Bernie Mac Tributes Begin

"Heaven just got funnier" said Don Cheadle, one of Macs co-stars, in a long line of tributes to the late comedian.

Bernie Mac, comedy icon, TV Star and Hollywood actor, died of complications from pneumonia on Saturday (09/08/2008).

Born in Chicago, Mac developed his massive comedy persona through his years on the stand up circuit and his loyal fan-base rapidly expanded with the Kings of Comedy Series in 1997.

Bernies main break into Hollywood came in the form of a role in Oceans Eleven and then Charlies Angels: Full Throttle, he continued his role in the Oceans trilogy and also starred in the 2007 blockbuster Transformers.

George Clooney told press that "the world just got a little less funny with the loss of his co-star and friend.

Samuel L Jackson, who has just finished filming the comedy musical 'Soul Man' with Mac, explained "I feel blessed to have shared years of friendship with Bernie Mac."

Brad Pitt also paid his respects "I lament the loss of a ferociously funny and hardcore family man. My thoughts are with Rhonda and their family."

Mac, whose death came as a surprise to his friends, has been married for more than 30 years and avoided the Hollywood lifestyle, choosing to live in his home town.