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Bernie Mac Obituary

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."

------

Associated Press writer Carla Johnson also contributed to this report.

Published by Boston Globe from Aug. 9 to Aug. 14, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Bernie Mac

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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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