed to this report.
14124 Entries
Meet Bernie Mac MEM Intl Airport
Juana Hunt
Other
January 6, 2024
Bernie I think of you often. I am only a fan yet man you felt like family. You are beyond a star to me and now you truly are. I cry every now and again when I think of you, as if you were my friend. We lost a comfort and love like no other when you left us. Your light is still strong and you will forever be my "Uncle Bernie" in my mind. I love you and miss you from my heart. May you continue to rest in power and keep us smiling in this dark world with your timeless comedy, energy and love.
Shannon McNeil
December 14, 2023
Miss you Mr.Bernie Mac always in our hearts.
Angela Travis
Friend
July 16, 2023
I still watch your shows til this day doesn't seem real that your gone we miss you down here on earth hope your resting and making everyone laugh and smile up in heaven.
Angela Travis
Friend
July 16, 2023
Bernie, you are definitely missed. Always watch The Original Kings of Comedy and Playa's Club and remember the laughs we had.
Derrell Woods
Friend
May 30, 2023
Watching the Bernie Mac show! & you truly was love and laughter
Lindsey
May 13, 2023
I only just learned about Mr. Mac earlier today (March 25, 2023); from what I've read this evening I missed out on a fantastic actor and great human being. He left us too too soon.
James W. Murray
March 26, 2023
Rest easy Bernie,love you man,
Mark Thompson
September 11, 2022
Thank you for so many hours of entertainment; I did not even realize your passing until recently and am sad that I can no longer laugh and enjoy your personality! Again ... thank you for what you did offer and I pray for your happiness in Heaven. Maybe someday we will meet. <3
CHRIS WILKE
November 13, 2021
Love you Bernie. Rip
Sabrina Huff-Young
November 5, 2020
Steve Harvey mentioned your name on Family Feud today - July 14, 2020!
Never Forgotten
July 13, 2020
God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the family's...My heartfelt condolences to the family's of Bernie Mack...
Jimmy
Richmond,Va.
April 19, 2020
Unforgettable
JANET MUMMA
April 12, 2020
THANKS FOR THE LAUGHS AND KEEPING IT Real .
DUANE GOLSTON
March 21, 2020
Still missing Bernie. As you remember your beloved one, may our Father, the God of peace, give you comfort and peace in every way today, tomorrow, and always. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Monica
August 19, 2019
May God continue to be with the Mack family to help them cope with their loss.
RB
July 13, 2019
We miss you Mr. Mack.
Donte
April 27, 2019
We miss you Mr. Mack.
April 27, 2019
Sorry a great man passed,very funny man loves all his movies special Life
Lee Harris
Friend
January 25, 2019
B.ELOVED
E.XCITING
R.ESPECTED
N.OBLE
I.NCREDIBLE
E.NLIGHTENING
M.INDFUL
A.UTHENTIC
C.ARING
YOU DEFINETLY WERE ONE OF A KIND, HEART, BODY, SOUL, AND MIND,AND YOU HAVE LEFT A BEAUTIFUL LEGACY BEHIND.
REST IN GOD'S LOVING ARMS DEAR ONE
Lisa Murrey Ransom
December 18, 2018
Bank's
December 6, 2018
Dear Bernie Mac
You were a good man and to be in the Bernie mac show I loved it
Tray Mccrorey
November 20, 2018
Bernie MAC,THERE ARE NO WORDS TO EXPLAIN
SOMEONE WHO COULD MAKE A WOMAN LAUGH
THE WAY YOU DID.
YOU BROUGHT CLARITY TO MANY WHO SHARED GROWING PAINS LIKE YOU.
BUT A MAN WHO CAN LOVE HIS FAMILY AS MUCH AS YOU DID AN STILL SHARE IT WITH OTHERS.
I WILL ALWAYS ADMIRED THAT AS A FAN ABOUT
YOU.WE WILL MISS YOU AN YOU WON'T EVER BE FORGOTTEN A FAN SINCERELY.
PASTOR SHARON E SCOTT
Sharon Scott
October 15, 2018
You are missed my brother.
Richard Taitt
August 11, 2018
We MISSED you Bernie mac wish you were still here so we can here your jokes and watch more shows of yours it's been 10years for you that u been gone RIH love you and never forget you
August 10, 2018
I will miss your laugh and I been watching the player club movie I know you will be missed I know you watching over your wife and family Rest in peace Bernie Mac love you dearly.
