Sad news today, as word comes that stand-up comedian-turned-actor Bernie Mac has died of complications due to pneumonia. The 50-year-old had been hospitalized last week but had been expected to recover.
Mac had been active in Hollywood for nearly two decades, with a slate of stand-out roles in such films as the “Ocean’s Eleven” trilogy, “Bad Santa” and last year’s “Transformers.” He was also well-known for his Peabody-winning television series “The Bernie Mac Show.” Most recently, he had been working on a variety of current projects, including Samuel L. Jackson’s “Soul Men” and the comedy “Old Dogs” alongside John Travolta and Robin Williams.
Did you have a favorite Bernie Mac role? Personally, I’d vote for his hilarious negotiation scene in “Bad Santa” which still ranks as a favorite of mine. I also recall fanboys getting up in arms over his casting in “Transformers” and then universally changing their minds when they actually saw his performance (a true testament to him that he could win over that frenzied crowd). Remember the star below.