The Untold Story Of Rhonda McCullough-Gilmore: 7 Ways Bernie Mac's Widow Built A New Legacy

Rhonda McCullough-Gilmore, the widow of late comedy legend Bernie Mac, has masterfully navigated life after immense loss, transforming her grief into a powerful, enduring legacy. Her journey is a profound testament to resilience, moving from being the devoted wife and high school sweetheart of one of "The Kings of Comedy" to becoming a dedicated philanthropist and advocate for public health.

As of late 2024, McCullough-Gilmore remains the driving force behind the Bernie Mac Foundation, spearheading crucial awareness campaigns and fundraising efforts to combat sarcoidosis. The foundation's recent activities, including a significant recognition from the city of Chicago, underscore her commitment to honoring her first husband’s memory while building a powerful new chapter centered on compassion and advocacy. This is the deep dive into her life, her love, and the powerful new legacy she is forging.

Rhonda McCullough-Gilmore: A Comprehensive Biography and Profile

Rhonda McCullough-Gilmore’s life story is one of enduring love, devastating loss, and remarkable resilience. Her biography is inextricably linked to the rise of her first husband, Bernie Mac, but her work in the years since his passing has cemented her own identity as a powerful figure in philanthropy and health advocacy.

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• Full Name: Rhonda R. McCullough-Gilmore (Born Rhonda R. Gore)
• First Husband: Bernard Jeffrey "Bernie Mac" McCullough (Married: 1977; Died: August 9, 2008)
• Second Husband: Horace Gilmore (Married: December 31, 2010)
• Daughter: Je'Niece McCullough (Born: 1978)
• Grandchild: Yasmin (Je'Niece's daughter)
• Met Bernie Mac: 1974, while attending high school in Chicago.
• Current Role: President and CEO of The Bernie Mac Foundation for Sarcoidosis.
• Noteworthy: She is the overseer of the entire Bernie Mac estate.

The Enduring Love Story with Bernie Mac

The relationship between Rhonda and Bernie Mac is a classic Chicago love story that began long before the bright lights of Hollywood and the success of The Bernie Mac Show. They were introduced by a mutual friend in 1974 while still in high school.

By 1977, they were married, both at the young age of 19. Rhonda was Bernie’s rock, his best friend, and his most steadfast supporter throughout his decades-long journey from the comedy club circuit to becoming a global star.

She was there through the lean years, the countless road trips, and the sacrifices it took for him to make a name for himself as one of the "Kings of Comedy." Their daughter, Je’Niece McCullough, was born shortly after their marriage, cementing a family unit that remained incredibly close despite the pressures of fame.

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Bernie Mac’s untimely death in 2008 from complications of sarcoidosis, a disease he had been diagnosed with in his twenties, was a devastating blow to Rhonda and the family. The loss left a void, but it also became the catalyst for Rhonda’s next major life chapter: dedicated advocacy.

7 Ways Rhonda McCullough-Gilmore Built Her New Legacy

Rhonda McCullough-Gilmore has not only preserved the memory of her first husband but has also actively created a new, meaningful life for herself. Her efforts are focused on philanthropy, family, and finding happiness again.

1. Leading the Fight Against Sarcoidosis

The most significant part of Rhonda’s current life is her work as the CEO and President of the Bernie Mac Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to raise awareness and fund research for sarcoidosis, a condition of unknown cause that involves the growth of inflammatory cells (granulomas) in any part of the body, most commonly the lungs and lymph nodes.

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Her leadership has ensured that Bernie Mac's name is not just associated with laughter, but with a serious medical cause. Her personal experience with the disease, watching her husband battle it for years, gives her advocacy a powerful, authentic voice.

2. Securing Major Recognition for the Foundation in 2024

In a major development in 2024, the Bernie Mac Foundation received official recognition from the Mayor of Chicago, Brandon Johnson. April 21st was designated as a special day to honor the foundation and its work. This event highlights the ongoing, high-level impact of her efforts and confirms the information about the foundation is current and relevant.

The foundation also hosted a "Purple Carpet Fundraiser" in 2024, demonstrating its continued commitment to active fundraising and community engagement.

3. Finding Love Again with Horace Gilmore

A crucial, and often less-reported, element of Rhonda’s new life is her remarriage. Rhonda found love again and married Horace Gilmore on December 31, 2010, just over two years after Bernie Mac’s death. Horace Gilmore was a family friend who provided support to Rhonda in the wake of her loss.

The decision to remarry was a sign of healing and moving forward, proving that one can honor a lost love while embracing a new future. She now often goes by the name Rhonda McCullough-Gilmore, a beautiful blending of her past and present.

4. Overseeing the Bernie Mac Estate

Beyond the foundation, Rhonda is the official overseer of the entire Bernie Mac estate. This responsibility involves protecting his image, managing his intellectual property, and ensuring his legacy is handled with the integrity and respect he deserves. This role requires significant business acumen and dedication to her late husband’s professional life.

5. Supporting Her Daughter’s Career and Family

Rhonda’s focus on family remains paramount. Her daughter, Je'Niece McCullough, has also become a public figure, often speaking about her father’s legacy and her mother's strength. Je'Niece is a mother herself, making Rhonda a proud grandmother to Yasmin. This multi-generational continuity keeps the Bernie Mac family legacy alive and thriving outside of the public spotlight.

6. Inspiring Others with Her Story of Grief and Recovery

Rhonda has often spoken publicly about the pain of losing Bernie Mac and the process of recovery. She has shared her story on platforms like Oprah’s Where Are They Now?, offering a raw, honest perspective on grief. Her willingness to be vulnerable has made her a source of inspiration for countless people who are mourning the loss of a spouse.

7. Embracing Her Role as a Producer and Philanthropist

While her main title is CEO of the foundation, Rhonda McCullough-Gilmore is often recognized as a producer and philanthropist. Her work involves organizing major events, collaborating with other non-profits, and securing sponsorships, which are all high-level roles in the philanthropic sector. Her multifaceted career is a testament to her ability to transform a personal tragedy into a powerful, public-facing mission to help others.

The Continuing Impact of the Bernie Mac Foundation

The Bernie Mac Foundation is more than a memorial; it is a critical resource for the sarcoidosis community. The foundation focuses on early detection, which Rhonda has emphasized is key to managing the disease. Through educational programs and patient support, it offers a lifeline to those suffering from a condition that is often misdiagnosed and poorly understood.

Rhonda McCullough-Gilmore’s life is a powerful narrative of transition. She has honored the memory of her first husband, Bernie Mac, by continuing his fight against sarcoidosis, while simultaneously building a new, fulfilling life with her husband, Horace Gilmore. Her enduring legacy is one of love, perseverance, and a tireless commitment to turning personal pain into public good, making her a formidable force in the world of philanthropy and health advocacy.