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Bernie Mac Obituary
Though his comedy drew on tough experiences as a black man, he had mainstream appeal — befitting inspiration he found in a wide range of humorists: Harpo Marx as well as Moms Mabley; squeaky-clean Red Skelton, but also the raw Redd Foxx.
Mac died Saturday morning of complications from pneumonia in a Chicago-area hospital, his publicist, Danica Smith, said in a statement from Los Angeles.
"The world just got a little less funny," said "Oceans" co-star George Clooney.
Don Cheadle, another member of the "Oceans" gang, concurred: "This is a very sad day for many of us who knew and loved Bernie. He brought so much joy to so many. He will be missed, but heaven just got funnier."
Mac 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. Obama took the stage about 15 minutes later, implored Mac to "clean up your act next time," then let him off the hook, adding: "By the way, I'm just messing with you, man."
Even so, Obama's campaign later issued a rebuke, saying the senator "doesn't condone these statements and believes what was said was inappropriate."
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 worked his way to Hollywood success from an impoverished upbringing on Chicago's South Side. He began doing standup as a child, telling jokes for spare change on subways, and his film career started with a small role as a club doorman in the Damon Wayans comedy "Mo' Money" in 1992. In 1996, he appeared in the Spike Lee drama "Get on the Bus."
He was one of "The Original Kings of Comedy" in the 2000 documentary of that title that brought a new generation of black standup comedy stars to a wider audience.
"The majority of his core fan base will remember that when they paid their money to see Bernie Mac ... he gave them their money's worth," Steve Harvey, one of his co-stars in "Original Kings," told CNN on Saturday.
Mac went on to star in the hugely popular "Ocean's Eleven" franchise with Brad Pitt and George Clooney, playing a gaming-table dealer who was in on the heist. Carl Reiner, who also appeared in the "Ocean's" films, said Saturday he was "in utter shock" because he thought Mac's health was improving.
"He was just so alive," Reiner said. "I can't believe he's gone."
Mac and Ashton Kutcher topped the box office in 2005's "Guess Who," a comedy remake of the classic Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn drama "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?" Mac played the dad who's shocked that his daughter is marrying a white man.
Mac also had starring roles in "Bad Santa," "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle" and "Transformers."
But his career and comic identity were forged in television.
In the late 1990s, he had a recurring role in "Moesha," the UPN network comedy starring pop star Brandy. The critical and popular acclaim came after he landed his own Fox television series "The Bernie Mac Show," about a child-averse couple who suddenly are saddled with three children.
Mac mined laughs from the universal frustrations of parenting, often breaking the "fourth wall" to address the camera throughout the series that aired from 2001 to 2006. "C'mon, America," implored Mac, in character as the put-upon dad. "When I say I wanna kill those kids, YOU know what I mean."
The series won a Peabody Award in 2002, and Mac was nominated for a Golden Globe and an Emmy. In real life, he was "the king of his household" — very much like his character on that series, his daughter, Je'niece Childress, told The Associated Press on Saturday.
"But television handcuffs you, man," he said in a 2001 Associated Press interview before the show had premiered. "Now everyone telling me what I CAN'T do, what I CAN say, what I SHOULD do, and asking, 'Are blacks gonna be mad at you? Are whites gonna accept you?'"
He also was nominated for a Grammy award for best comedy album in 2001 along with his "The Original Kings of Comedy" co-stars Harvey, D.L. Hughley and Cedric The Entertainer.
Chicago music producer Carolyn Albritton said she was Bernie Mac's first manager, having met him in 1991 at Chicago's Cotton Club where she hosted an open-mike night. He was an immediate hit, Albritton said Saturday, and he asked her to help guide his career.
"From very early on I thought he was destined for success," Albritton said. "He never lost track of where he came from, and he'd often use real life experiences, his family, his friends, in his routine. After he made it, he stayed a very humble man. His family was the most important thing in the world to him."
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 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.
"I came from a place where there wasn't a lot of joy," Mac told the AP in 2001. "I decided to try to make other people laugh when there wasn't a lot of things to laugh about."
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."
Mac's death Saturday coincided with the annual Bud Billiken Parade in Chicago, a major event in the predominantly black South Side that the comedian had previously attended.
"It's truly the passing of one of our favorite sons," said Paula Robinson, president of the Black Metropolis National Heritage Area. "He was extremely innovative in putting his life experiences in comedic form and doing it without vulgarity.
"He was an ambassador of Chicago's black community, and the national black community at large."
A public memorial is planned for noon Aug. 16 at The House of Hope church in Chicago, said Smith, Mac's publicist.
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
Memories and Condolences
for Bernie Mac
14127 Entries
Ralph Melvin
May 22, 2025
Leslie Redaway
October 16, 2024
Rest In Heaven
Catrina C
July 21, 2024
Even on today, your presence is missed! You were definitely one of a kind. My grandchildren loves watching your show. They won´t get to see you in person but your comical legacy will forever live in our household. Thank you for all the years of laughter. RIC BERNIE MAC
Juana Hunt
January 6, 2024
Meet Bernie Mac MEM Intl Airport
Shannon McNeil
December 14, 2023
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.
Angela Travis
July 16, 2023
Miss you Mr.Bernie Mac always in our hearts.
Angela Travis
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.
Derrell Woods
May 30, 2023
Bernie, you are definitely missed. Always watch The Original Kings of Comedy and Playa's Club and remember the laughs we had.
Lindsey
May 13, 2023
Watching the Bernie Mac show! & you truly was love and laughter
James W. Murray
March 26, 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.
Mark Thompson
September 11, 2022
Rest easy Bernie,love you man,
CHRIS WILKE
November 13, 2021
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
Sabrina Huff-Young
November 5, 2020
Love you Bernie. Rip
Never Forgotten
July 13, 2020
Steve Harvey mentioned your name on Family Feud today - July 14, 2020!
