Yesterday we woke up to the terribly sad news that comedian Bernie Mac had passed away at the age of 50 due to complications of pneumonia but it turns out that he also suffered from a lung disease called sarcoidosis which played a part in his passing. His sister-in-law speaks to People magazine about Bernie’s last days … additionally, in tribute to his untimely death, the famed Laugh Factory paid homage to Bernie on their marquee which faces Sunset Blvd:
Bernie Mac’s wife and daughter were with him until the very end, says the late comic’s sister-in-law in a personal and touching interview with PEOPLE that took place Saturday. Speaking of a heartbreaking moment between her younger sister, Rhonda, and the 50-year-old actor-comedian – who succumbed to complications from pneumonia in a Chicago hospital at 2 a.m. Saturday – Mary Ann Grossett says that the night before Mac died, “He struggled for his life. He couldn’t breathe. “He opened his eyes on his own and looked at Rhonda. She called his name, and he opened his eyes and nodded to her. She smiled at him and told him, ‘Don’t leave me … ‘I’m waiting for you to come back.’ He shrugged his shoulders, and she said that’s when she knew he was tired. He signaled to her that his body was tired” … The sister-in-law says Mac’s inflammatory lung disease contributed to his death. “He had sarcoidosis, but it was in remission,” she says. “But because he had it, his immune system was compromised. He had an infection … He was on a new medication that suppresses the immune system, and that’s where the pneumonia came from.” She reveals that Mac – having trouble breathing and running a fever – was actually hospitalized on July 24, eight days before the date given for his admittance. The actor was diagnosed with pneumonia and immediately placed on a ventilator. “He was critically ill when he was in the hospital,” says Gossett. “He was in intensive care the whole time.” She adds that doctors kept the star sedated, although he was conscious at times and he contracted a second strain of pneumonia while in the hospital … Mac’s funeral is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 15, at an undisclosed location. The family requests that donations be made to the Bernie Mac Foundation for Sarcoidosis, 40 E. Ninth St., Suite 601, Chicago IL 60605.
This is absolutely heartbreaking. I, for one, had no idea that he was so sick and had been struggling with his illness for so long. It’s a horribly sad notion to think that Bernie was bed-ridden and sedated for the past few weeks. He was such an incredibly funny man, he will be sorely missed. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family. Rest well, Bernie.
[Photo credit: Splash News; Source]
Ugh, I still can’t believe it. But this does explain a bit. There’s no reason for a relatively healthy 50yr old man to die from pneumonia unless some immunocompromising disease playing a factor. He died too young, that’s all I know. Rest in peace, Bernie. We are going to miss you so much.
Thank you for linking us to a better explanation of his death. I couldn’t believe that an otherwise healthy 50-year-old could have died from pneumonia……..but now it makes sense. His immune system was compromised and he suffered from a lung condition (even in remission it had to be a factor). My heart goes out to his family……his wife and daughter. He will be missed!
my heart goes out to his family and friends. heaven has got to be funny as hell now!
just be wary of medications and hospitals. the medication took away his immune system. he went to the hospital with an infection and picked up an additional infection at the hospital. nosocomial infections happen way too often because health care workers are overworked and don’t make the time to wash their hands and follow proper infection control procedures. a hospital is one of the last places you want to be when your immune system is compromised. once you are on a vent, you can count your days, depending on how you are cared for. it is so sad. ask people to wash their hands, wear gloves, use clean equipment, etc.
[...] to the Bernie Mac Foundation for Sarcoidosis, 40 E. Ninth St., Suite 601, Chicago IL 60605. … credit : [...]
This brings a tear to my eyes. :(
So Sad… Can’t believe such a good man has left this earth, he will missed by so many ppl. He always lit up a room, with his beautiful smile, and always looked cheerful. I hope he is in a better place, and that he truly is making god laugh. Bernie Mac will never be forgotten, always loved.
How did Bernie Mac die? Is he really dead? I just read about this on Special Report and it seems that a lot of prank calls were made about him being dead, and others saying that he was not dead? What’s the real story? http://specialreport.com/did-bernie-mac-die/
i was shocked about this — he was a great man. LOVED HIM!!
RIP BERNIE MAC. you were greatly loved during your time here with us!!
When the Bernie Mac Show first started he did a book signing in LA. Instead of just signing and selling books he gave a FREE 1 hour concert, until his PR person reminded him that it was a book signing event. But, as he was talking he looked at my son who was 11 at the time and said “Son take good care of your mother.” He made a lasting impression on my son because he is now 19 years old and is a pre law/business major in college. He also shared what made his marriage last so long, (over 25 years at the time) is he still loved his wife’s smile.
Thank you Bernie. Many blessing to his wife Rhonda, daughter and family.
im am baffled that bernie mac has passed he will b missed dearly r.i.p. bernie my prayers go out to his wifr rhonda and there daughter je’neice may god be with you at this time of sorrow