Actor/comedian Bernie Mac passed away this morning from complications due to pneumonia in a Chicago area hospital,” says Mac’s publicist Danica Smith.

Mac was a true rags to riches story, growing up on the impoverished South Side of Chicago and winding up a TV and movie star.

He gained notoriety in the film ‘The Original Kings of Comedy’ which soon snowballed into his own sitcom – The Bernie Mac Show – which ran from 2001 to 2006 and aired over 100 episodes.

Mac also starred in a number of blockbuster films including ‘Ocean’s Eleven’, ‘Ocean’s Twelve’, ‘Ocean’s Thirteen’, ‘Charlie’s Angles 2′ and ‘Transformers’. I encourage you to read his full biography and filmography.

The death of Bernie Mac, at age 50, is a reminder that, while decreasing, the mortality rate for pneumonia is still significant. We urge you to read up on whether you or your parents should get a pneumonia vaccination.

Recently in the news for off color remarks at an Obama fund raiser, we will instead remember Bernie Mac as a man who always tried to see the humor in a situation and worked to put a smile on your face. Laughter can often be the best medicine.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Mac family. Please leave your tributes in the comments section.

Is Bernie Mac Dead?

Dead? Say what? Not a chance!

Recently hospitalized in Chicago for pneumonia, a slew of pranks and rumors surfaced claiming that he’d died. Mac’s publicist Danica Smith was emphatic.

It is a very horrible rumor. It is absolutely untrue. Nothing has changed from yesterday.

The rumor may have taken hold since Mac is in remission from sarcoidosis, an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in organs. The inflammation creates tiny lumps of cells called granulomas that can only be seen under a microscope. Though it can effect almost any organ, sarcoidosis most frequently effects the lungs and lymph nodes.

Let’s not forget that pneumonia isn’t anything to sneeze at. Coupled with Influenza, it is still one of the top leading causes of death in the U.S. Thankfully, Mac’s representatives say he is responding well to treatment and should be back on his feet soon.

Here’s hoping the comedy legend can laugh this one off.