Bernie Mac Dies at Age 50

Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Movies, Television, Breaking News

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.

Read More | Entertainment Weekly

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Conflicting Reports About Bernie Mac’s Health

Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Movies, Television

UPDATE: As of August 7, Bernie is reportedly in stable condition and “responding well to treatment.”

Bernie Mac, the former star of The Bernie Mac Show, has been hospitalized for several days now for a case of pneumonia. Unfortunately, reports on how the comedian is faring varies from source to source.

This weekend, a rep for the Ocean’s Eleven star denied reports that the star had passed away. Publicist Danica Smith claimed the 50-year-old was responding well to treatment and was expected to go home soon. But a post in yesterday’s Chicago Sun-Times tells an entirely different story. A source close to the family tells the newspaper that Mac (a.k.a. Bernard McCullough) is actually in “very, very critical” condition.

Back in 2004, production on Mac’s FOX series halted while he was being treated for sarcoidosis. The chronic disease, which he had been diagnosed with earlier in his life, can inflame tissues. Although his hospitalization at that time had pneumonia ties, Smith says her client’s current medical issue is not sarcoidosis-reated.

Whatever the story, we sincerely wish Bernie a speedy recovery.

Read More | Chicago Sun-Times

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