Shantel Roberts
Friend
July 27, 2018
Although you were here on earth just for a
little while, your memories will live on with your
laugh,and your priceless smile.
So rest in peace, in God's loving arms of peace and love, and always know that you are deeply missed even though your in that Heavenly place up above.
We know that your safe, happy, and okay and
we will never forget you, cause you will live on
in our hearts everyday.
R.I.P Bernie Mac
July 25, 2018
He was and always will be one of my favorites.
I miss "Bernie MAC" McCullough! RIP Sir! Praying still for his loved ones.
Ms Vivian Stowe
July 18, 2018
Bernie you had to be one of the funnyest man i had ever seen yoj and eddy murphy together nock the socks off us laughting god bless you your life was cut short i hope your laughting all the way to heavin god bless RIP
Paul Nixon
June 29, 2018
Rip
Shawn Dixon
June 20, 2018
Bernie Mac We All will miss you you were a funny man who made us all laugh with your comedy R.I.P.
Charlie Ferguson
June 12, 2018
I still miss you so very much. I'm hoping you can hear me say I love you in my prayers and I thank God almighty for you. Thank you for your wonderful life and for continuing to provide so much laughter through your movies. I enjoy every minute of them to this day.
Daniel K
March 22, 2018
May the love of family, and friends carry you through your grief.
March 10, 2018
I was looking for something to watch one night after work and found your show. The faces you made and things you said just cracked me up. I continued to watch for as long as it was on. Really enjoyed your work and very sad that you are gone. RIP Bernie way too soon.
Linda Sampson
March 6, 2018
You will always be my favorite hometown Comedy Royalty! We Loved You Bernie! You know God has a sense of humor because he blessed us with you. RIP! Liz Long Chicago, IL
February 22, 2018
R.i.p Bernie mac!!
Latraile Smith
January 29, 2018
R.I.P. you're truly missed
January 21, 2018
May your soul continue to R.I.P, Bernie
Bree Clabon ((Vocalist)
November 25, 2017
thanks for the memories you will be missed! Gone way too soon
Dr pepper
November 24, 2017
God is always smiling on his creation.Bernie travel his road.May God bless and keep his family.
Cherul Mitchell
November 16, 2017
Bernie, I miss your presence. I watch The Original King's of Comedy quite often when I really need to laugh. There has been no one since you, or before you that could make me laugh out loud. You left all of us who love you far too soon.
Thank you for being a true comedian and very special person. I hope I see you some day, if I'm lucky. God Bless you Bernie Mac.
Renee Garland
November 5, 2017
Still watch the show.There will never be another Bernie Mac. I can just imagine the laughter in heaven. You will always be loved by all your fans and never,ever forgotten.
Priscilla Donohew
October 26, 2017
Thanks for everything you were a good man and a funny man most of your comedy stories I could relate to thanks again RIP
Dr pepper
October 8, 2017
Miss you every day
Rest in Paradise
Kathleen Wood
October 7, 2017
To mrs mac I rilly in joyed watching Bernie mac movie mr three thousand he was a good actor I am gowing to miss him Rest In Peace I did not know him but I would like to meat him sorry for your loss
Danny Hinds
October 6, 2017
I just watched the kings of Comedy and I can't stop laughing! The things you talk about apply to me! You will be missed you were a talented man gone to soon.
I. I. B
October 2, 2017
I loved uncle Bernie and the Kings of Comedy I've seen a million times! You are a great man and I bet you keep god laughing!
Dr. Pepper
October 2, 2017
Bernie you're truly miss RIP
Sarina Gaines
September 13, 2017
R.i.p Bernie Mac never new this was open to the public...your truly missed.
Lillian Swift
August 21, 2017
Lina Schmidt
August 16, 2017
I've been watching him on Bounce TV and I have been touched by the way he related to his audience, "AMERICA", he'd say. I did not watch TV much at all while he was alive, and therefore i did not know of him. Last week, While Bounce TV was on in the background, I thought i had heard the words, "The late Bernie Mac", and i dropped in my chair and cried! I am still gulped as i keep thinking of him. Dear Lord, pretty please tell Bernie Thank you for cheering me up soooooo many times and that he will be loved and admired forever!!! My sincere condolences to his loved ones.
