FUNERAL TO BE HELD ON AUGUST 15 – The family requests that donations be made to the Bernie Mac Foundation for Sarcoidosis
CHICAGO,IL (RUSHPRNEWS) August 11, 2008–Bernie MacOn Saturday (August 9), comedian and actor Bernie Mac died at the age of 50 due to complications from pneumonia. Now Mac’s sister-in-law talked to People magazine about the last days of the famous comedian. Mary Ann Grosset, sister of Mac’s wife Rhonda, said that the family spent the final hours together.
“He opened his eyes on his own and looked at Rhonda. She called his name, and he opened his eyes and nodded to her,” said Grossett. “She smiled at him and told him, ‘Don’t leave me…’I’m waiting for you to come back.’ He shrugged his shoulders, and she said that’s when she knew he was tired. He signaled to her that his body was tired.”
Grosset added, “He struggled for his life. He couldn’t breathe,” the night before. On the day he died, doctors “were working on him. They tried to resuscitate him two times. One time he came back for about an hour. Then he went into cardiac arrest the second time.”
“He told his wife that he could breathe on his own, and he wanted the ventilator out. He motioned that he wanted it out,” said Grossett.
When asked about the Mac’s wife, Grosset said, “She’s devastated. However, she’s at peace about his transition because of her faith in God. Her faith is what is sustaining her.”
Some celebrity’s released statement about the comedian, according to Eurweb.com:
Samuel L. Jackson: “It goes without saying that Bernie was one of the pre-eminent comedians of our generation. He was also an attentive husband, a great father and loving grandfather. I feel blessed to have shared years of friendship with Bernie Mac, and I’m honored to have finally co-starred with him in what I consider to be his finest cinematic acting achievement. My sincere prayer is that his family will be comforted by the warmth of love from all of us who knew and respected this man.”
Don Cheadle: “This is a very sad day for many of us who knew and loved Bernie. He brought so much joy to so many. He will be missed, but Heaven just got funnier.”
George Clooney: “The world just got a little less funny. He will be missed dearly.”
Brad Pitt: “I lament the loss of a ferociously funny and hardcore family man. My thoughts are with Rhonda and their family. Bernie Mac, you are already missed.”
Chris Rock: “Bernie Mac was one of the best and funniest comedians to ever live, but that was the second best thing he did. Bernie was one of the greatest friends a person could have. Losing him is like losing 12 people because he absolutely filled up any room he was in. I’m gonna miss the Mac Man.”
Cedric the Entertainer: “It’s hard to put into words just how I feel and what a painful loss this is. Bernie was a brother, a friend and one of the comic masters of our time. Sharing the marquee with him during the phenomenon of the Kings of Comedy tour bonded us like family, and created a unique moment in comic history marking some of the most meaningful, memorable and fun times of our lives. His comedic approach was his own brand and will definitely stand the test of time. The level of his talent always inspired me and other comedians to ‘bring their A-game.’ I promise you that you never wanted to be the guy who had to follow Bernie’s set! As a husband and father, he was THE MAN and my thoughts and prayers are with his family. He will truly be missed, but so well remembered.”
Luke Wilson: “He couldn’t have been a nicer guy. He just seemed like a real family man and just a nice guy on the set, just very kind of normal guy.”
Kelly Preston and John Travolta: “We are heartbroken. He will be deeply missed. He was a wonderful, kind and gentle man.”
The funeral will take place on Friday (August 15). The family requests that donations be made to the Bernie Mac Foundation for Sarcoidosis, 40 E. Ninth St., Suite 601, Chicago IL 60605
NEWS SOURCE YO!RAPS MAGAZINE
