The rumor mill swirled with reports that one of the “Original Kings of Comedy,” Bernie Mac, had died Saturday after a battle with pneumonia.
Not true, according to his publicist, Danica Smith.
The Chicago native, whose name is Bernard McCullough, was recently hospitalized with pneumonia and is responding well to treatment. He should be released soon, Smith said.
The 50-year-old was diagnosed with sarcoidosis, a disease that can agitate tissue, particularly in the lungs. It has been in remission for the last three years. His latest bout with pneumonia is not related to his disease, she said.
Mac, a south suburban resident, once hosted a comedy variety show at Milt Trainer’s nightclub in the downtown area, had his own television show, “The Bernie Mac Show,” and has appeared in several movies including: “Players Club,” “Mr. 3000,” Ocean’s 11,” “Transformers” and “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle.”
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Photo by Associated Press
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