Net Worth Ranker
What Is Bernie Mac’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death in 2008, American comedian and actor Bernie Mac had a net worth of $10 million. This figure reflects his successful career in stand-up comedy, television, and film, accumulated over several decades.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Bernard Jeffrey McCullough on October 5, 1957, in Chicago, Illinois, Bernie Mac’s early life was marked by both challenges and formative experiences that shaped his comedic perspective. He grew up in Chicago, raised by his mother, Mary McCullough, and maternal grandparents. Mac honed his comedic skills by performing for friends and neighbors, laying the foundation for his future career. He attended Chicago Vocational High School, graduating in 1975. Before achieving fame, Mac held various jobs, including roles as a bus driver, cook, janitor, delivery man, and professional mover. During this period, he performed comedy on weekends at clubs like Chicago’s Cotton Club. At the age of 32, he won a Miller Lite Comedy Search, gaining recognition and expanding his audience.
Rise to Fame and “The Bernie Mac Show”
Bernie Mac’s career took off in his early 30s after winning the Miller Lite Comedy Search. His performance on HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam” further solidified his reputation as a fearless comedian. He then toured as part of the “Kings of Comedy” tour, reaching wider audiences across the country. The success of his stand-up career led to television opportunities, most notably “The Bernie Mac Show,” which aired on Fox for five seasons from 2001 to 2006. In this show, he played a fictional version of himself, which resonated with viewers and critics alike. “The Bernie Mac Show” received an Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing and a Peabody Award for excellence in broadcasting. The show’s impact was further acknowledged with the Humanitas Prize for promoting human dignity through writing. TV Guide recognized Mac’s character as one of the “50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time.” Mac’s performance in the show earned him multiple Emmy Award and Golden Globe Award nominations. He also won several NAACP Image Awards, a Prism Award, Satellite Awards, and a BET Comedy Award.
Film Career and Notable Roles
While building his stand-up career, Bernie Mac also pursued acting roles in feature films. He appeared in “House Party 3” in 1994 and “B.A.P.S.” and the 1995 Ice Cube film, “Friday.” His film career gained momentum with a leading role in the Apollo Revival of “Wiz” in 1995. In 2001, he had a supporting role in “Ocean’s Eleven,” alongside Brad Pitt, George Clooney, and Julia Roberts. His other notable film roles include “Mr. 3000,” “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle,” “Bad Santa,” “Guess Who?,” and “Transformers.” Following his death in 2008, three films featuring Mac were released posthumously – “Madagascar 2: Escape 2 Africa,” “Soul Men,” and “Old Dogs.” These roles contributed significantly to Bernie Mac’s net worth, with each film bringing in substantial revenue.
Personal Life and Final Years
Bernie Mac married his high school sweetheart, Rhonda Gore, in 1977. They had a daughter, Ja’Niece Childress, in 1978, and remained married until his death in 2008. Bernie Mac had a deep love for baseball, particularly the Chicago White Sox, often referencing the team on “The Bernie Mac Show.” In 2003, he sang “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” at Wrigley Field during the National League Championship Series. In his final years, Bernie Mac publicly disclosed his diagnosis of sarcoidosis, which caused severe inflammation in his lungs. He was admitted to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago for pneumonia and went into cardiac arrest, passing away on August 9, 2008, at the age of 50. A public funeral was held at the House of Hope Church, attracting nearly 7,000 attendees, including celebrities such as Ashton Kutcher, Samuel L. Jackson, Chris Rock, Steve Harvey, and Don Cheadle.
Posthumous Recognition and Legacy
Following Bernie Mac’s death, his legacy continued to be honored. A local Chicago television station, WCIU-TV, aired “A Tribute to Bernie Mac,” featuring interviews with family, friends, and colleagues. Eight years later, Steve Harvey aired a special honoring Mac on his television show after the Chicago mayor, Rahm Emanuel, declared November 14 as “Bernie Mac Day.” Chicago Vocational High School renamed its auditorium the “Bernie Mac Auditorium” in his honor. Rolling Stone magazine included Mac in their list of the 50 Best Stand-Up Comics of All Time. Bernie Mac’s wife, Rhonda Gore, founded the Bernie Mac Foundation, which supports research for the treatment and cure of sarcoidosis. Bernie Mac’s net worth reflects his successful career in comedy, television, and film. His contributions to entertainment continue to be celebrated, and his legacy lives on through his work and the Bernie Mac Foundation.
