# Bernie Mac > American actor (1957–2008) **Wikidata**: [Q176323](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q176323) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernie_Mac) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bernie-mac ## Summary Bernie Mac was an American actor, comedian, and screenwriter best known for his stand-up comedy and roles in films like *Ocean's Eleven* and *Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa*. His career spanned television, film, and stage, making him a prominent figure in entertainment from the 1990s until his death in 2008. ## Biography - **Born**: October 5, 1957 - **Died**: August 9, 2008 - **Nationality**: American - **Education**: Attended Chicago Vocational High School (no higher education listed) - **Known for**: Stand-up comedy, acting in *The Bernie Mac Show*, and roles in *Ocean's Eleven* and *Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa* - **Employer(s)**: Worked in television (Fox, ABC), film (Warner Bros., DreamWorks), and stand-up comedy circuits - **Field(s)**: Acting, comedy, screenwriting, television production ## Contributions - **The Bernie Mac Show (2001–2006)**: Starred in and co-produced this Fox sitcom, which earned him two Emmy nominations and a Peabody Award. The show was notable for its portrayal of family dynamics and humor. - **Ocean's Eleven (2001)**: Played Frank Catton, a key member of the heist crew, in this critically acclaimed film. His performance contributed to the movie's success and its sequels. - **Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008)**: Voiced Zuba, a lion, in this animated film, which grossed over $600 million worldwide. - **Stand-up Comedy**: Known for his observational humor and storytelling, Bernie Mac performed in comedy clubs and on television specials, influencing a generation of comedians. - **Screenwriting**: Contributed to scripts for television and film, including his own projects. ## FAQs **What was Bernie Mac's real name?** Bernie Mac's birth name was Bernard Jeffrey McCullough. **What was Bernie Mac's most famous role?** His most famous role was as the lead in *The Bernie Mac Show*, a sitcom that ran from 2001 to 2006 and earned critical acclaim. **Did Bernie Mac work in films as well as television?** Yes, he appeared in several films, including *Ocean's Eleven* (2001), *Old Dogs* (2009), and *Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa* (2008), where he voiced a lion. **Was Bernie Mac involved in any other aspects of entertainment besides acting?** Yes, he was a stand-up comedian and screenwriter, contributing to both television and film scripts. **What awards did Bernie Mac receive?** He received two Emmy nominations for *The Bernie Mac Show* and a Peabody Award for the series. **When did Bernie Mac pass away?** Bernie Mac died on August 9, 2008, at the age of 50. ## Why They Matter Bernie Mac was a trailblazer in comedy and acting, known for his unique style of humor and ability to connect with audiences. His work in *The Bernie Mac Show* brought African American family dynamics to mainstream television, influencing sitcoms that followed. His roles in major films like *Ocean's Eleven* and *Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa* showcased his versatility and broad appeal. Beyond entertainment, his stand-up comedy inspired many comedians, and his contributions to screenwriting demonstrated his creative depth. His legacy endures in the continued popularity of his work and the impact he had on comedy and television. ## Notable For - Starring in *The Bernie Mac Show* (2001–2006), which won a Peabody Award. - Appearing in *Ocean's Eleven* (2001) and its sequels. - Voicing Zuba in *Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa* (2008). - Being a prominent stand-up comedian with a distinctive storytelling style. - Receiving two Emmy nominations for his work in television. - Co-producing *The Bernie Mac Show* and contributing to its creative direction. - Influencing a generation of comedians with his observational humor. ## Body ### Early Life and Career Beginnings Bernie Mac was born Bernard Jeffrey McCullough on October 5, 1957, in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in the city's South Side and attended Chicago Vocational High School. His early career began in stand-up comedy, where he honed his skills in local clubs before gaining national recognition. ### Rise to Fame Mac's breakthrough came with his stand-up performances, which led to appearances on television shows like *Def Comedy Jam*. His unique style, characterized by sharp wit and storytelling, set him apart from other comedians of his time. ### Television Career In 2001, Bernie Mac launched *The Bernie Mac Show*, a sitcom loosely based on his life. The show was a critical and commercial success, running for five seasons and earning him two Emmy nominations. It also won a Peabody Award, recognizing its cultural impact and humor. ### Film Roles Mac transitioned to film with notable roles in *Ocean's Eleven* (2001), where he played Frank Catton, a member of the heist crew. He reprised the role in the sequels *Ocean's Twelve* (2004) and *Ocean's Thirteen* (2007). In 2008, he voiced Zuba in *Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa*, one of his final roles before his death. ### Screenwriting and Production Beyond acting, Bernie Mac contributed to screenwriting, working on scripts for his television show and other projects. His involvement in production, particularly for *The Bernie Mac Show*, showcased his creative vision and leadership in entertainment. ### Legacy and Influence Bernie Mac's influence extends beyond his performances. His stand-up comedy inspired many comedians, and his television work brought African American family stories to a broader audience. His roles in major films demonstrated his versatility and appeal across genres. ### Personal Life and Death Bernie Mac was known for his private personal life. He passed away on August 9, 2008, due to complications from pneumonia. His death was widely mourned in the entertainment industry, and his work continues to be celebrated. ### Cultural Impact Mac's contributions to comedy and acting have left a lasting mark. His ability to blend humor with heartfelt storytelling resonated with audiences, making him a beloved figure in entertainment. His work remains influential, with many comedians and actors citing him as an inspiration. ## References 1. NNDB 2. Find a Grave 3. BnF authorities 4. [Source](https://movierad.com/en/person/1897-bernie-mac) 5. Integrated Authority File 6. datos.bne.es 7. Czech National Authority Database 8. International Standard Name Identifier 9. MusicBrainz 10. [Source](http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/chi-bernie-mac-dead,0,995933.story) 11. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 12. Virtual International Authority File 13. CONOR.SI 14. Quora 15. The Movie Database 16. [Bernie Mac (Creator) - TV Tropes](https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Creator/BernieMac)