by Shannonn Kelly

Bernard Jeffrey McCullough, better known as Bernie Mac died today due to complications from pneumonia in a Chicago area hospital.

For some time Bernie publicly stated he was having a bit of trouble with his lungs but had announced late last year he was ‘feeling better’. He is rumored to have had an inflammatory disease called sarcoidosis.

While Mac felt a little heat last month while appearing at a fellow Chicagoan fundraiser for Democratic nominee Barack Obama for being his ’salty’ self, this news is still quite a shock for the entertainment world to digest.

Born in Chicago, October 5, 1957, Mac became a professional comedian in 1977. But it wasn’t until the 90’s that he got any serious work, starting with a bit part in the Damon Wayans, Stacy Dash (Clueless, 1995) vehicle Mo’ Money (still one of my all time favorite movie soundtracks).

Besides honing his craft in the stand-up club scene, Mac worked in TV and films though the 1990’s.

Bernie Mac mainly developed his cult following due to the 1996 Spike Lee film Get on the Bus, as well as Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood also in 1996. Through out 1996 he had a recurring role in the TV series “Moesha” starring Brandy (singer Brandy Norwood).

Mac’s career didn’t take off until the 2000 Spike Lee film The Original Kings of Comedy, starring D.L. Hughley, Steve Harvey and Cedric the Entertainer. The next year the hugely popular The Bernie Mac Show appeared on FOX due to his standout performance in Lee’s comedy concert doc. The Bernie Mac Show won the distinguished Peabody award in 2002 due to Mac’s trueness to himself and his upbringing.

Many remember Mac was cast in the star studded remake of Ocean’s Eleven also in 2001. Upon hearing of Mac’s passing, Ocean’s actor, producer George Clooney sadly remarked, “The world just got a little less funny”…

To read the International Herald Tribune obit on Bernie Mac, click here.