22 replies to this topic

[Arbogast777]

August 9, 2008

Comedian Bernie Mac died at Northwestern Memorial hospital early Saturday morning, according to Sun-Times Columnist, Stella Foster. He was 50.

Though the cause of death has not been confirmed, Mac had been hospitalized recently for pneumonia. Foster said that she received calls early Saturday morning from a close friend of the Mac family, confirming the reports of Mac's death.

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.

[Joey Bond]

Truly sad news. He was a great Bosley in Charlie's Angels, and then there's the Ocean's series. RIP.

[Safari Suit]

Just heard this and I'm pretty shocked. I heard he had gone into hospital but was expected to return and thought nothing of it. I liked him a lot.

R.I.P.

[sharpshooter]

What?!

[Righty007]

[Number 6]

Man, this is a shock. My sympathies to his family. 50 is way too young to go. He'll be missed.

RIP

[DR76]

I am in shock! Only 50? I heard he had some physical problem in his blood cells, but I had no idea it would lead to an early death. I am going to miss him.

[Matt_13]

[deth]

a true shame. RIP Mr Mac.

[Blonde Bond]

Rest in Peace, Bernie.

[JimmyBond]

[ImTheMoneypenny]

I was standing in a store when the news broke over the radio piped in for the customers. I was absolutely stunned. You could have knocked me over with a feather. I knew he'd had pneumonia and was in the hospital but I didn't expect this outcome.

He was a funny man.

[Cruiserweight]

I don't see how this thread isn't getting the same reaction that my R.I.P. thread for Estelle Getty got but a sad story none the less.

R.I.P.

[Qwerty]

Was a huge shock to come across this headline on MSN an hour or so ago. I had heard he had been hospitalized, but had no idea it was this serious. Best wishes to his close friends and family.

[Mr. Blofeld]

I thought his pneumonia had stabilized; what a sad way to go...

[The Richmond Spy]

I just watched Mr. 3000 for the first time the other day and thought it was pretty hilarious as it reminded me of so many real-life athletes out there. Bernie Mac has always been great at what he does and I am extremely sad to see him go!

[killkenny kid]

About three weeks ago, Mrs. K and I had the opportunity to be part of a test audience for Soul Men. A new movie that stars Berine Mac and Samuel L. Jackson that opens Nov. 18th. Now I'm not trying to make this a Health Ledger thing. And this movie will't run to everyones taste. But, if you have a good sense of humor. This movie will make you laugh your off. A great and fitting triute for Mr. Mac. R.I.P........what the , my brother just call and told me that Isaac Hayes also in the cast of this movie die today. Happy sad.

[Mercator]

Oh, much sadness is this. He was the funny in Ocean's.

[Mister E]

I loved him in THE KANGS OF COMEDY ( It's pronounced Kangs, don't argue with me on that ) and his hilarously dead pan preformance in BAD SANTA. Well Bernie, say hi to Richard Pryor for me.

[Agent 76]

He was a great comedian, funny actor.

May he rest in peace forever.

[Jeff007]

Heard this at DTBB. Very sad news.

[Professor Dent]

Very sad news. So many funny roles -> loved the quick scene he had as Bobby Bolivia in Transformers.

[DamnCoffee]

Truly Sad News.

My condolences to his friends and family.