History of Bernie Mac in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 6, 2025

Bernie Mac, born Bernard Jeffrey McCullough, was a prominent American stand-up comedian, actor, and film producer. He gained significant recognition for his stand-up comedy and memorable roles in films like the Ocean's series as Frank Catton and as the lead in Mr. 3000. Mac's career spanned various entertainment mediums, establishing him as a well-known figure in comedy and film.

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Full Timeline

October 5, 1957: Bernard Jeffrey McCullough Born

On October 5, 1957, Bernard Jeffrey McCullough, later known as Bernie Mac, was born.

Others born on this day/year

1967: Original Release of Guess Who's Coming to Dinner

In 1967, the original film, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner was released, which Bernie Mac would later star in a remake of in 2005.

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1973: Moved to Tampa, Florida and attended Jesuit High School

In 1973, Bernie Mac moved to Tampa, Florida, to attend Jesuit High School following his mother's death.

1975: Graduation from Chicago Vocational High School

In 1975, Bernie Mac graduated from Chicago Vocational High School after returning to Chicago.

September 17, 1977: Marriage to Rhonda Gore

On September 17, 1977, Bernie Mac married his high school sweetheart, Rhonda Gore.

1977: Began performing in comedy clubs

Bernie Mac mentioned during a 2007 interview that he began performing in comedy clubs in 1977 and was on the road 47 weeks out of the year.

1992: Def Comedy Jam Appearance

In 1992, Bernie Mac's performance on the 3rd episode of HBO's Def Comedy Jam brought him into the spotlight after he calmed a hostile crowd.

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2005: Chicago White Sox Reference on The Bernie Mac Show

During the 2005 season, Bernie Mac wore a Chicago White Sox jacket and cap and congratulated the team on their World Series championship on The Bernie Mac Show.

2005: The Bernie Mac Show Recognition

In 2005, Bernie Mac's character on The Bernie Mac Show was ranked No. 47 in TV Guide's list of the "50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time".

April 14, 2006: The Bernie Mac Show Series Finale

On April 14, 2006, the series finale of The Bernie Mac Show aired. The show won an Emmy for "Outstanding Writing", the Peabody Award for excellence in broadcasting, and the Humanitas Prize.

March 19, 2007: Bernie Mac Announces Retirement

On March 19, 2007, Bernie Mac announced on the CBS Late Show with David Letterman that he would retire from his 30-year career after filming The Whole Truth, Nothing but the Truth, So Help Me Mac.

July 19, 2008: Admission to Northwestern Memorial Hospital

On July 19, 2008, Bernie Mac was admitted to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago.

August 9, 2008: Bernie Mac's Death

August 9, 2008, marked the death of Bernie Mac, an American stand-up comedian, actor, and film producer.

2008: Posthumous Tributes

In 2008, the Bud Billiken Parade in Chicago was dedicated to Bernie Mac's memory, and WCIU-TV aired a special tribute with interviews from colleagues and family.

November 14, 2016: "Bernie Mac Day" Proclaimed in Chicago

On November 14, 2016, Chicago's Mayor Rahm Emanuel proclaimed November 14 as "Bernie Mac Day" on Steve Harvey's television show, and the CVS Auditorium was renamed the "Bernie Mac Auditorium".