Bernie Mac

Bernie Mac is a famous actor and standup comedian. Many people know his face and his name. He's appeared in countless films, on television, and perhaps his most famous is his television show “Bernie Mac Show." He even made an appearance in the “Ocean's 11” films. Despite his untimely death, there are many fans who still enjoy his work even today.

In the Beginning

Bernie Mac (his real name is Bernard Jeffrey McCollough) was born on October 5, 1957 in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in a rough neighborhood along with a large family. All of them living under one roof. His situation helped to give him insight into his surroundings, comedy, and even his family. Mac sought out work at the Regal Theater. Performing in Chicago Park in his youth. He didn't become a professional comedian until he was 19 years old in 1977. His refusal to change the image he had for films and television set him back a bit in the 1980s. Bernie Mac finally came to the big screen when he played a small role in the movie Mo' Money in 1992.  Soon after he began to play a wide range of small parts in comedies and movies. When he began to make appearances on HBO's Def Comedy Jam in the 1990s. It helped to get him in the door of the becoming the comedian most people are familiar with today.

Career Accomplishments

Mac had a unique flair to his comedy. It was edgy, and at first it didn't seem as if it would pair with with television. After he made several appearances in the series Moesha. He gained wide acclaim and starred in The Original Kings of Comedy in 2000. The performance helped to bolster his reputation as a comedian and to further his career. His show, called The Bernie Mac Show, earned him Golden Globe and Emmy nominations.

Most Known For

Bernie is mostly recognized for his TV show that aired on Fox in 2001 – 2006. It was called The Bernie Mac Show. The show as based on his family experiences. In the show he played the role of a dad who found himself having adopted three kids. He starred in the roles of a few films as well such as Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle in 2003. He played the role of an aging baseball hero in the movie Mr. 3000.

Legacy

One reason for Bernie Mac's success is how he was able to draw people in. His comedy was about the tough experiences he had as a black man. His mainstream appeal reached a wide range of audiences young and old. People laughed at his jokes and were able to feel connected with him. Rising from a poor childhood to the stage. Bernie Mac believed laughter could heal. Despite his passing his jokes from his show and his standup comedy are still relevant to this day. George Clooney, the co-star for “Ocean's 11” summed up Bernie Mac's passing perfectly: “The world just got a little less funny.