UPDATE: NEW DETAILS ON BERNIE’S DEATH HERE. Comedian, actor, Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Bernie Mac passed away this morning. Bernie worked his way up to success out from a life of poverty on Chicago’s harsh South side, and was an amazing talent. He was only 50 years old.
Snarkista had been searching for updates on Bernie’s condition after he was hospitalized for pneumonia. The net was abuzz with rumors of his death at the time, but Bernie was still alive and being treated. The only status that had been given was that he was in very critical condition. Snarkista worried that no health updates were being reported on Bernie, and that he wasn’t responding to treatment. Thanks to Matt at Hollywood Hills for giving the sad news to me this morning.
Bernie’s publicist Danica Smith gave a statement this morning from L.A.:
Actor/comedian Bernie Mac passed away this morning from complications due to pneumonia in a Chicago area hospital,”
She said no other details were available and asked that his family’s privacy be respected.
Bernie was raised by a single mother, Mary, who died of cancer when he was sixteen. He started his career during high school, when he would put on shows for neighborhood kids in Chicago’s South Side until moving to Tampa. During his 20s he worked in a variety of jobs, including furniture mover, UPS agent, and a bread delivery sales rep.
Bernie gained notoriety as a stand-up comedian. He joined comedians Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer and D.L. Hughley as The Original Kings of Comedy.
After briefly hosting the HBO show Midnight Mac, Bernie appeared in several movies in smaller roles. His most notable movie role was as Frank Catton in the remake of Ocean’s Eleven and its two sequels. Bernie Mac also starred in several other movies, including Mr. 3000.
Beginning in 2001, Mac was the star of the popular The Bernie Mac Show on the Fox nexwork, which earned two Emmy Award nominations before the show was cancelled in 2006. Bernie’s role was the gruff uncle and custodian of his rehabbing sister’s son and daughter. He had a heart of gold and a hot wife, and the show was a Snarkista fave. The show was loosely based on Bernie’s life, and allowed him to stay true to his stand-up comedy roots by communicating his thoughts to the audience.
Snarkista’s a HUGE fan of Bernie’s, and her thoughts and prayers go out for Bernie’s family and friends. She suggests that you do the same if you are so inclined. Rest in peace, Bernie Mac.