Mac, Bernie (1958–)

MAC, BERNIE (1958–). Comedian, actor, producer. He was born Bernard Jeffrey McCollough in Chicago , Illinois . He started his comedy career in 1977 at age 19 and struggled for years while playing the local comedy circuit. He made his film debut in Mo’ Money , 1992, which led to a string of small comic parts in films like Who’s the Man , 1993; House Party 3 , 1994; and Friday , 1995. His Home Box Office (HBO) comedy special, Midnight Mac , 1985, proved a turning point in his career. He landed a recurring role on the television sitcom Moesha , and he stood out and got noticed in the film Life , 1999. His breakout opportunity came as one of four featured comics on The Original Kings of Comedy , 2000. Bernie Mac became a household name and his own sitcom was soon to follow. The Bernie Mac Show debuted in 2001, which he also produces. He was the star of the film Mr. 3,000 , 2004, and one part of the star-studded remake film Ocean’s Eleven , 2001, and the sequel Ocean ’s Twelve , 2004.

Filmography: Mo’ Money , 1992; Who’s the Man , 1993; House Party 3 , 1994; Above the Rim , 1994; The Walking Dead , 1995; Friday , 1995; Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood , 1996; Get on the Bus , 1996; Reasons , 1996; Booty Call , 1997; B*A*P*S , 1997; How to Be a Player , 1997; The Players Club , 1998; Life , 1999; What’s the Worst That Could Happen? 2001; Ocean’s Eleven , 2001; Head of State , 2003; Charlie’s Angel’s: Full Throttle , 2003; Bad Santa , 2003; Mr. 3000 , 2004; Ocean’s Twelve , 2004; Guess Who? 2005.