Llina Schmidt
August 16, 2017
Just watched the original Kings of Comedy and Mac you brought tears to my eyes from laughing so hard! It'll never get old for me haha..Thank you for sharing your talent with us and leaving classics for us to continue to watch! You are missed dearly, continue to live in the house of our Lord savior.. save us a spot at one of your shows up there Bernie...
Natasha Munroe
August 12, 2017
Bernie Mac you are a funny funny man, always put a smile on my face when I was down , you will be missed by fans family and friends god bless you Bernie !!!
Marlene Lesinski
July 18, 2017
Bernie, loved your t.v show your we're a funny ,funny man always put a smile on my face when I was down , you will be missed by me and all of your fan s , family and friends god bless you bernie Mac
Marlene Lesinski
July 18, 2017
I NEVER MET BERNIE MAC IN PERSON BUT I FELT AS THOUGH I LOST 1 OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS WHEN HE DIED. I LOVED THAT MAN SO MUCH. HE GAVE ME SO MUCH LAUGHTER EVEN WHEN I DIDN'T WANT TO LAUGH HE DID IT! THANK YOU BERNIE MAC FOR BEING A SPECIAL MAN THAT GOD GAVE THE WORLD AS THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER......I KNOW YOU'RE IN HEAVEN WITH YOUR MOTHER MAKING HER LAUGH ONCE AGAIN....
TERESA MILLER
June 19, 2017
It's been a while I know but I loved Mr Mac so much I have been battling the same disease since i1986 that's when I found out that there is no cure I pray that they find one soon
Evelyn Brown
June 17, 2017
ITS VERY VERY VERY VERY SAD THAT BERNIE MAC DIED FROM COMPLICATIONS FROM PNEUMONIA AT THE AGE OF 50 AND HE WAS SUCH A FANTASTIC COMEDIAN AND I HOPE THAT EVERYBODY IN HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS WILL BE OKAY AND WE CAN ALL KEEP HIM IN OUR HEARTS AND WE CAN ALL THINK OF GOOD MEMORIES OF HIM MONICA GERBER
MONICA GERBER
June 17, 2017
youre missed by your fans i can only imagine how much your family misses you........sip b mac......such a cool funny guy.......gone to soon
tineka gooch bailey
June 5, 2017
Thank you Mrs. Mac for sharing such a funny, and lovable person! I can vividly remember "The Kings of Comedy", by far the funniest I've ever seen! RIP Bernie, Gone too soon, but most definitely won't be forgotten!
Major Drake III
May 21, 2017
Joe Moore
May 3, 2017
Just watched a rerun of the BMAC Show and laughed out loud and sadly remembered that Bernie died at 50 almost 8 years ago. So sad we really could use you now Mr Mac.
Tom Sheridan
April 18, 2017
One of the best comedians and actors out there he had a well deserve career we still miss you bernie!
Xhris with an X!
March 9, 2017
I always watch Bernie mac now I didn't know u that well but when I watched your show the Bernie mac show i would laugh and I did get to know you "What do think America ? What u would some times say on your show when u talked to the camera thanks for the laughter
Rip
Betty Blackman
March 3, 2017
From Allah we come, to Allah is our return. Rest in continuous peace
February 21, 2017
Miss but never forgotten, I still watch the Bernie Mac show every time it comes on and every other show or movie you ever played in. I miss you Bernie Mac.
Belinda Bulaker
January 10, 2017
Vicky Robinson
January 3, 2017
If his daughter sees this and wants it I have a clip of him in the movie called the shawman
Randy Wilson
December 31, 2016
One of the funniest person on the earth and always keep me laughing all the time
Charles Hamilton
December 27, 2016
ONE of Most Funniest MEN OF Comedy!!! I Miss U!!!
Trish Thomas
December 26, 2016
I love all of the various characters you played so very well. I still laugh just as hard now as I did the first time when watching the scene "Lord have mercy Mrs. Parker" from the movie Friday. Thank you for sharing your wonderful gift with the world and making us laugh with joy! May your family find comfort in the promises of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Nazarene Mckinney
December 22, 2016
Tricia
December 20, 2016
I remember him a great man that will be missed here on earth. But making them laugh in heaven
Coleman Fennie
December 14, 2016
Rip Bernie mac, you are truly missed. A loyal fan forever, you are thee king of comedy. I liked all your movies,my favorite was Friday, lord have mercy Ms parker! Lol, rest easy brother.
