Bernie Mac, the actor and comedian who starred in the Golden Globe nominated series The Bernie Mac Show and appeared in the successful Ocean’s 11 films, passed away earlier this morning in Chicago at age 50.
Mac’s movie career was launched with an appearance in 1992’s Mo’ Money, and continued with humorous roles in Above The Rim (1994), Friday (1995) and Booty Call (1997).
One of “The Original Kings of Comedy” seen in the eponymous 2000 concert film, Mac worked with Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley, Cedric the Entertainer, and successfully brought a new generation of black standup comedy stars to a wider audience. His comedic genius could later be found on the critically acclaimed, Golden Globe and Emmy nominated comedy series The Bernie Mac Show.
Box-office success came to Mac with his role in the 2005 film Guess Who?, a comedic remake of the landmark Tracy-Hepburn vehicle Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner. Mac also enjoyed starring roles in the audience favorites Bad Santa (2004), Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle (2005) and Transformers (2007). He later played a major role as Frank Catton in the martini-mad Ocean’s 11 franchise with George Clooney and Brad Pitt. Two of his films are currently listed as post-production: Soul Men (with Samuel L. Jackson) and Old Dogs.
