Bernie Mac was one of the most popular and influential comedians of his generation, known for his sharp wit, hilarious observations, and fearless style. He starred in several movies and TV shows, including The Bernie Mac Show, Ocean’s Eleven, and The Original Kings of Comedy. He was also a loving husband and father, who overcame a difficult childhood and a chronic illness to achieve his dreams.
But his life was cut short by complications from pneumonia, worsened by a rare lung disease called sarcoidosis. Here are some questions and answers about his remarkable career and the illnesses that killed him.
Who Was Bernie Mac?
Bernie Mac was born Bernard Jeffrey McCullough on October 5, 1957, in Chicago, Illinois to Mary McCullough and Jeffrey Harrison. He grew up in a large family on the South Side of Chicago, raised primarily by his single mother. He lost his mother to cancer when he was 16 years old, and shortly after, his older brother, estranged father, and grandmother died as well.
He discovered his talent for comedy at a young age, impersonating his grandparents at a church dinner when he was eight years old. He also performed jokes for spare change in the Chicago subway. He married his high school sweetheart, Rhonda, in 1977, and they had one daughter, Je’Niece.
He started his professional comedy career in 1977, joining the comedy club circuit. He gained recognition for his bold and edgy humor, often addressing topics such as race, s*x, and politics. He also broke into acting, appearing in small roles in several films, such as Mo’ Money and Friday.
What Was Bernie Mac’s Cause of Death?
In July 2008, Bernie Mac was hospitalized for pneumonia in Chicago. His publicist initially said that he was responding well to treatment and expected to make a full recovery. However, his condition worsened due to his weakened immune system caused by sarcoidosis. He developed a second strain of pneumonia while in the hospital and suffered from respiratory failure.
He was placed on a ventilator to help him breathe and sedated to ease his pain. His wife Rhonda and daughter Je’Niece stayed by his side until the end. On August 9th, 2008, he went into cardiac arrest twice and could not be revived. He died at the age of 50.
His death shocked and saddened his fans and peers around the world. More than 6,000 people attended his funeral service at the House of Hope Church in Chicago on August 16th. He was eulogized by several celebrities, such as Samuel L. Jackson, Chris Rock, Cedric the Entertainer, and Steve Harvey. He was also honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2016.
We sadly lost a famous comedian named Bernard Jeffrey McCullough, but most people knew him by his stage name, Bernie Mac:
We lost Bernard Jeffrey McCullough, better known by his stage name #BernieMac, on this day in 2008. pic.twitter.com/WWBx0hU4mA
— TV One (@tvonetv) August 9, 2020
How Did Pneumonia Affect Bernie Mac?
Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. It can cause symptoms such as cough, fever, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other organisms. Pneumonia can be life-threatening, especially for people with weakened immune systems, chronic diseases, or older age.
Bernie Mac had a weakened immune system because of a chronic inflammatory lung disease called sarcoidosis, which he had been diagnosed within 1983. Sarcoidosis causes abnormal growths of inflammatory cells in different organs of the body, most commonly the lungs. Sarcoidosis can affect how the lungs function and can cause scarring and damage to the lung tissue.
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What is Sarcoidosis and How Did It Affect Bernie Mac?
Sarcoidosis is a rare disease that affects about 200,000 people in the United States. The exact cause of sarcoidosis is unknown, but it may be related to genetic factors, environmental triggers, or immune system dysfunction. Sarcoidosis can affect any organ of the body, but it usually affects the lungs, lymph nodes, skin, eyes, or liver.
Sarcoidosis can cause various symptoms depending on which organs are involved. Some common symptoms are cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, fever, weight loss, skin rashes, eye irritation, or joint pain. Sarcoidosis can also cause complications such as lung fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, heart problems, kidney failure, or nerve damage.
Bernie Mac had sarcoidosis in remission, which means that his symptoms were under control and his disease was not active. However, he still had to take medication to suppress his immune system and prevent inflammation. This made him more vulnerable to infections such as pneumonia. He also had to monitor his lung function regularly and avoid smoking or exposure to dust or chemicals.
How Did Bernie Mac’s Family Cope With His Death?
Bernie Mac’s wife Rhonda and daughter Je’Niece were with him until the very end. They witnessed his struggle to breathe and his final moments of consciousness. They were devastated by his death but also at peace because of their faith in God. They said that Bernie Mac was a loving husband and father who always made them laugh.
Bernie Mac’s funeral was attended by more than 6,000 people, including many celebrities and fans who admired his work and legacy. His family received an outpouring of support and condolences from the public and the entertainment industry. His wife Rhonda established the Bernie Mac Foundation to raise awareness and funds for sarcoidosis research and education.
What is Bernie Mac’s Legacy?
Bernie Mac was one of the most beloved and respected comedians of his time, who left behind a legacy of laughter and inspiration. He was known for his honesty, courage, and generosity, as well as his catchphrase “I ain’t scared of you motherf***ers!” He influenced many comedians who came after him, such as Kevin Hart, Tiffany Haddish, and Lil Rel Howery.
He also supported many charitable causes, such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Lupus Foundation of America, and the Bernie Mac Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research. He once said, “I’m not a star, and I don’t want to be a star. Stars fall. I’m an ordinary guy with an extraordinary job.” He also said, “I don’t believe in living in fear. I believe in living in faith.”
He lived up to his words, overcoming adversity and achieving greatness with his talent and passion. He made millions of people laugh and smile with his comedy and his personality. He was a legend in his own right, and he will always be remembered as one of the original kings of comedy.
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