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

Fresh Air

Published August 11, 2008 at 9:46 AM EDT

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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. — 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.