Bernie Mac Tribute

In the year 2000, he gained attention by touring the country as one of the "Original Kings of Comedy", along with Cedric The Entertainer, D. L. Hughley and Steve Harvey.  Prompted by his joke of being the only member without a TV show, Fox offered him a deal in 2001 to do "The Bernie Mac Show" which was loosely based on his own life and went on to become a great success.  He received the Peabody Award, NAACP Image Award and several Emmy Nominations.  His character "Uncle Bernie" was even ranked #47 in TV Guide's list of the "50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time."  Bernie was a true Chicagoan who loved his city and continued to live here even when his celebrity grew.  His passion for his city and young people prompted him to contribute greatly to his community and involve himself with Chicago Public Schools and other Youth Organizations.  His most recent plan was to retire from stand up comedy and focus solely on acting and producting projects.  He shared his gift of laughter with the world and on August 9, 2008, the Lord called him home.  He may be gone, but he will never be forgotten.  In his own words, "I don't wannt be no star because stars fall; I do what I do and I rise."  He leaves to cherish his great memories, His Loving and Devoted Wife, Rhonda; One Beautiful Daughter Je'Niece Childress; One Precious Granddaughter, Jasmine; One Sister Gayla Harrison and as he use to say "America".