Bernie Mac is an American two-time Emmy Award-nominated actor and comedian born on October 5, 1957 in Chicago, Illinois. He was raised by his mother, Mary, who died of cancer when he was sixteen. He attended Chicago Vocational Career Academy, where he first started his career, putting up shows for kids in Chicago’s South side neighborhood extending until Tampa.
Bernie Mac started his career as a stand-up comedian in Chicago’s Cotton Club. He was launched into spotlight when he appeared on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam. In 1995, Bernie Mac received his break in his role as Pastor Clever in Ice Cube’s Friday. This was then followed by his film and television appearances including Booty Call, How to Be a Player, Life and What's the Worst That Could Happen?
Bernie Mac is also one of the few African-American actors who dared to break away from traditional the “black comedy,” having appeared in the Ocean’s series and as the second Bosley in Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle. In 2003, Bernie Mac did an impressive portrayal of Gin “The Store Dick” in Bad Santa. He also starred in the comedy film Guess Who? which is a remake of the film Guess Who's Coming to Dinner. He also appeared in the 2007 action movie Transformers as Bobby Bolivia.
In 2000, Mac continued went back to his stand-up comedian roots and toured the country as one of the “The Kings of Comedy” together with Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer and D.L. Hughley. In 2001, Mac starred on his own sitcom The Bernie Mac Show on Fox, where he played as the custodian of his sister’s three children, after she entered the rehab. In 2004, Mac appeared on his first starring role as the retired baseball player Stan Ross in Mr 3000.
Mac has been married to his wife, Rhonda McCullough, since 1977. Their daughter, Je ‘Niece, has a Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling.
