History of Bernie Mac in Timeline
Bernie Mac, born Bernard Jeffrey McCullough, was a multifaceted entertainer hailing from Chicago's South Side. He rose to prominence through stand-up comedy, showcasing his relatable humor and sharp wit. His career expanded into acting and producing, solidifying his presence in the entertainment industry. A significant milestone in his career was his participation in the film "The Original Kings of Comedy" alongside Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, and D. L. Hughley. This film captured the energy and camaraderie of these four comedic powerhouses, further cementing Mac's place in comedy history. Beyond his professional achievements, Mac was also known for his humanitarian efforts, demonstrating a commitment to giving back to his community.
October 5, 1957: Birth of Bernie Mac
Bernard Jeffrey McCullough, known as Bernie Mac, was born in Chicago on October 5, 1957.
1967: Release of Guess Who's Coming to Dinner
The original film Guess Who's Coming to Dinner was released in 1967.
1973: Bernie Mac Moves to Florida
Following the death of his mother, Bernie Mac moved to Tampa, Florida, in 1973 to attend Jesuit High School.
1975: Bernie Mac Graduates High School
Bernie Mac graduated from Chicago Vocational High School in 1975.
September 17, 1977: Bernie Mac Marries Rhonda Gore
Bernie Mac married Rhonda Gore on September 17, 1977.
1977: Bernie Mac Begins Stand-up Comedy
Bernie Mac started performing stand-up comedy in clubs in 1977.
1978: Birth of Bernie Mac's Daughter
Bernie Mac's daughter, Je'Niece McCullough, was born in 1978.
1992: Bernie Mac's Breakthrough on Def Comedy Jam
Bernie Mac's 1992 appearance on HBO's Def Comedy Jam significantly boosted his career.
2001: Bernie Mac in Ocean's Eleven
Bernie Mac appeared in Ocean's Eleven in 2001.
2001: Bernie Mac in Ocean's Eleven and The Bernie Mac Show
In 2001, Bernie Mac appeared in Ocean's Eleven and began starring in his own sitcom, The Bernie Mac Show.
2001: The Bernie Mac Show Premieres
The Bernie Mac Show premiered on Fox in 2001.
2003: Bernie Mac in Head of State and Bad Santa
Bernie Mac co-starred in Head of State and Bad Santa in 2003.
2004: Bernie Mac in Mr. 3000
Bernie Mac starred in the baseball film Mr. 3000 in 2004.
2005: Bernie Mac in Guess Who?
Bernie Mac starred in the remake of Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, titled Guess Who?, in 2005.
2005: Awards for The Bernie Mac Show
In 2005, The Bernie Mac show received several awards, including an Emmy for writing.
April 14, 2006: The Bernie Mac Show Finale
The final episode of The Bernie Mac Show aired on April 14, 2006.
2006: End of The Bernie Mac Show
The Bernie Mac Show concluded its run in 2006 after five seasons.
March 19, 2007: Bernie Mac Announces Retirement
On March 19, 2007, Bernie Mac announced his plans to retire from stand-up comedy.
2007: Bernie Mac in Ocean's Thirteen
Bernie Mac appeared in Ocean's Thirteen in 2007.
July 19, 2008: Bernie Mac Hospitalized
Bernie Mac was admitted to Northwestern Memorial Hospital on July 19, 2008.
August 9, 2008: Death of Bernie Mac
Bernie Mac passed away on August 9, 2008, at the age of 50.
2008: Bernie Mac in Soul Men and Madagascar 2
Bernie Mac appeared in Soul Men and voiced Zuba in Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, both released in 2008.
2008: Tributes to Bernie Mac
Several tributes were made to Bernie Mac in 2008 following his death, including film dedications and a television special.
2009: Bernie Mac in Old Dogs
Bernie Mac's final film role was in Old Dogs, released posthumously in 2009.
November 14, 2016: Bernie Mac Day and Auditorium Dedication
On November 14, 2016, Chicago proclaimed "Bernie Mac Day" and the auditorium at his alma mater was renamed in his honor.
February 14, 2017: Bernie Mac Ranked Among Top Stand-Up Comics
Rolling Stone ranked Bernie Mac #41 on their list of the 50 Best Stand-Up Comics of All Time on February 14, 2017.
