Comedian Bernie Mac Dies At The Age Of 50

Home

News

Videos

Features

Site Last Updated: 3:25 PM EDT, January 9, 2009	Homepage Us \| MySpace \| Twitter \| RSS

Published: Saturday - August 9, 2008
Words by Allen Starbury

Bernie Mac (Photo: Getty Images)

Actor and comedian Bernie Mac died early Saturday (August 9) at the age of 50, a week after being hopitalized for pneumonia.

"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.

Last week, when news surfaced that the actor had been hospitalized, Smith said he was "responding well to treatment and will be released soon."

"He's doing great and hopes to get out soon," Smith told the Chicago Sun-Times.

Mac had suffered from sarcoidosis, an inflammatory lung disease that produces tiny lumps of cells in the body's organs, reports the Associated Press, but had said the condition went into remission in 2005. His hospitalization for pneumonia was not related to the disease said Smith.

He was one of the original "Kings of Comedy," alongside Cedric The Entertainer, which helped propel him to wider audience when it was released in 2000. The film's CD garnered a Grammy award nomination for best comedy album in 2001.

The comedian was probably best known for his Fox television series "The Bernie Mac Show," which aired from 2001 to 2006. The series won a Peabody Award in 2002, and earned Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for Mac.

Mac appeared in such films as "Ocean's Eleven," "Bad Santa," "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle" and most "Transformers." He had also been working on the TV series "Starting Under," as well as several films, including the Samuel L. Jackson flick "Soul Men" (slated for release later this year), and the John Travolta comedy "Old Dogs," which is scheduled for a 2009 release.

Mac is survived by his wife, Rhonda McCullough, their daughter, Je'Niece, a son-in-law and a granddaughter.

Story Tools
Email It | Print It | Post A Comment |

Digg It |

Del.icio.us

COMMENTS (18)

kenneth dierunaba Says:
Monday - August 18, 2008 at 9:46am

men this is so sad.Its shocking coz i really love mac.I mean he is the king of comedy.Much condolences his family.luv u men.REST IN PEACE

thickAZmami Says:
Monday - August 11, 2008 at 4:38pm

TRULY A GREAT MAN....U WILL BE MISSED DEARLY

DREZ Says:
Monday - August 11, 2008 at 1:56pm

We didn't come here to stay we might just pass through and play, but Thank GOD for everyday. Bukkid naked, they can't stop what we were, NO I don't know nato but you can stir it like coffee.

Booya Says:
Monday - August 11, 2008 at 11:57am

I heard about this over the weekend. So Sad. I loved me some Bernie Mack. 'I ain't scared of you muthafuckas'. R.I.P!

Philly-O Says:
Monday - August 11, 2008 at 11:19am

A sad, sad day indeed. This man was a stand-up individual who was a great role model for all of us.

Tony Says:
Monday - August 11, 2008 at 9:15am

R.I.P Bernie...the original king of comedy

drezz Says:
Monday - August 11, 2008 at 6:58am

A legend in his own right, I will always remember what he was before he became who he was. Much love to his family and blessing in this time of grief. KIng of Comedy...right on.

Mr. High Definition Says:
Monday - August 11, 2008 at 5:42am

*R.I.P. Bernie Mac*

Yeah Yeah Says:
Sunday - August 10, 2008 at 6:02pm

RIP Bernie Mac, Paranorma your a dumb f*ck it's called showing your love and respect you stupid B*tch CriticXtreme, saying people of colour is a no no, cos i don't appreciate that but you showing love so yall get over it, I'm came to show some love but some people are so stupid, yall should be use to Yeah Yeah cos i don't give a f*ck, once again RIP Bernie Mac, you'll be missed

Original Df-Dubb Says:
Sunday - August 10, 2008 at 8:06am

Paranormal Poster YOUR POST WAS THE BEST DAMN POST I HAVE EVER READON THIS BLOG! THANK YOU FOR BREAKING SHYT DOWN FOR THAT MORON!

I AINT SCARED OF THESE MOTHERFUCKERS Says:
Sunday - August 10, 2008 at 4:37am

let the legend rest in plush

Elina Says:
Sunday - August 10, 2008 at 12:09am

suspicious and others like you:Please don't be disrespectful.Keep your ignorant comments to yourself.May God be with the Mac family during this difficult time.

Boss Says:
Saturday - August 9, 2008 at 11:54pm

It's some dumb ignorant people in this world! May your soul rest in peace Bernie Mac...

Iam going to get sum milk and cookies Says:
Saturday - August 9, 2008 at 7:20pm

bernie mac is tha truth a real king of comedy r.I.p

Quise Says:
Saturday - August 9, 2008 at 2:51pm

You dummies have no respect! May u rest in peace Bernie. I holla, Quise

suspicious Says:
Saturday - August 9, 2008 at 1:11pm

This may be the work of Obama!!!

Paranormal Poster Says:
Saturday - August 9, 2008 at 1:09pm

...ok were you actually writing to Bernie ? lol! I mean, do you think he's gonna be reading this blog ? lol! or did you just want everyone here to know how sorry you are? ...one more thing - who the hell says "people of color" I love Bernie but if you think he lead the way for "people of color" to get starring roles on television, you obviously have been in the closet way too long

CriticXtreme:: Says:
Saturday - August 9, 2008 at 12:50am

Thanks Bernie Mac for making us laugh. You came along when people of color were getting no respect nor roles on TV. I also thank you for exposing this whack generation to music (on your TV show), that had hipness, style, awareness and most importantly, talent. If only for a moment, many would question me then Google to find out who the artists where. I thank you for that. It's a sad day but I'm LMAO remembering the funny things you shared with us! I'm still in shock over your passing....R.I.P Bernie Mac!