Actor and Comedian Bernie Mac Has Died

Bernie Mac, star of the popular 2001-2006 Fox series "The Bernie Mac Show" and of several top films, has died, according to his publicist Danica Smith. Mac was 50. He died early this morning in the Chicago hospital where he'd been receiving treatment for pneumonia; Mac had a condition known as sarcoidosis, according to KNBC.com, which is "an inflammatory lung disease that produces tiny lumps of cells in the body's organs," although the comedian said the illness had been in remission. Mac, who was born and raised in Chicago, began working as a professional comedian in the late 70s, and developed a cult following in the 90s due to his multiple film appearances. Despite being in many well-known films and tv shows and specials, Mac did not give up his sense of self or his ties to Chicago. Mac is survived by his wife of 30 years, Rhonda, their daughter Je'Niece, and his granddaughter Jasmine.