South Side native Bernie Mac dead at 50

The comedian and actor died from pnuemonia complications

Via Sun-Times,
225 Reads | | Post a commentPublished August 9, 2008 - 1:30 PM

South Chicago, Chicago, Ill. —

Comedian Bernie Mac died Saturday morning at Northwestern Universtiy Hospital. from pnuemonia complications. He was 50.

Born Bernard Jeffrey McCollough in South Chicago, Mac became one of the most prominent U.S. comedians in the world. At one time toured with Cedric the Entertainer, D.L. Hughley and Steve Harvey. He also starred in popular film franchises like the Ocean's (Eleven) trilogy and the Charlie's Angel's movies.

Branching from his roots as a raunchy, but lighthearted comedian, Mac's self-titled FOX network show that offered a contemporary look at black family life. On "The Bernie Mac Show," Mac's character became guardian of a drug-addicted sister's three children.

Often addressing the audience as "America" with asides, Mac showed the fears, frustrations, triumphs and joys of a black father who tried to instill in the kids the values of hard work, pride and social responsibility. Mac's character never had an easy time earning the authority figure title from the kids, but always earned their respect.

Mac stirred controversy recent with a throwback R-rated stand-up routine before introducing Democratic presidential hopeful Illinois Senator Barack Obama at a Chicago-area fundraiser. The performace drew the ire of Obama, who rebuked Mac for the language and stereotypical depictions of black women in Mac's routine.