Gilda matthews
November 30, 2016
Watching your shows and comedies. I just love you so much. I miss you and I am sad that you are gone to glory. You were one of my favorite comedians that made me laugh. Its hard to make me laugh....but YOU did it! Thanks Bernie. RIP
Phyllis Carter
November 28, 2016
Watching your show now, you are missed.
~Crystal Bates
November 24, 2016
Your truly missed Bernie Mac
Geneva Lane
November 23, 2016
Missing you u just sir and watch the BErie MAC show that's how much I miss hearing your voice never met you but whenever I felt down r needed a goid laugh I could turn on the Bernie Mac show r kings of comedy my favorite part was mill and cookies him down stairs
Renee Johnson
November 22, 2016
Loved your work, Bernie Mac.
A G
November 17, 2016
Bernie Mac you are and always will be THE BEST KING OF COMEDY I Miss you Dearly
Kelly Lane
November 14, 2016
mr. mac i love you and allways will
CAROLYN DELBRIDGE
October 25, 2016
You are truly missed
Teresa Wilkins
October 22, 2016
TO THE MAC FAMILY, THANK TO FOR SHARING BERNIE WITH THE WORLD, HE IS TRULY MISSED.
HE IS WITH OUR LORD MAKING HIM LAUGH.
MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU..
DOUG HARRIS
October 22, 2016
I watch your show everynight!!!! You really make me laugh alot, yoi are so cool we miss ya, your one of a kind!
Shannon Smith
October 18, 2016
Omg I miss you Bernie Mac :-(
Carmen Leon
October 14, 2016
Happy Birthday Bernie,u r truly missed,there will never be anyone like you.Love and Miss you..(Sylvia Wells) Evansville,IN
Sylvia Wells
October 8, 2016
Missing you Bernie! I keep watching your show on Netflix and laugh my but off!! You were truly one of a kind!
Lisa Qualls
October 6, 2016
Happy birthday Bernie Mac!!!!
October 5, 2016
As a child I loved Richard Pryor going into adulthood you were my idol.
Kimberly Frazier
October 4, 2016
Sitting here watching your show. And you still making me laugh. Rest in peace
Laverne Johnson
October 3, 2016
Gone but never forgotten, wished I could have meet you in person, to tell you how you he put joy and uplifted people in your own way. Man you taught me how to style (suits) again thank you for all you done. See you on the otherside.
Pastor Alvin Day
September 27, 2016
God took you to soon you are missed
Lola Townsend
September 3, 2016
Mac man made me laugh liked his style
greg estes
August 26, 2016
You cross my mind often. Today I felt your presence; although we never met.
My Eternal Paradise will include you. I love to laugh and you crack me up. See you when I get there. Wait for me near the gate.
BRITTANY GARWOOD
August 9, 2016
The "MACK MAN" I watch your shows everyday, I truly enjoy the shows. I loved your style of clothes, you know you were a sharp dresser. Kept me laughing!!! Gone to soon. My GOD knows best.
I know you are cuting up in HEAVEN!!!!!
"WHO YOU WITH" You are truly missed!!!!!!!
Sandra Pryor
August 8, 2016
Today i thought of you, even though you are gone but your presence is still felt throughout the world
Lindiwe Nkosi
August 3, 2016
Bernie Mac, the world is not the same without you. Your talent, style, and bravado will never be matched, you are one of a kind. God bless you, I know Heaven is in stitches. One love.
Sharon B
July 24, 2016
Miss Bernie Mac alot
Lisa Wilson
July 17, 2016
R.I.P one of the greatest comedian of all time. You will be engraved in history forever, goodbye Mac man. WHO YOU WITH!
Lloyd Ormsby
July 2, 2016
THE KING OF COMEDY....You captivated audiences by telling your life stories, made folks laugh until we all cried. Bernie you were unstoppable from the moment I saw you perform on DEF COMEDY JAM to all the big time movies. What a gem, you are greatly missed. You are the TRUE meaning of the word COMEDIAN. THANKS FOR THIS WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE!...RIP MY BROTHER!
Valenda Newell
June 26, 2016
RIP, one of my favorite comedians ever, know you are in a better place, you will always be rememberd never forgotten. Watched Kings of Comedy tonight, just to get a laugh from your portion of the show. Thanks for being you! We love you and miss you
Delphna Shaw
June 12, 2016
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