[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 108 (Tuesday, June 24, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E609]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





         HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF BERNARD J. MCCULLOUGH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JONATHAN L. JACKSON

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 24, 2025

  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
and legacy of Bernard J. McCullough, better known as ``Bernie Mac'' by 
his fans. Born on the south side of Chicago on October 5, 1957, Bernie 
would go on to become a singular comedic talent who spent his entire 
career in show business, bringing laughter and joy to his audiences.
  To his fans and a world that adored him, he was comedian Bernie Mac. 
But his real name was Bernard Jeffery McCullough born October 5, 1957 
as the second child of Mary McCullough and Jeffery Harrison, who had 
already made their life transition. Bernard, or ``Bernie'', as he was 
affectionately named, grew up in the gang-ridden Englewood Community of 
Chicago. Always a leader and not a follower, he gained the respect of 
most of the gang members without ever joining. He was forever the clown 
and always known for making people laugh. He accepted Jesus Christ at a 
young age and attended Burning Bush Missionary Baptist Church.
  His big break came in 1990 when he won first place with a remarkable 
performance in the Miller Lite Comedy Search. From that point, his 
popularity spread, and he garnered attention prompting Russell Simmons 
to give him a spot on his groundbreaking show Def Comedy Jam. Bernard's 
first stage appearance was so well received that he was invited back to 
perform a second time. From that moment on, the Mac Man was a 
phenomenon. He would soon go on tour as the opening act for Chaka Khan, 
Barry White, the Whispers and many other performers.
  Bernie made his film debut with the release of Mo' Money in 1992. His 
breakthrough performance, however, came in his role as Pastor Cleaver 
in Ice Cube's hit movie, Friday (1995).
  Bernie Mac's comedy was raw, honest, and fearless. His stand-up often 
revolved around his personal experiences, delivered with his signature 
raspy voice and bold stage presence. He gained widespread recognition 
as one of the four comedians in the 2000 standup film The Original 
Kings of Comedy, where his set stole the show with its hilarious takes 
on family and discipline. The Bernie Mac Show, his self-titled sitcom, 
was a groundbreaking hit, blending humor with heartfelt moments as he 
played a fictionalized version of himself raising his sister's kids. 
The show earned multiple awards and cemented his place in TV history. 
Bernie transitioned seamlessly into acting, appearing in films like 
Ocean's Eleven, Mr. 3000, and Guess Who. His charisma made him stand 
out in every role he took on.
  Even after his passing in 2008, Bernie Mac remains a beloved figure 
in comedy. His fearless approach and unique comedic style continue to 
influence comedians today, impacting hundreds of lives still. Bernie 
launched The Bernie Mac Foundation in Chicago, Illinois in 2005 as 
Founder and Chairman of the Board to bring awareness to sarcoidosis and 
build a bridge between awareness and a cure. He dedicated his mission 
to informing the community on the impact of sarcoidosis to patients and 
transform the opinions of treatment. Bernie used his celebrity to 
support the Bernie Mac Sarcoidosis Translational Advanced Research 
(STAR) Center at the University of Illinois Health Sciences System to 
provide patients with outstanding care. He was also passionate about 
patients receiving evaluations in a timely, compassionate and courteous 
manner for all forms of sarcoidosis.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the life 
and legacy of Bernard J. McCullough.

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