Remembering Bernie Mac

Bernie Mac was one of the funniest men of our time. When on stage he had the ability to captivate audiences for hours. In films he bought life to the big screen. The world will be a little less funny without Bernie Mac around. We laughed, we loved and now we will miss Bernie Mac.

Bernard McCoullogh, better known as Bernie Mac, was born and raised in the Southside of Chicago, Illinois. Growing up was hard for Mac. He was raised by a single mother, Mary who died when Mac was only 16 years old. After his mother's death Mac finished his education at Chicago Vocational Career Academy and started his comedy career. In his 20's Mac worked many different jobs including sales rep, delivery driver and furniture mover.

Mac started he stand up career in the Cotton Picken' Club in Chicago. He later won the Miller Lite comedy search which helped get a buzz as a comedian. Landing a spot on HBO's Def Comedy Jam accelerated his career into high gear. He later had a late night talk show titled Midnight Mac but it was short lived. All this exposure helped him land gigs like opening for Redd Fox, Dionne Warwick and Natalie Cole.

With a known name in Hollywood Mac began to act in minor roles. In the early 90's Mac was all over the big screen. His break out role was "Pastor Clever" in the film Friday. After Friday the name Bernie Mac itself could put a smile on your face. Following his role has "Pastor Clever" Mac landed many different at the rate of about one movie per year. In 2000 Mac returned to his stand up roots and toured with The King's Of Comedy. This tour featured Mac, Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer and D.L. Hughley. The tour was major success.

In 2001 Fox gave Mac his own sitcom titled The Bernie Mac show. This sitcom was loosely based on his own life. On the show Mac suddenly becomes custodian of his sister's kids. The show was a major success for Mac but the show was not renewed after 2006 leaving audiences with no closure.

In 2005 Mac it was announced that Bernie Mac had the disease sarcoidosis but it was said the condition went into remission. Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory lung disease that produces tiny lumps of cells in the body's organs. The side effects of this disease can be very deadly. In Mac's case this was sadly the outcome. On July 24, 2008 Mac was hospitalized pneumonia and was said to be in critical condition. One week after the news of Mac's hospitalization his publicist said he was doing well and should be released with in one week. On August 9, 2008 it was announced that Mac had passed away from complication of pneumonia.

Bernie Mac was a great man. His talent was undeniable and he is missed dearly. He may have passed away but his soul lives on in every movie ever made and in hearts of his family, friends and fans. We love you Bernie.

Filmography

Year Title Role
1992- Mo' Money - Club doorman
1993- Who's the Man? - G-George
1994- Above the Rim - Flip / House Party 3 - Uncle Vester
1995- Friday - Pastor Clever
1996- Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood - Officer Self Hatred / Get on the Bus - Jay
1997- B*A*P*S - Mr. Johnson / Booty Call - Judge Peabody / How to Be a Player - Buster
1998- The Players Club - Dollar Bill
1999- Life - Jangle Leg
2000- The Original Kings of Comedy - Himself
2001- Head of State - Mitch Gilliam / Ocean's Eleven - Frank Catton / What's the Worst That Could Happen? - Uncle Jack
2003- Bad Santa - Gin / Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle - Jimmy Bosley
2004- Mr. 3000 - Stan Ross / Ocean's Twelve- F rank Catton
2005- Guess Who - Percy Jones
2007- Ocean's Thirteen - Frank Catton / Pride - Elston / Transformers - Bobby Bolivia
2008 - Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa - Zuba / Soul Men - Floyd
2009- Old Dogs - Jimmy Lunchbox
Awards and Nominations

Emmy Awards
Year - Category - ShowResult
2003 Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy SeriesThe Bernie Mac Show - Nominated
2002 Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy SeriesThe Bernie Mac Show - Nominated

Golden Globe Awards
Year - Category - ShowResult
2004 Outstanding Actor in a Comedy/Musical SeriesThe Bernie Mac Show - Nominated
2003 Outstanding Actor in a Comedy/Musical SeriesThe Bernie Mac Show - Nominated

NAACP Image Awards
Year - Category - ShowResult
2007 Outstanding Actor in a Comedy SeriesThe Bernie Mac Show - Nominated
2006 Outstanding Actor in a Comedy SeriesThe Bernie Mac Show -Winner
2005 Outstanding Actor in a Comedy SeriesThe Bernie Mac Show - Winner
2004 Outstanding Actor in a Comedy SeriesThe Bernie Mac Show - Winner
2004 Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion PictureHead of State - Nominated
2002 Outstanding Actor in a Comedy SeriesThe Bernie Mac Show - Winner
2001 Outstanding Actor in a Comedy SeriesThe Bernie Mac Show - Nominated