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.