April 19, 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.
JANET MUMMA
April 12, 2020
Unforgettable
DUANE GOLSTON
March 21, 2020
THANKS FOR THE LAUGHS AND KEEPING IT Real .
Monica
August 19, 2019
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.
RB
July 13, 2019
May God continue to be with the Mack family to help them cope with their loss.
Donte
April 27, 2019
We miss you Mr. Mack.
April 27, 2019
We miss you Mr. Mack.
Lee Harris
January 25, 2019
Sorry a great man passed,very funny man loves all his movies special Life
Lisa Murrey Ransom
December 18, 2018
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
Tray Mccrorey
November 20, 2018
Dear Bernie Mac
You were a good man and to be in the Bernie mac show I loved it
Sharon Scott
October 15, 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
Richard Taitt
August 11, 2018
You are missed my brother.
August 10, 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
Shantel Roberts
July 27, 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.
July 25, 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
Ms Vivian Stowe
July 18, 2018
He was and always will be one of my favorites.
I miss "Bernie MAC" McCullough! RIP Sir! Praying still for his loved ones.
Paul Nixon
June 28, 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
Shawn Dixon
June 20, 2018
Rip
Charlie Ferguson
June 12, 2018
Bernie Mac We All will miss you you were a funny man who made us all laugh with your comedy R.I.P.
Daniel K
March 22, 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.
March 10, 2018
May the love of family, and friends carry you through your grief.
Linda Sampson
March 6, 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.
February 22, 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
Latraile Smith
January 29, 2018
R.i.p Bernie mac!!
January 20, 2018
R.I.P. you're truly missed
Bree Clabon ((Vocalist)
November 25, 2017
May your soul continue to R.I.P, Bernie
Dr pepper
November 24, 2017
thanks for the memories you will be missed! Gone way too soon
Cherul Mitchell
November 16, 2017
God is always smiling on his creation.Bernie travel his road.May God bless and keep his family.
Renee Garland
November 5, 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.
Priscilla Donohew
October 25, 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.
Dr pepper
October 8, 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
Kathleen Wood
October 6, 2017
Miss you every day
Rest in Paradise
Danny Hinds
October 6, 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
I. I. B
October 2, 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.
Dr. Pepper
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!
Sarina Gaines
September 13, 2017
Bernie you're truly miss RIP
Lillian Swift
August 21, 2017
R.i.p Bernie Mac never new this was open to the public...your truly missed.
Llina 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.
Natasha Munroe
August 12, 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...
Marlene Lesinski
July 18, 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
THANK YOU BERNIE FOR BEING YOU AND BEING REAL!
TERESA MILLER
June 19, 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....
Evelyn Brown
June 17, 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
MONICA GERBER
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
tineka gooch bailey
June 5, 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
Major Drake III
May 21, 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!
Tom Sheridan
April 18, 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.
Xhris with an X!
March 9, 2017
One of the best comedians and actors out there he had a well deserve career we still miss you bernie!
Betty Blackman
March 3, 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
February 21, 2017
From Allah we come, to Allah is our return. Rest in continuous peace
Belinda Bulaker
January 10, 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.
Randy Wilson
December 31, 2016
If his daughter sees this and wants it I have a clip of him in the movie called the shawman
Charles Hamilton
December 27, 2016
One of the funniest person on the earth and always keep me laughing all the time
Trish Thomas
December 26, 2016
ONE of Most Funniest MEN OF Comedy!!! I Miss U!!!
Nazarene Mckinney
December 22, 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.
Coleman Fennie
December 14, 2016
I remember him a great man that will be missed here on earth. But making them laugh in heaven
Gilda matthews
November 30, 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.
Phyllis Carter
November 28, 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
November 24, 2016
Watching your show now, you are missed.
~Crystal Bates
Geneva Lane
November 23, 2016
Your truly missed Bernie Mac
Renee Johnson
November 22, 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
A G
November 17, 2016
Loved your work, Bernie Mac.
Kelly Lane
November 14, 2016
Bernie Mac you are and always will be THE BEST KING OF COMEDY I Miss you Dearly
CAROLYN DELBRIDGE
October 25, 2016
mr. mac i love you and allways will
Teresa Wilkins
October 22, 2016
You are truly missed
DOUG HARRIS
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..
Shannon Smith
October 18, 2016
I watch your show everynight!!!! You really make me laugh alot, yoi are so cool we miss ya, your one of a kind!
Carmen Leon
October 14, 2016
Omg I miss you Bernie Mac :-(
Sylvia Wells
October 8, 2016
Happy Birthday Bernie,u r truly missed,there will never be anyone like you.Love and Miss you..(Sylvia Wells) Evansville,IN
Lisa Qualls
October 6, 2016
Missing you Bernie! I keep watching your show on Netflix and laugh my but off!! You were truly one of a kind!
October 5, 2016
Happy birthday Bernie Mac!!!!
Kimberly Frazier
October 4, 2016
As a child I loved Richard Pryor going into adulthood you were my idol.
Laverne Johnson
October 3, 2016
Sitting here watching your show. And you still making me laugh. Rest in peace
Pastor Alvin Day
September 26, 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.
Lola Townsend
September 3, 2016
God took you to soon you are missed
greg estes
August 26, 2016
Mac man made me laugh liked his style
BRITTANY GARWOOD
August 9, 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.
Sandra Pryor
August 8, 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!!!!!!!
Lindiwe Nkosi
August 3, 2016
Today i thought of you, even though you are gone but your presence is still felt throughout the world
Sharon B
July 24, 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.
Lisa Wilson
July 17, 2016
Miss Bernie Mac alot
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