Bernie Mac Dead at Age 50

died early this morning after a long hospitalization for pneumonia.

The comedian, who's real name is Bernard McCullough, passed away at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. He was 50-years-old.

Earlier this week, after rumors that he was dead began circulating on the internet, Mac's rep issued a statment saying, “Bernie Mac is still alive and being treated in a Chicago hospital for pneumonia and is expected to make a full recovery. We once again ask that the press respect his privacy and that of his family.”

Sadly, he issued another statement this morning saying, "Actor/ comedian Bernie Mac passed away this morning from complications due to pneumonia in a Chicago area hospital. No other details are available at this time. We ask that his family's privacy continues to be respected."

Our thoughts and prayers go out to family and friends.