Monday, August 11, 2008

News - Dead at 50 - R.I.P. Bernie Mac


Funny guy Bernie Mac is dead at the age of 50.

Born Bernard Jeffrey McCullough in 1957 in Chicago — but known to the rest of us as Bernie Mac — he was, in show-biz circles, a late bloomer. He didn't come to national attention until he was already well into adulthood, and his comedy came from a decidedly adult perspective. It could be raw and blustery, but the anger and insights both came from experience, and were often softened by a warmth he could turn on and off at will.

From MSN:

“Actor/comedian Bernie Mac passed away in the morning of August 9., 2008 from complications due to pneumonia in a Chicago area hospital,” his publicist, Danica Smith, said in a statement from Los Angeles. ”

Bernie Mac was the star of The Bernie Mac Show from 2001 - 2006. It earned him a Peabody award. He was also recently seen in Transformers as a shady used-car salesman.

Currently, he has several projects in post-production. No word yet as to how his death will change things:

Old Dogs (Movie 2009): “Two friends and business partners find their lives turned upside down when strange circumstances lead to them being placed in the care of 7-year-old twins.” He played Jimmy Lunchbox in this film which also stars Robin Williams, Seth Green, John Travolta and a lot of other people.

Soul Men (movie 2008): “Though it’s been some twenty years since they have spoken with one another, two estranged soul-singing legends (Jackson and Mac) agree to participate in a reunion performance at the Apollo Theater to honor their recently deceased band leader.” He played Floyd in this one, opposite Samuel L. Jackson. He also worked with Isaac Hayes on this project.

Starting Under (TV series 2008): “A recently divorced guy is forced to move in with twentysomething son.” (I believe he played himself in this one).

Welcome to the Family (TV Series 2008- Reality): “Newly engaged couples from different backgrounds meet each others’ families for the first time on national TV.” He was the Narrator.

Bernie Mac was a busy guy during his life. You can see some of the projects he was involved with on Amazon by clicking here: Previous Bernie Mac Projects On Amazon.

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