Who was Bernie Mac? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Bernard Jeffrey McCullough

Died At Age: 50

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Rhonda McCullough (m. 1977–2008)

children: Je'Niece Childress

Born Country: United States

American Men Tall Celebrities

Height: 6'2" (188 cm), 6'2" Males

Died on: August 9, 2008

place of death: Chicago, Illinois, United States

City: Chicago, Illinois

Cause of Death: Pneumonia

U.S. State: Illinois

1

What was Bernie Mac's breakout role in comedy?

Bernie Mac's breakout role in comedy was as the character "Uncle Bernie" in the hit sitcom "The Bernie Mac Show."
2

Which popular comedy film did Bernie Mac star in alongside Ashton Kutcher and Cameron Diaz?

Bernie Mac starred in the comedy film "What Happens in Vegas" alongside Ashton Kutcher and Cameron Diaz.
3

In which comedy film did Bernie Mac play the character of "Gin Slagel?"

Bernie Mac played the character of "Gin Slagel" in the comedy film "Bad Santa."
4

Which comedy tour did Bernie Mac participate in alongside Cedric the Entertainer, D.L. Hughley, and Steve Harvey?

Bernie Mac participated in "The Original Kings of Comedy" tour alongside Cedric the Entertainer, D.L. Hughley, and Steve Harvey.
5

What was the title of Bernie Mac's stand-up comedy special that aired on HBO in 2000?

Bernie Mac's stand-up comedy special that aired on HBO in 2000 was titled "Bernie Mac Live: I Ain't Scared of You."

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Childhood & Early Life

Bernie Mac was born Bernard Jeffrey McCullough in Chicago, Illinois on October 5, 1957. His mother’s name was Mary and his father’s name is not known.

He pursued his education from the ‘Chicago Vocational Career Academy’ and later shifted base to Florida and continued his studies at the ‘Jesuit High School’, in Tampa.

His first formal tryst with stand-up comedy was at the tender age of eight, at a church congregation. He imitated his grandparents at the event and left the crowd in splits.

His mother, father, brother and grandmother passed away when he was quite young. Bernie Mac took up several odd jobs to make ends meet.

He found his true calling in stand-up comedy and decided to become a comedian for a living. He was greatly influenced by the legendary trio of The Three stooges and other comedians, such as Richard Pryor and Redd Foxx. Initially, he cracked jokes at subways and parks in exchange for money, but soon became associated with the famous ‘Regal Theatre’ in Chicago.

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Career

Bernie Mac’s life changed completely after he participated in the ‘Miller Lite Comedy Search’ contest and won it. He gained a lot of popularity after doing a famous stand-up comedy act on ‘Def Comedy Jam’, a television series produced by the channel ‘HBO’.

He later appeared in stand-up comedy shows that featured comedians like Dionne Warwick, Redd Foxx and Natalie Cole.

After a couple of blink-and-miss roles in movies like ‘Mo’ Money’ and ‘Who’s The Man?’, Bernie Mac was offered the character of Uncle Vester in the comedy flick ‘House Party 3’, which released in 1994. He was also seen in the movie ‘Above The Rim’ in the same year.

1995, saw the release of his two other flicks, namely ‘The Walking Dead’ and ‘Friday’. While ‘Friday’, a comic flick, was a success, ‘The Walking Dead’ failed miserably.

During the period 1996-99, Bernie Mac appeared in various films, such as ‘How To Be A Player’, ‘Booty Call’, ‘B*A*P*S’ and ‘The Players Club’. His most noteworthy performance during this period was his portrayal of Bundini Brown in the flick ‘Don King: Only In America’.

In 2001, Bernie Mac was seen in the Hollywood blockbuster ‘Ocean’s Eleven’, where he shared the screen with stalwarts like Brad Pitt and George Clooney.

In 2003, he was seen in three big budget movies, namely ‘Head of State’, ‘Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle’ and ‘Bad Santa’. All the three movies were commercially successful ventures.

In 2004, he was seen in two important films, namely ‘Mr. 3000’ and ‘Ocean’s Twelve’ – the sequel to the 2001 film.

Bernie Mac reprised his role of Frank Catton in the third instalment of the Ocean’s franchise titled ‘Ocean’s Thirteen’, which released in 2007.

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He played the characters Zuba and Floyd Henderson in the movird ‘Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa’ and ‘Soul Men’ respectively. Both these movies were released in 2008.

The last film of his illustrious career was ‘Old Dogs’, in which he had essayed the character Jimmy Lunchbox. The ensemble of this 2009 film included several renowned names like John Travolta, Robin Williams and Kelly Preston. He also played a cameo in the Hollywood blockbuster ‘Transformers’ which released the same year.

Major Works

Bernie Mac is best known for his sitcom called ‘The Bernie Mac Show’. The episodes of the television show were mostly hilarious takes on the events which took place in his life. The show was a big hit with the American television viewers and catapulted Bernie Mac to the league of best comedians in the nation. The show ran for five years, from 2001 to 2006

Awards & Achievements:

In 2002-03, Bernie Mac was nominated for two ‘Emmy Awards’ for his role in the television show ‘The Bernie Mac Show’. He also won a ‘Television Critics Association Award’ during the same time for his impeccable acting in the same show.

In 2003, he bagged a ‘Prism Award’ as well as a ‘Satellite Award’ for his performance in ‘The Bernie Mac Show’.

During the period 2003-07, Bernie Mac was felicitated with the ‘NAACP Image Award’ in the ‘Outstanding Actor In A Comedy Series’ category 4 times, for his role in the TV show ‘The Bernie Mac Show’.

Personal Life & Legacy

Bernie Mac married Rhonda back in 1977, and the couple had a child together.

He suffered from Sarcoidosis, an ailment which causes inflammation in tissues. He died of cardiac arrest on August 9, 2008, at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago

The ‘Rolling Stone’ magazine had recently mentioned Bernie Mac’s name in their list of ’50 Best Stand-Up Comics Of All Time’.

Facts About Bernie Mac

Bernie Mac's real name was Bernard Jeffrey McCullough, and he adopted the stage name "Bernie Mac" early in his career.

Before becoming a successful comedian and actor, Bernie Mac worked various jobs, including as a furniture mover and a UPS deliveryman.

Bernie Mac's iconic catchphrase "I ain't scared of you mother******s" became a staple in his stand-up comedy routines and endeared him to audiences.

In addition to his comedic talents, Bernie Mac was also a philanthropist who supported various charities and organizations focused on helping underprivileged children and communities.

Bernie Mac's role as the lovable and strict Uncle Bernie on the television show "The Bernie Mac Show" earned him critical acclaim and a new generation of fans.

Bernie Mac Biography

You wanted to know

What was Bernie Mac's breakout role in comedy?

Which popular comedy film did Bernie Mac star in alongside Ashton Kutcher and Cameron Diaz?

In which comedy film did Bernie Mac play the character of "Gin Slagel?"

Which comedy tour did Bernie Mac participate in alongside Cedric the Entertainer, D.L. Hughley, and Steve Harvey?

What was the title of Bernie Mac's stand-up comedy special that aired on HBO in 2000?