Bernard Jeffrey McCullough (born 5 October 1957), famously recognized by his stage persona Bernie Mac, was an iconic American comedian and actor.
Hailing from Chicago’s vibrant South Side, Mac skyrocketed to fame with his sharp wit and uproarious stand-up comedy performances. He notably joined forces with fellow comedians Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, and D. L. Hughley in the celebrated film The Original Kings of Comedy.
While renowned primarily for his comedic prowess, Bernie Mac showcased remarkable versatility as an entertainer. He garnered acclaim for his side-splitting stand-up routines and endeared audiences with his memorable role in the sitcom The Bernie Mac Show.
Moreover, Mac‘s talent transcended the comedy circuit, as he delivered standout performances in blockbuster films such as Ocean’s Eleven and Transformers.
BERNIE MAC |
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| WIKI FACTS & ABOUT DATA | |
| Full Name: | Bernard Jeffrey McCullough |
| Stage Name: | Bernie Mac |
| Born: | 5 October 1957 (age 50 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Died: | 9 August 2008 (age 50 years), Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Nationality: | American |
| Education: | Chicago Vocational High School, |
| Height: | 1.89 m |
| Parents: | Jeffery Harrison, Mary McCullough |
| Siblings: | Niecy Nash, Stacy Harrison-McCullough, Glynn Turman, Darryl Harrison-McCullough |
| Spouse: | Rhonda McCullough (m. 1977–2008) |
| Girlfriend • Partner: | N/A |
| Children: | Je’Niece McCullough |
| Occupation: | Actor • Comedian |
| Net Worth: | $15 million (USD) |
Table of Contents
Early Life & Education
Bernie Mac, a cherished American comedian and actor, was born on October 5, 1957, in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Born to Jeffery Harrison and Mary McCullough, he grew up alongside two sisters, Niecy Nash and Stacy Harrison-McCullough, and two brothers, Glynn Turman and Darryl Harrison-McCullough.
Bernie honed his comedic craft after attending Chicago Vocational High School. Bernie Mac ultimately embarked on a journey that would see him bring boundless joy and laughter to millions worldwide through his distinctive humor and unparalleled talent in stand-up comedy, television, and film.
Career
Bernie Mac‘s journey into comedy kicked off when he was just a kid, entertaining his church folks at the tender age of 8. Growing up on Chicago’s South Side, he soaked in inspiration from comedic legends like The Three Stooges and the witty banter of Richard Pryor and Redd Foxx. Bernie‘s knack for making people laugh led him to the stage of Chicago’s Cotton Club, where he fine-tuned his comedic chops throughout the ’70s, eventually adopting the name Bernie Mac.
His big break came at 32 when he clinched the top spot in the Miller Lite Comedy Search, launching him into the comedy big leagues. But his bold move on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam in ’92 truly set him apart. When faced with a rowdy crowd, Bernie fearlessly took the mic, declaring, “I ain’t scared o’ you mothafuckas,” and the rest is history.
In 2001, Bernie Mac brought his larger-than-life personality to TV screens with The Bernie Mac Show. Playing a fictionalized version of himself, Bernie became the guardian of his sister’s kids, serving up laughs and life lessons in equal measure. He even snuck in nods to his beloved Chicago White Sox, making the show a hit with fans.
Despite his success on the small screen, Bernie didn’t shy away from the silver screen. From the Ocean’s trilogy to Bad Santa, he showcased his versatility as an actor, earning praise for his comedic timing and magnetic presence.
But in 2007, Bernie Mac dropped a bombshell on fans during an appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman—he was hanging up his comedy hat after three decades in the game. He wanted to savor life’s simple pleasures after years of non-stop hustle, lamenting the missed moments.
Even in his final years, Bernie Mac‘s star shone bright. Whether voicing characters in animated flicks or stealing scenes in blockbuster hits, he left an indelible mark on Hollywood. And though he may have left us too soon, Bernie Mac‘s legacy lives on, reminding us to always find the humor in life’s ups and downs.
Social Media
- Instagram handle: Bernie Mac Official (@berniemacofficial)
- Facebook handle: Bernie Ma
Personal Life
Bernie Mac‘s family life was important to him, especially during his early years in comedy. In 1977, he married his high school sweetheart, Rhonda Gore, also known as Rhonda McCullough, at the age of 19.
Together, they had a daughter named Je’Niece McCullough. Rhonda was a strong source of support for Mac during his early comedy career, and their marriage was a testament to their love and commitment to each other.
Filmography
Movies
- House Party 3 (1994)
- Above the Rim (1994)
- Friday (1995) – as Buster
- Get on the Bus (1996)
- Booty Call (1997)
- Who’s the Man? (1997)
- The Players Club (1998)
- Life (1999)
- Def Jam’s How to Be a Player (1999)
- B.A.P.S. (1999)
- Don King: Only in America (1999)
TV Shows
- Moesha (1996)
- The Wayans Bros. (1997)
- King of the Hill (1999–2001) – voice role
- The Bernie Mac Show (2001–2006) – as Bernie Mac
- Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
- Ocean’s Twelve (2004)
- Mr. 3000 (2004) – as Stan Ross
- Bad Santa (2003) – as Gin Slagel
- Guess Who (2005) – as Percy Jones
- Ocean’s Thirteen (2007)
- Transformers (2007) – as Bobby Bolivia
- Soul Men (2008) – as Floyd Henderson
- Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008) – voice role (Zuba)
Net Worth
Bernie Mac may have passed away, but his legacy and contributions to the entertainment industry continue to live on. Through his comedic talent and hard work, he amassed a net worth of approximately $15 million at the time of his death.
However, with the continued popularity of his work through reruns, syndication, and streaming services, his estate may have grown even more since then. His impact and success inspire many aspiring comedians and actors.