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I Ain’t Scared Of You Mutha******: Remembering Bernie Mac
Edited August 9, 2024
We lost an all-time great 16 years ago today.
Bernie Mac passed away from complications of pneumonia at the age of 50. The legendary comedian and actor was born and raised on Chicago’s South Side.
After being influenced by the likes of
Richard Pryor and
Redd Foxx (who he would later open for), Mac started as a stand-up comedian in Chicago’s famous Cotton Club. At the age of 32, he won the Miller Lite Comedy Search, which caused his popularity to grow. His performance on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam is what finally put him into the true spotlight.
Before his first starring role, Mac played minor roles in a host of movies which include
House Party 3, B.A.P.S., and
Friday. It wasn’t until 1998’s
The Players Club that he got his first starring role.
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Mac then went on the Kings of Comedy Tour with
Steve Harvey,
Cedric the Entertainer and
D.L. Hughley. After the success of the tour, FOX finally gave him his debut and self-titled sitcom. The Bernie Mac Show debuted in 2001 and ran for five seasons.
Bernie Mac continued to make waves in film and television. He starred in a wide range of films, including
Head of State, Mr. 3000, Bad Santa, Guess Who, and
Pride. His last three films (
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, Soul Men, Old Dogs) were released after his death.
Mac’s time in the spotlight may have been short-lived, but he certainly made the most of it.
Bernie Mac was your favorite comedian’s favorite comedian. He is lauded for his edgy and unfiltered “tell it like it is” style of comedy. Another reason he will forever be loved is that he never watered down his comedy just to become mainstream.
Mac reveled in taking the road less traveled. It may have taken him longer than some comedians to reach the top, but he never wavered. During slow periods he even took odd jobs, like being a cook, or a janitor, just to make ends meet.
Bernie Mac is a huge inspiration and influence to so many funny men and women who have come behind him.
Enjoy a gallery of some of our favorite funny moments from his amazing career to celebrate the Mac Man.
