Bernie Mac UPDATE

Chicago Paper: Bernie Mac Dead, 50

Comedian Bernie Mac died at Northwestern Memorial hospital early Saturday morning, according to Sun-Times Columnist, Stella Foster. He was 50.

Though the cause of death has not been confirmed, Mac had been hospitalized recently for pneumonia. Foster said that she received calls early Saturday morning from a close friend of the Mac family, confirming the reports of Mac's death. More

By Brennan Williams, BlackVoices.com

Despite multiple media reports over the weekend that comedian-actor Bernie Mac was hospitalized in critical condition with pneumonia, he is expected to make a full recovery.

"Bernie Mac is still alive and being treated in a Chicago hospital for pneumonia and is expected to make a full recovery," his rep, Danica Smith, told People.

"We once again ask that the press respect his privacy and that of his family."

In addition to his health status, Smith also responded to false rumors on Saturday that Mac (born Bernard Jeffery McCullough) had died due to an inflammatory illness.

"It is a very horrible rumor," she stated to various Chicago media. "It is absolutely untrue. Nothing has changed from yesterday."

In 2005 the two-time Emmy Award-nominated actor was diagnosed with an inflammatory lung disease known as sarcoidosis, which causes inflammation in the lungs.

Smith confirmed Mac's recent pneumonia isn't related to the disease.

Word for Word - July 11, 2008

"I got a letter from a girl who said she was listening to one of my songs and every time I hit a particular high note, the garage door would open or close." -- Mariah Carey encounters some unusual problems with her a five-octave vocal range.

Charley Gallay, Getty Images

"Have I ever been totally and completely intimidated by another person? Yes, my husband's mother." -- Madonna fears Guy Ritchie's mom.

Tony Barson, WireImage.com

"There's brilliant jazz - Miles Davis. And there's brilliant rock - Coldplay. And there's brilliant rap - Jiggaman!" -- Jay-Z, tooting his own horn.

Gareth Cattermole, Getty Images

"I'm thinking of getting a tattoo of him on my chest." -- First-time father Usher is planning to ink a tribute to his seven-month-old baby son Usher Raymond V.

Frank Micelotta, Getty Images

The 71-year-old actor says, "I've got to suggest his voice and his speech without making a fool of myself." --Morgan Freeman

John Shearer, WireImage.com

"Bug-A-Boo or Bootylicious. I hate 'em." -- Beyonce Knowles isn't a fan of all her Destiny's Child songs.

George Pimentel, WireImage.com

"I've been working out really hard lately 'cause I'm single now and I've gotta look good!" -- Jessica Simpson shapes up to get back into the dating scene.

Chris Farina, WireImage.com

"When I come home from a club, my wish is to have a huge bowl of Frosted Flakes. I only have it once in a blue moon - because I can't have just one bowl." -- Janet Jackson on her late night snacking choice.

Gregg DeGuire, WireImage.com