R.I.P. Bernie Mac

Chicago's own Bernie Mac -- the actor and comedian who found stardom in movies, television and standup -- died at Northwestern Memorial Hospital early Saturday. He was 50.
His publicist, Danica Smith, said in a statement that Mac died from complications of pneumonia. His death was first reported by Chicago Sun-Times columnist Stella Foster.
Mac suffered from sarcoidosis, an inflammatory lung disease that produces tiny lumps of cells in the body's organs, but had said the condition went into remission in 2005. He recently was hospitalized and treated for pneumonia, which his publicist said was not related to the disease.
As recently as Friday, his publicist said Mac was responding well to treatment for the illness. The day before, she indicated he could be released from the hospital in the coming weeks.
But Mac, who lived in the south suburbs, died Saturday, cutting short a diverse and remarkable career that began with humble, South Side roots.
He was born Bernard Jeffrey McCullough on Oct. 5, 1957, in Chicago. He grew up on the South Side, living with his mother and grandparents. His grandfather was the deacon of a Baptist church.
We will miss you bernie!!!!