Bernie Mac’s Net Worth, Biography & Stats. Net Worth: Est. 15 Million $
Bernie Mac illustrated biography
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Introduction
Bernie Mac, born Bernard Jeffrey McCullough on October 5, 1957, in Chicago, was an acclaimed American comedian and actor. He rose to fame as a stand-up comedian. He became widely known by his participation in the film The Original Kings of Comedy, alongside Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, and D. L. Hughley.
Mac briefly hosted the HBO show Midnight Mac and later appeared in numerous films, often in supporting roles. Some of his most notable roles include Frank Catton in the Ocean's film series from 2001 to 2007 and the lead role in Mr. 3000. He also starred in his own television show, The Bernie Mac Show, which aired from 2001 to 2006 and earned him two Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series.
Mac had prominent roles in films such as The Players Club, Head of State, Bad Santa, Guess Who, Pride, and Soul Men. He passed away on August 9, 2008.
Early Life and Career
Bernie Mac was the second child of Mary McCullough and Jeffrey Harrison. He was raised by his mother and grandparents; Mac grew up on Chicago's south side.
He started high school at Chicago Vocational High School but moved to Tampa, Florida, to attend Jesuit High School in 1973 after his mother's death during his sophomore year. Tragically, shortly after, his older brother and estranged father also passed away. Mac returned to Chicago and graduated from Chicago Vocational in 1975.
Throughout his twenties and early thirties, Mac worked in various jobs, such as janitor, coach, professional mover, cook, bus driver, Wonder Bread delivery man, furniture mover, and UPS agent. He performed comedy at clubs and parties on weekends.
Bernie Mac was influenced by comedic acts like The Three Stooges and stand-up comedians Richard Pryor and Redd Foxx. He began his career as a stand-up comedian in Chicago's Cotton Club. At 32, after winning the Miller Lite Comedy Search, his popularity started to rise. In 1992, he gained significant attention with his appearance on the third episode of HBO's Def Comedy Jam. During his performance, he confidently addressed the audience, stating, “I ain't scared o' you mothafuckas” and that he “didn't come here for no foolishness,” especially after the previous comedian, Martin Lawrence, struggled to calm the crowd.
Bernie Mac's acting career began with a role as a club doorman in the comedy Mo' Money (1992) and later as Pastor Clever on Friday (1995). His regular performances on HBO's Def Comedy Jam in the early 1990s also contributed to his rising fame.
Although Mac's edgy style of comedy initially seemed an unlikely match for television, his frequent guest spots on the series Moesha and his acclaimed performance in Spike Lee's The Original Kings of Comedy in 2000 paved the way for him to create his sitcom.
Rise to Fame and Major Achievements
Drawing from family experiences that amused audiences in The Original Kings of Comedy, The Bernie Mac Show premiered on Fox in 2001. The series, which ran until 2006, featured Mac as a reluctant father to three adopted children. It received nominations for both Emmy and Golden Globe awards.
Mac's film career also flourished. In 2001, he appeared alongside an ensemble cast in Steven Soderbergh's Ocean's Eleven, playing a charming con artist who worked with George Clooney and Brad Pitt in executing high-profile heists.
That same year, he co-starred with Chris Rock in Head of State. In 2003, he took over the role of Bosley in Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle and acted alongside John Ritter in Billy Bob Thornton's Bad Santa. In 2004, Mac starred as an aging baseball player in Mr. 3000, followed by a leading role in the comedy Guess Who? (2005). He also reprised his role in the sequels Ocean's Twelve (2004) and Ocean's Thirteen (2007).
Bernie Mac's rise to fame was marked by his unique blend of sharp wit and observational humor, which resonated with audiences. He began his career as a stand-up comedian in Chicago, gaining recognition in local clubs. His breakthrough came in 1992 when he appeared on HBO's Def Comedy Jam. During his set, he famously addressed a rowdy crowd with the line, “I ain't scared o' you mothafuckas,” which became one of his signature catchphrases and showcased his fearless comedic style.
This appearance on Def Comedy Jam catapulted Mac into the national spotlight and led to more opportunities in television and film. He became a regular on the comedy circuit and gained further exposure through guest appearances on shows like Moesha.
In 2000, Mac's performance in Spike Lee's The Original Kings of Comedy, alongside Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, and D.L. Hughley, solidified his status as a leading comedian. The film, which was a concert documentary showcasing the tour, highlighted Mac's sharp, edgy humor and connected him with a broader audience.
This success paved the way for The Bernie Mac Show, which premiered on Fox in 2001. The sitcom, based loosely on Mac's life and comedic persona, portrayed him as a reluctant father figure to three adopted children. The show was a critical and commercial success, earning Mac several award nominations and expanding his fame beyond stand-up comedy.
