Bernie Mac dies

**Mariesoleil** · August 9th, 2008, 08:28 AM

Breaking news from CNN:

Comedian Bernie Mac dies at age 50

Comedian Bernie Mac died early Saturday in a Chicago-area hospital from complications due to pneumonia, his publicist told CNN. He was 50. Publicist Danica Smith did not provide additional details, and asked that his family's privacy be respected.

CNN.com - Breaking News, U.S., World, Weather, Entertainment & Video News

**Sasha** · August 9th, 2008, 08:29 AM

Comedian, South Sider Bernie Mac dies at 50
August 9, 2008

FROM STAFF REPORTS
» Click to enlarge image

Comedian Bernie Mac, whose career began in Chicago's comedy clubs, died at Northwestern Memorial hospital early Saturday morning, according to Sun-Times columnist Stella Foster. He was 50.
(AP file)

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The columnist also said she was deeply saddened to receive such a phone call just an hour after Mac was pronounced dead.
"It brought tears to my eyes because Bernie Mac has always been my all-time favorite entertainer and comedian. It pains me to have to report that," Foster said during a phone interview on Saturday morning.
On Friday, a spokeswoman for the actor, whose real name is, Bernard McCullough, said that he had been responding well to treatment for the illness.
Publicist Danica Smith said Thursday in a statement that Mac's condition is ''stable.'' Smith first announced on August 1st that Mac was hospitalized in Chicago.
Smith has said the pneumonia isn't related to an inflammatory lung disease Mac also has. That condition has been in remission since 2005.
Foster noted that last weekend, several web sites reported wrongly that the comedian died.
Mac made waves last month with off-color jokes during a fundraiser for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.
The comedian starred in the critically acclaimed Fox television series ''The Bernie Mac Show.'' His film credits include roles in the ''Ocean's Eleven'' franchise.
Foster says she was remembers Bernie's comedic beginnings through his show, "Midnight Mac," which aired for four shows on HBO and was taped in Chicago in 1995.
"It was a variety entertainment show," she said, "He even had dancers called Macaroni's. That was my first exposure to how talented Bernie Mac was. And after that show, that's when Hollywood started beating down his door."
The actor's upcoming movies include "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa" starring Ben Stiller, Chris Rock and David Schwimmer; and "Soul Men" with Samuel L. Jackson and Isaac Hayes.
There is no word on whether public services will be held.
Contributing: AP

Chicago Sun-Times

**sluce** · August 9th, 2008, 08:31 AM

So sad. RIP Bernie.

**Mariesoleil** · August 9th, 2008, 08:33 AM

I think we posted at the same time Sasha. Mods could you merge the threads?

**mintjelly** · August 9th, 2008, 08:35 AM

Just saw this....R.I.P. I loved his show

**Sasha** · August 9th, 2008, 08:36 AM

Originally Posted by Mariesoleil

I think we posted at the same time Sasha. Mods could you merge the threads?

Yes please.

**Elisa** · August 9th, 2008, 08:41 AM

I'm shocked...and saddened. Loved him. I thought I read late last evening that he was recovering well. Goes to show how quickly things can turn around with pneumonia.

RIP Bernie

**WhateverLolaWants** · August 9th, 2008, 08:43 AM

Wow. I was never into his humor (Just not my style) but he seemed like a genuine and talented person. What a shame.

**Belinda** · August 9th, 2008, 08:45 AM

I can't believe it. So sad. RIP.

**Just Kill Me** · August 9th, 2008, 08:45 AM

His TV show was hilarious. This is a bummer.

**HWBL** · August 9th, 2008, 08:45 AM

Wow! Can you remember a few months ago, reading about Patrick Swayze
suffering from cancer with only five weeks to live? And now he's back filming
(I'm not suggesting he is cured, but at least he seems to be in remission).
And Bernie Mac being hospitalized for pneumonia and dying only weeks later?
A case of pancreatic cancer, a sure killer and pneumonia, which in
2008 is often thought of to be only fatal to those in poor health, elderly,
babies, third world countries. Weird, weird, stuff.

**Novice** · August 9th, 2008, 08:45 AM

check out the date....

Burning Q's: Is Bernie Mac's Condition Critical?

Tue., Aug. 5, 2008 11:00 AM PDT by Leslie Gornstein

Steve Granitz/WireImage.com
Did Bernie Mac pass away today?
—David
No. And he did not pass away yesterday, either. He also is not likely likely to pass away tomorrow, just in case you were planning on asking again in another 24 hours. Perhaps you mistake Bernie for Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, the Russian literary lion who died this week. I mix up those two all the time. As for now, Mac's simply hospitalized with a bad case of pneumonia.
Onward, with more of your Burning Q's!

Burning Q's: Is Bernie Mac's Condition Critical? - Ask the Answer Bitch - E! Online

sad news...

**NicoleWasHere** · August 9th, 2008, 08:49 AM

Holy shit.

**RevellingInSane** · August 9th, 2008, 09:00 AM

*cries* He was one of the few comedians I actually enjoyed. The comedy world has lost a master. RIP Bernie. You inspired a lot of young people, coming from nothing, becoming a success, and not forgetting your roots.

You won't be forgotten.

**sweetrebel** · August 9th, 2008, 09:01 AM

Someone sent my daughter a text last week saying he had died...then I read in people that he was in the hospital with pneumonia....
What a loss. He was a very funny man.