Bernard Jeffrey McCullough, known professionally as Bernie Mac, rose from a variety of blue-collar roles to become a defining figure in American stand-up comedy and television. Born in Chicago in 1957, he utilized his upbringing on the city's South Side to anchor his performances, eventually headlining his own series and starring in major Hollywood film franchises before his death in 2008.
Early Career and Stand-up Roots
Before gaining recognition in television and film, McCullough held numerous jobs including bus driver, cook, and delivery man while performing stand-up comedy at clubs and parties. Influenced by Richard Pryor, Redd Foxx, and the Three Stooges, he developed his stage persona at Chicago's Cotton Club. His breakthrough occurred in 1992 during an appearance on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam, where he addressed a hostile audience directly. He later rose to prominence as one of the 'Big Four' comedians featured in the successful film The Original Kings of Comedy.
Television and The Bernie Mac Show
In 2001, the Fox network launched The Bernie Mac Show, a sitcom featuring a fictionalized version of McCullough's life. The series focused on his character assuming guardianship of his sister's three children. The program was notable for its fourth-wall-breaking narrative style and parodies of the actor's real-life experiences. Over five seasons ending in 2006, the show earned a Peabody Award, a Humanitas Prize, and two Emmy nominations for lead actor.
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Throughout his television tenure, McCullough maintained an active film career. He played Frank Catton in the Ocean’s film series between 2001 and 2007. His other starring roles included the baseball-centered Mr. 3000 and Guess Who. As he approached his later years, he appeared in films such as Transformers, Pride, and the musical comedy Soul Men. His voice work included the character Zuba in the 2008 animated film Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, while his final film appearance was in the 2009 release Old Dogs.
Health and Legacy
McCullough suffered from sarcoidosis for the final two decades of his life. In July 2008, he was admitted to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago for pneumonia and died on August 9, 2008, following cardiac arrest at the age of 50. He was buried at Washington Memory Gardens. His funeral at the House of Hope Church was attended by several notable performers and colleagues, including his fellow 'Kings of Comedy' members.
Fast facts
- Born: 1957, Chicago
- Died: 2008, Chicago
- Primary Occupation: Actor, Comedian
- Education: Chicago Vocational High School
- Notable TV Series: The Bernie Mac Show
- Film Series: Ocean's
- Final Film Role: Old Dogs
- Burial Site: Washington Memory Gardens
Questions readers ask
What was the cause of Bernie Mac's death?
He died from complications of pneumonia, which led to cardiac arrest.
Was his sarcoidosis the cause of death?
No, his publicist stated that the complications leading to his death were not attributed to his sarcoidosis.
Which major comedy tour featured Bernie Mac?
He was one of the 'Big Four' in the Kings of Comedy tour.
Achievements
- Notable work: Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
- Notable work: Old Dogs
- Worked as street artist, screenwriter and television actor