Simultaneously, Mac's film career took off, with notable roles in movies such as Ocean's Eleven (2001), Head of State (2003), and Mr. 3000 (2004). His performances in these films, combined with the success of his television show, solidified Bernie Mac as a beloved figure in comedy and entertainment.
- 2005 Critics' Choice Awards-Best Acting Ensemble: nominated
- 2004 Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy: nominated
- 2003 Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series: nominated
- 2003 Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy: nominated
- 2002 Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series: nominated
- 2002 Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series: nominated
- 2002 Critics' Choice Awards-Best Acting Ensemble: nominated
Net Worth
Bernie Mac, the late comedian and actor, had an estimated net worth of around $15 million at the time of his death in 2008. His wealth came from his successful career in comedy, film, and television, including his work on “The Bernie Mac Show” and various film roles.
Bernie Mac's estimated net worth of around $10-15 million highlights his achievements during his life and the lasting influence of his career. From his start in stand-up comedy to his notable roles in television and film, Mac made a substantial impact that continues to yield income. His financial legacy, like his cultural impact, underscores his talent, dedication, and enduring appeal.
Personal Life
Bernie Mac, born Bernard Jeffrey McCullough, had a personal life marked by both challenges and triumphs. He was born on October 5, 1957, in Chicago, Illinois. He was raised by his single mother and grandparents on the city's South Side after his father's estrangement and his brother's passing. He faced numerous hardships during his childhood, including the death of his mother when he was a teenager, which deeply affected him.
In 1977, at the age of 19, Bernie Mac married his high school sweetheart, Rhonda Gore. The couple remained together throughout his life and had one daughter, Je'Niece McCullough, born in 1978. Je'Niece holds a master's degree in mental health counseling and has one daughter, making Bernie Mac a proud grandfather.
Despite facing a tough upbringing and working a variety of odd jobs to make ends meet, Mac's passion for comedy never waned. He performed stand-up comedy in local clubs and gradually built a career in entertainment, achieving widespread success.
Bernie Mac's health became a significant concern later in life. He was diagnosed with sarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease that affects multiple organs in the body, but primarily the lungs. Despite this, he continued to work and perform until his condition worsened.
Mac's personal life was characterized by a strong work ethic, dedication to his family, and a deep love for comedy. His close relationship with his wife and daughter was a cornerstone of his life, and he often drew inspiration from his family experiences for his comedic material. He passed away on August 9, 2008, at the age of 50, due to complications from pneumonia, leaving behind a legacy as a beloved comedian and actor.
A public memorial for Bernie Mac was held a week after his passing at the House of Hope Church, with nearly 7,000 attendees. Notable figures who mourned at the funeral included Chris Rock, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, Samuel L. Jackson, Ashton Kutcher, Don Cheadle, cast members from The Bernie Mac Show, and his Kings of Comedy colleagues D. L. Hughley, Cedric the Entertainer, and Steve Harvey.
Three of Mac's films were released posthumously. Soul Men and Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa premiered three months after his death and were dedicated to his memory. His final film, Old Dogs, was released a year later. The 2008 Bud Billiken Parade in Chicago, held on the day of Mac's passing, was also dedicated to him. On the day of his funeral, Chicago's local television station WCIU-TV aired a special titled A Tribute to Bernie Mac, featuring interviews with his colleagues, including Camille Winbush, Chris Rock, Joe Torry, Cameron Diaz, Don Cheadle, and some of his family members and close friends.
On November 14, 2016, during Steve Harvey's television show, Harvey read a proclamation from Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel declaring November 14 as “Bernie Mac Day.” The show featured Mac's wife Rhonda, their daughter Je'Niece, granddaughter Jasmine, and his The Original Kings of Comedy co-stars D. L. Hughley, Cedric the Entertainer, and Guy Torry. Mike Epps, appearing via satellite, along with the principal of Bernie and Rhonda's alma mater, Chicago Vocational High School (CVS), announced the renaming of the CVS Auditorium to the “Bernie Mac Auditorium.”
On February 14, 2017, Rolling Stone recognized Bernie Mac as #41 on their list of the 50 Best Stand-Up Comics of All Time.
Conclusion
Bernie Mac's life was marked by remarkable success and resilience. Despite growing up in challenging circumstances on Chicago's South Side and facing health struggles, including a battle with sarcoidosis, he achieved great acclaim and left a lasting legacy in comedy and entertainment. His unique humor and charismatic presence earned him widespread respect and affection from audiences and peers alike.
Mac's work, from his stand-up routines to his television and film roles, showcased his exceptional talent and ability to connect with people. His passing in 2008 was a significant loss to the entertainment industry, but his contributions continue to influence and inspire. His life story is a testament to overcoming adversity and achieving greatness through dedication and talent.
VII. References
https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/bernie-mac/bio/3030057054
https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/688008-bernie-mac-net-worth
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernie_Mac
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005170/bio/?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm