Bernie Mac's Family Speaks About His Last Moments

Bernie Mac’s wife and 30-year-old daughter were with him when he died in a Chicago-area hospital, his sister-in-law told People.The 50-year-old comic-actor had been on a ventilator and was heavily sedated for several days before he died from complications due to pneumonia early Saturday, said Mary Ann Grossett, whose sister, Rhonda, was married to Mac.Mac had an inflammatory lung disease called sarcoidosis, but it was in remission. Grossett said Mac had developed pneumonia after he started taking new medication to suppress his immune system. "He struggled for his life. He couldn't breathe," Grossett said of the night before Mac died.She said her sister is devastated."They had 30 years of marriage. That's unprecedented in today's time, particularly for celebrities,” Grossett said. "That brings joy to her. They loved each other and respected each other on a daily basis. She was by his side to the very end." — Jennifer HollandRelated• Bernie Mac, Comedian, Film and ...

TV GuideNews Aug. 10, 2008 at 4:01 p.m. PT