Comedian Bernie Mac died early Saturday August 9, 2008, from complications due to pneumonia, his publicist confirmed.  He was 50. The film and TV star had been hospitalized in Chicago for more than a week receiving treatment. His publicist, Danica Smith, had reported that he was in stable condition as of Thursday.

He had suffered from sarcoidosis, a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect the lungs, since 1983. He disclosed the condition in February 2005.

He became famous playing a standup comedian thrust into the role of raising his nieces and nephew.

Besides his television show 'The Bernie Mac Show', (2001-2006) and the movies he has starred in, such as 'Transformers' and 'Oceans 11', I will remember him best as a stand-up comic.  He cracked me up with his father - daughter stories.

He will be greatly missed!  He was a consummate comedian and his dead pan delivery never failed to make me laugh.

Mac was born Bernard Jeffrey McCullough on Oct. 5, 1957, in Chicago, where he was raised. He is survived by his wife, Rhonda, and daughter Je'Niece, a son-in-law and a granddaughter, Jasmine, the Chicago Tribune said.

If you want to learn more about Bernie Mac check out his autobiographical book 'Maybe You Never Cry Again.'

We will remember Bernie Mac's family in our thoughts and prayers.