Bernie Mac, Comedian, Actor
Ocean’s Eleven star Bernie Mac passed away on Saturday, August 9 at the age of 50 due to complications from pneumonia. He was admitted to the Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Illinois a week ago. Mac suffered from sarcoidosis, an inflammatory lung disease that produced lumps inside the lungs. It is unclear whether his illness played into the cause of his death.
It is sure that Mac’s talent and charisma will be sorely missed by his fans and colleagues. His career spanned stand-up comedy, television and film and his work was heralded by several film award organizations. Mac began his career as a stand-up comedian in Chicago. He gained wider notoriety when he performed on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam. That performance led to roles in the 1995 movie Friday, 1997′s Booty Call, the remake of Ocean’s Eleven (and its sequels), Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle and last year’s Transformers. Bernie Mac continued to tour as part of stand-up comedy group The Kings of Comedy with Cedric the Entertainer, Steve Harvey and D.L. Hughlyey.
Potentially his most loved and recognized role was in his television sitcom, The Bernie Mac Show. His work on the program earned him several Emmy Nominations.
He is survived by his wife of over 30 years and a daughter.
AP Photo courtesy of Mark J. Terrill
Tags: Bernie Mac, sarcoidosis
August 13th, 2008 at 11:34 am
UPDATE: Larry King’s special in honor of Bernie Mac included several of his celebrity friends talking about his life, his humor and his character. Take a look:
August 13th, 2008 at 11:42 am
Bernie Mac was diagnosed with sarcoidosis, an immune system disorder that inflicts mostly people under the age of 40, and primarily affects African Americans. Bernie Mac’s sarcoidosis was said to be in remission but it appears that his pneumonia could potentially be a symptom of his disease.
This is a devastating disease affecting may people. For more on sarcoidosis, I encourage you to visit the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research or the National Sarcoidosis Resource Center.
August 19th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Bernie Mac’s Remembrance Service was held this past Saturday. Over 6000 people came out to give their respects to this incredible, funny entertainer.