By Ardain Jr. Isma

Special to CSMS MagazineThe news of Bernie Mac’s death last week sent shockwaves to many corners of the world, especially the entertainment industry. To many, it is going to be difficult to miss the ever so charismatic Bernie Mac. His jokes made you laugh, cry, and even reflect upon yourself.  One of the greatest things about his genius was the fact that he could incorporate social commentary into his act. He could talk about the most serious issue and still make you laugh and cry at the same time. Not only he was a comedian, he also was a famous actor. His famous movies’ roles were in House party 3, Guess who? ,  Above the Rim. The most interesting thing about his career wasn’t his movies but his stand up act. He was truly a dazzling sight to see in person.Born in the south side of Chicago on October 5, 1957, Bernie was raised by a single mother. His mother passed away from cancer when he was only 16. He would put on comedy shows for the neighborhood kids until he moved to Tampa, Florida. Bernie started out as a comedian in Chicago’s cotton picken club. He won the Miller Lite comedy search at age 32. From that point on, his popularity grew. Bernie’s big performance on Russell Simmons’ Def Comedy Jam catapulted him into the spotlight. From then on, he began touring with Redd Foxx, Donnie Warwick, and Natalie Cole. He had a very short-lived show on HBO called Midnight Mac.Bernie Mac helped push the “Black Comedy” into the mainstream in the 90s and the 00s. He starred in big movies such as Charlie’s angels, Bad Santa, Ocean eleven, and the blockbuster smash Guess who? ––the remake of the film Guess who’s coming to dinner. In 2000, Mac returned to his stand up roots, touring the country as The Original Kings Of Comedy, along with Steve Harvey, Cedric the entertainer, and D.L Hugely. The comedy act was filmed by Spike Lee and was later included in the film the Kings of comedy.In 2001 Fox gave Bernie his own sitcom called The Bernie Mac show, somewhat based on his own life. The show ran from 2001 to 2006, earning him two Emmy nominations and one Emmy award. Mac was number 72 on Comedy Centrals ‘s 100 greatest stand-ups of all time.  In one of his last interviews with David Letterman on CBS Late Show he said that he would retire after he is done filming his last two movies. He said he wanted to enjoy life a little more.Unfortunately, that would not happen. Bernie had suffered from Sarcoidsis, an inflammatory lung disease that produced tiny lumps of cells in the body’s organs, but had said the condition went into remission back in 06. In August 1, he was hospitalized with pneumonia. The next day, responding to rumors that he was dying, Bernie released a statement saying that he would be okay and he would be released in the coming days. On august 9, he passed away from complications of pneumonia unrelated to Sarcodosis.Bernie left behind a wife and a daughter, as well as two unreleased movies set to be released this fall. The shock of Bernie Mac’s death is outstanding. He truly was one of the greatest. You never know how great a shining star was until it burns out completely. This is an analogy that fits perfectly well for Bernie Mac, a legend that will live forever.Also see Akon: Birth of a legend Kanye West: part 2, the story continues Kanye West: A Unique rapper Chris Brown: R&B Elite singer Milca: New Haitian diva crowned in Paris while Konpa is breaking new groundsWyclef Jean: An Artist With A MissionTyler Perry: A success storyRobyn Rihanna Fenty: A shining starAmerie M.M. Rogers: The R&B PrincessNote: Ardain Jr. Isma is a senior at Nease High School in Ponte Vedra, Florida. He wrote this piece specifically for CSMS Magazine.