SR0823 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0823 LRB095 22111 GRL 52397 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Bernard Jeffrey McCollough, more famously known as the comedian Bernie Mac, was born on the Southside of Chicago on October 5, 1957; and

WHEREAS, Bernie Mac attended the Chicago Vocational Career Academy, where he produced talent shows for neighborhood children and performed his own improvisation sketches; and

WHEREAS, Bernie Mac overcame many obstacles to make it from the impoverished streets of Chicago's Englewood neighborhood to a Hollywood success; and

WHEREAS, Although Bernie Mac became a professional comedian in 1977 at the age of 19, when he took his act to comedy clubs in Chicago; before his professional breakthrough, however, he had already been telling jokes in front of a crowd since his childhood, entertaining people at church, in parks, and even on trains; and

WHEREAS, Bernie Mac's career as an actor and comedian spanned over 30 years and included roles in movies including, but not limited to, "The Original Kings of Comedy", "Ocean's Eleven", "Friday", "Guess Who?", "Mo' Money", "Transformers", "Life", and "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle"; and

WHEREAS, Bernie Mac's comedy routines offered both laughs and insights into modern living and society that crossed over racial boundaries and had a mainstream appeal; and

WHEREAS, Bernie Mac won a prestigious Peabody award for his critically acclaimed performance in "The Bernie Mac Show", which ran from 2001 to 2006; the show was also nominated for Emmy and Golden Globe awards; and

WHEREAS, In 2004, Bernie Mac wrote an inspiring memoir, titled "Maybe You Never Cry Again", which told the hope-restoring humor of his poor childhood and his strict upbringing being raised by his grandparents; and

WHEREAS, Bernie Mac was a loving and dedicated husband, father, and grandfather; and

WHEREAS, Bernie Mac, the "King of Comedy", will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and his fans; the comedy scene will never be the same without him; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, with profound sorrow and deep regret, the death of the great comedian and wonderful actor, Bernie Mac, at the young age of 50; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the memory of Bernie Mac will forever live on and that we honor Bernie Mac for his work; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Rhonda McCollough, the wife of Bernie Mac, as an expression of our sympathy.