© 2024 All Rights reserved WUSF
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Bernie Mac, One Of The Original 'Kings of Comedy'

Bernie Mac, born Bernard Jeffrey McCullough,  published his memoir <em>Maybe You Never Cry Again</em> in 2004. The work focused on his upbringing in a poor family in Chicago.
Kevin Winter
/
Getty Images
Bernie Mac, born Bernard Jeffrey McCullough, published his memoir Maybe You Never Cry Again in 2004. The work focused on his upbringing in a poor family in Chicago.

Comedian and actor Bernie Mac died on August 8 after struggling with pneumonia. He was 50 years old.

Mac began his career doing stand-up routines, and achieved national fame with his appearance in the documentary film The Original Kings of Comedy. Mac went on to star in his own award-winning sitcom The Bernie Mac Show. He also had roles in Friday and Ocean's Eleven.

Most recently, Mac appeared in the upcoming comedy Soul Men. His co-star Isaac Hayes also died this weekend.

This interview was originally broadcast Nov. 27, 2001.

Copyright 2023 Fresh Air. To see more, visit Fresh Air.

You Count on Us, We Count on You: Donate to WUSF to support free, accessible journalism for yourself and the community.