Bernard Jeffery McCullough, better known as Bernie Mac, died August 9, 2008 from “complications from pneumonia.” He was just 50 years old.
I remember him best from the Ocean’s movies and his stand up routines. When I think of the name Bernie Mac, I think of one of the biggest, brightest smiles I’ve ever seen. You just can’t look at that smile without wanting to smile, yourself!
I also think of a person who seemed to have a NEED to make people laugh.
Maybe it had something to do with the fact that he needed laughter as much as anyone. His mother died from breast cancer during his sophomore year of high school. He also lost his only two brothers. Bernie suffered from sarcoidosis, a tissue inflammation disease, since 1983.
On a happier note, Bernie enjoyed a rarity in the business – a long marriage. He has been married to Rhonda McCullough since 1977. They have one child. Another love of his life was apparently the Chicago White Sox – from what I’ve read, he was a very big fan!
He’ll be sorely missed on the comedy landscape. He was incredibly unique and genuine.
