Bernie Mac
Bernie Mac, the legendary comedian, drew inspiration from iconic figures like The Three Stooges, Richard Pryor, and Redd Foxx. His comedic journey began in Chicago’s Cotton Club, but it was the victory in the Miller Lite Comedy Search at 32 that catapulted him to stardom. His fearless approach to comedy was evident when, on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam, he famously declared, “I ain’t scared o’ you mothafuckas.”
Bernie’s talent extended beyond stand-up; he appeared alongside Dionne Warwick, Redd Foxx, and Natalie Cole. Notably, he starred as “Dollar Bill” in “The Players Club” and featured in “Ocean’s Eleven.” However, he truly shone in his sitcom, “The Bernie Mac Show,” which won awards and hearts alike.
Despite his success, Bernie Mac battled sarcoidosis and tragically passed away in 2008, leaving a void in comedy that can never be filled.
Bernie Mac – Comedian
Influences and Early Career
Bernie Mac’s comedy journey was shaped by iconic figures like The Three Stooges, Richard Pryor, and Redd Foxx. He kicked off his career as a stand-up comedian at Chicago’s famed Cotton Club. His breakthrough came when he clinched victory in the Miller Lite Comedy Search at the age of 32, catapulting him to stardom. His fearless approach was on full display in 1992 on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam when he famously declared, “I ain’t scared o’ you mothafuckas.”
Rising Star
Mac’s talents extended beyond stand-up. He shared the stage with luminaries like Dionne Warwick, Redd Foxx, and Natalie Cole. He made appearances in films like “House Party 3” and played memorable roles in “Friday” and the Apollo revival of “The Wiz.”
Mac’s first starring role came in 1998 as “Dollar Bill” in “The Players Club.” He broke free from the confines of traditional “black comedy” with roles in the 2001 remake of “Ocean’s Eleven” and as the new Bosley in “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle.”
The Bernie Mac Show
In 2001, Fox gave Mac his sitcom, “The Bernie Mac Show,” where he portrayed a fictional version of himself. The series revolved around him suddenly becoming the guardian of his sister’s three children. Bernie even broke the fourth wall, sharing his thoughts with the audience. The show featured parodies of events from Bernie’s real life, including his love for the Chicago White Sox.
Despite the show’s success and accolades, it concluded after the 2005–2006 season. Mac’s character was ranked No. 47 in TV Guide’s list of the “50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time.”
Later Years, Illness, and Legacy
In 2007, Bernie Mac announced his retirement from a 30-year career after finishing the comedy film, “The Whole Truth, Nothing but the Truth, So Help Me Mac.” He continued to make his mark as a popular film actor, appearing in “Transformers,” “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa,” and “Soul Men.”
Tragically, Bernie Mac battled severe sarcoidosis, a mysterious disease causing tissue inflammation, during his last years. On August 9, 2008, he passed away at the age of 50, following complications unrelated to his sarcoidosis.