Comedian Bernie Mac died at Northwestern Memorial hospital early Saturday morning, according to 'Chicago Sun-Times' columnist, Stella Foster. He was 50.
Though the cause of death has not been confirmed, Mac had been hospitalized recently for pneumonia. Foster said that she received calls early Saturday morning from a close friend of the Mac family, confirming the reports of Mac's death. More
In a statement released on Thursday, Mac's publicist Danica Smith confirmed that he is currently responding well to treatment for pneumonia and is listed in "stable" condition.
The news comes just a week later following the comedian-actor being hospitalized in critical condition with pneumonia .
Smith responded to multiple rumors on August 2 that the 'Kings of Comedy' star had died due to a previous inflammatory lung disease.
"It is a very horrible rumor," she stated to various Chicago media. "It is absolutely untrue. Nothing has changed from yesterday."
The two-time Emmy Award-nominated actor was expected to be released from the hospital within the next few weeks.
At presstime, thereis no word on whether public services will be held.
The actor's upcoming movies include 'Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa' starring Ben Stiller, Chris Rock and David Schwimmer; and 'Soul Men' with Samuel L. Jackson and Isaac Hayes.
Word for Word - July 11, 2008
"I got a letter from a girl who said she was listening to one of my songs and every time I hit a particular high note, the garage door would open or close." -- Mariah Carey encounters some unusual problems with her a five-octave vocal range.
Charley Gallay, Getty Images
"Have I ever been totally and completely intimidated by another person? Yes, my husband's mother." -- Madonna fears Guy Ritchie's mom.
Tony Barson, WireImage.com
"There's brilliant jazz - Miles Davis. And there's brilliant rock - Coldplay. And there's brilliant rap - Jiggaman!" -- Jay-Z, tooting his own horn.
Gareth Cattermole, Getty Images
"I'm thinking of getting a tattoo of him on my chest." -- First-time father Usher is planning to ink a tribute to his seven-month-old baby son Usher Raymond V.
Frank Micelotta, Getty Images
The 71-year-old actor says, "I've got to suggest his voice and his speech without making a fool of myself." --Morgan Freeman
John Shearer, WireImage.com
"Bug-A-Boo or Bootylicious. I hate 'em." -- Beyonce Knowles isn't a fan of all her Destiny's Child songs.
George Pimentel, WireImage.com
"I've been working out really hard lately 'cause I'm single now and I've gotta look good!" -- Jessica Simpson shapes up to get back into the dating scene.
Chris Farina, WireImage.com
"When I come home from a club, my wish is to have a huge bowl of Frosted Flakes. I only have it once in a blue moon - because I can't have just one bowl." -- Janet Jackson on her late night snacking choice.
Gregg DeGuire, WireImage.com
1. I am praying for speedy recovery. In my opinion Bernie Mack is a True King of comedy. And out of tthe four Kings He is the best with Cedric running a close second. All the Best to Bernie I ain't scared of you M----- F-----'s
Max at 3:23PM on Aug 8th 2008