Bernie Mac, one of the most popular comedians of our days, died Saturday in the Northwestern Memorial Hospital due to pneumonia complications. The comedian also suffered from sarcoidosis, an autoimmune disease that causes tissue inflammation, affecting the lungs mostly. Hospital officials said that sarcoidosis had nothing to do with Bernie Mac's death, who often times said that he wasn't scared of dieing of it.

Bernie Mac started small at the age of 10 when he used to practice his stand-up routines in parks and on CTA trains in his hometown. After a few years he was allowed to appear in local theaters. During his first years of his comedian career he was asked to perform for black audiences only, a thing that Mac disagreed to, because he didn't like to be put into an ethnic category.

The most important movies in which Bernie Mac played were the ones in the 'Ocean's 11' franchise. The actor played in all three of these movies. He also hosted a show on television and acted in several sitcoms and television movies.

He was best known for his politically incorrect jokes and for his unique style of telling them. Because he was extremely influential, many comedians tried to copy his style, but with little success.

According to the L.A. Times, George Clooney, who costarred with the comedian in the 'Ocean 11' movies, said that “the world just got a little less funny. He will be dearly missed."

Bernie Mac was 50 years old at the time of his death.