UPDATE: You can read what many of Bernie’s friends had to say about his passing here.

Comedian Bernie Mac, the Emmy-nominated actor from The Bernie Mac Show, passed away this morning after a battle with pneumonia. He was only 50-years-old.

This announcement is particular shocking given the news released just a few days ago. On Thursday, Mac’s rep said the performer - who had been hospitalized in Chicago since August 1 - was responding well to treatment and was expected to be discharged within weeks. That claim contradicted earlier reports that the Ocean’s Eleven star was in “very, very critical” condition.

Earlier today, publicist Danica Smith revealed the sad news:

“Actor/comedian Bernie Mac passed away this morning from complications due to pneumonia in a Chicago area hospital. No other details are available at this time. We ask that his family’s privacy continues to be respected.”

Our thoughts go out to his family.