Bernie Mac, born Bernard Jeffrey McCullough on October 5, 1957, was an American comedian, actor, and voice actor who rose to prominence in the 1990s. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Mac faced a challenging childhood marked by poverty and loss - his mother passed away when he was just 16 years old. Despite these hardships, Mac found solace and expression in comedy, honing his craft in local clubs before making a leap to national television. In 1990, Mac's big break came when he won a nationwide comedy search conducted by the Miller Lite Beer company. This victory propelled him into the limelight, leading to appearances on popular television shows such as Def Comedy Jam and Moesha. However, it was his role on the Fox sitcom The Bernie Mac Show that truly solidified his status as a household name. The show, which ran from 2001 to 2006, was based on Mac's stand-up performances and featured a unique narrative style that directly engaged the audience. In addition to his successful television career, Mac also made a significant impact in Hollywood. He starred in a number of successful films including Ocean's Eleven, Bad Santa, and Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle. His distinctive voice also landed him roles in animated features like Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa. Bernie Mac passed away due to complications from pneumonia in August 2008, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and resilience that continues to inspire comedians and entertain audiences around the world.