Comedian Bernie Mac Dies at 50
By Stephen M. Silverman
August 9, 2008

Bernie Mac, who for the past 30 years made the public laugh with an over-sized comic persona in film, television and comedy clubs, has died of pneumonia, PEOPLE has confirmed. He was 50.

"[He] passed away this morning from complications due to pneumonia in a Chicago area hospital," his rep, Danica Smith, told PEOPLE. "No other details are available at this time. We ask that his family's privacy continues to be respected."

On Aug 1, Mac was admitted to a hospital at Northwestern Memorial hospital with pneumonia said his rep, adding that he was expected to recover, despite widespread rumors about the seriousness of his condition.

Born Bernard Jeffrey McCullough in Chicago, Mac began his career as a stand-up comedian in the small comedy clubs of his native town. As a founding member of the Kings of Comedy comedy tour – the success of which spawned Spike Lee's 2000 concert movie The Original Kings of Comedy (also starring Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley, Cedric the Entertainer) – Mac was able to spotlight what would become his rapid-fire delivery. This effectively launched him into the big time.

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what a shock, I didn't expect this. Although I wasn't a big fan of his work, I did enjoy a couple of his movies.

Dang, I'd been hearing rumors since he'd gotten sick... very sad news.

Lots of big losses this year

He was a funny guy, I didn't care for the profanity in his act, well not in any of the comedian's acts really, but then not everyone can be like Bill Cosby. I have a copy of The Original Kings of Comedy with him, D. L. Hugley, Cedric the Entertainer and Steve Harvey. The first time my wife and I watched it, we had to stop it several times and take a break to let our stomachs rest from laughing so hard. My favorite on it was Bernie, when he talked about taking in his sisters kids, hilarious.
But then, I'm just sayin the things you wanna say.

I'd heard about how serious the form of pneumonia he had was, and the feeling I got was that he might not survive it. Still, I was shocked as well.

That's quite sad to die at 50. However, I had a hard time understanding Bernie Mac or DL Hugley doing their stand up routines. Maybe I'll try again.