Comedian and actor Bernie Mac has passed away from pneumonia. This comes as a surprise to many, especially since his rep had formerly issued a statement that his condition was stable and he would soon be released. Here’s a little about Mac’s career:

Born Bernard Jeffrey McCullough in Chicago, Mac began his career as a stand-up comedian in the small comedy clubs of his native town. As a founding member of the Kings of Comedy comedy tour – the success of which spawned Spike Lee’s 2000 concert movie The Original Kings of Comedy (also starring Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley, Cedric the Entertainer) – Mac was able to spotlight what would become his rapid-fire delivery. This effectively launched him into the big time.

The Bernie Mac Show, which ran from 2001 to 2006, often poked fun of Mac’s own life and proved a favorite of both critics and audiences – receiving a prestigious Peabody Award, as well as honors from the Television Critics Association (for best individual achievement in comedy).

Man. Pneumonia. Our thoughts are with his family. In the meantime, let’s take a look back at a clip from his show:

Comedian Bernie Mac Dies at 50 [People]