Bernie Mac's rise to fame began in 1977 when he started performing stand-up comedy at the age of 192. Despite financial struggles that often forced him to borrow suits for performances, Mac persevered in the Chicago comedy scene2. His breakthrough came in 1990 when he won the Miller Lite Comedy Search at the age of 32, earning $3,000 and significantly boosting his popularity12. Mac's career reached new heights with his appearances on HBO's Def Comedy Jam in the early 1990s. His most memorable performance came during the show's third episode, where he boldly confronted a hostile audience with the now-famous line, "I ain't scared o' you mothafuckas," instantly winning them over and cementing his reputation as a fearless, confident comedian14. This pivotal moment thrust Mac into the national spotlight and set the stage for his future success in television and film.

Bernie Mac's breakout role came in the 2000 stand-up comedy film "The Original Kings of Comedy," directed by Spike Lee. The film featured Mac alongside fellow comedians Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley, and Cedric the Entertainer, showcasing their live performances at the Charlotte Coliseum in North Carolina1. Mac's set in the film was particularly memorable, with his autobiographical style and punchy delivery standing out among the group1. His routines covered topics like his decreased sex drive and his no-nonsense approach to child-rearing, including a now-famous bit about raising his sister's children1. The film's success significantly boosted Mac's popularity and led to multiple spin-off films, paving the way for his subsequent starring roles in movies and his own television show1.

Bernie Mac passed away on August 9, 2008, at the age of 50, due to complications from pneumonia at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago125. His death came after a weeks-long battle with the illness, during which he was in intensive care and on a ventilator1. Mac's sister-in-law, Mary Ann Grossett, revealed that his long-standing sarcoidosis, though in remission, had weakened his immune system, making him more susceptible to pneumonia1. The comedian's wife Rhonda and daughter Je'Niece were by his side during his final moments15. Mac's untimely death shocked the entertainment world and left a void in the comedy landscape, with tributes pouring in from fellow comedians and actors who praised his talent, friendship, and impact on the industry1.