Bernie Mac Passed Away At 50

The world has lost one of its “Original Kings of Comedy”. Bernie Mac died in Chicago on Saturday morning after a battle with pneumonia. He was 50 years old.

His publicist Danica Smith said in a statement confirming the comedian’s death, “[He] passed away this morning from complications due to pneumonia in a Chicago area hospital. No other details are available at this time.” She also added, “We ask that his family’s privacy continues to be respected”.

Just days ago, Smith said that he was “responding well to treatment”, remained in “stable condition,” and expected to be released from the hospital in the next few weeks, but apparently fate had turned worst. Mac was hospitalized in Chicago on August 1, treated for pneumonia. He was once suffered a chronic tissue inflammation called sarcoidosis, which had been in remission since 2005, and his publicist said that his illness was unrelated to the disease.

The Chicago-born comedian, whose birth name was Bernard Jeffrey McCullough, got his start in the city’s African-American comedy clubs, and broke into the big time after winning a national comedy contest in 1989.

The comedian achieved national prominence after joining “The Original Kings of Comedy” stand-up tour in 1997 with Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley and Cedric the Entertainer. He was best known for his TV comedy “The Bernie Mac Show,” which ran for five seasons until 2006, and got him two Emmy Awards nominations. He was also one of the actors in the “Ocean’s” trilogy.

With a shocking news about Mac’s death, sympathies and condolences are pouring from his fellow friends and colleagues. George Clooney, who shared “Ocean’s” trilogy with Mac said, “The world just got a little less funny. He will be dearly missed.” Another member of the “Oceans” gang, Don Cheadle also said few comments about Mac, “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 is survived by his wife of 30 years, Rhonda McCullough, a daughter Je’Niece, and also a grandddaughter. According to his publicist, a public memorial for the ‘Mac Man’ is planned for noon Aug. 16 at The House of Hope church in Chicago.

Our hearts goes to those Mac left behind, be strong all. Rest in Peace Mac.

[ via Yahoo News ]

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