The Untold Life Of Rhonda McCullough-Gilmore: Bernie Mac's Wife, Her New Chapter, And The Legacy She Fights To Uphold

The story of Bernie Mac's wife, Rhonda McCullough, is one of enduring love, profound grief, and inspiring resilience. In the years following the legendary comedian's untimely death in 2008, the woman who stood by him since high school has stepped into a powerful new role, becoming the chief steward of his legacy while also finding a new, personal chapter. The most current information, as of December 2025, reveals a life dedicated to charity, family, and public awareness, alongside a significant change in her personal life that honors her past while embracing the future. This article dives deep into the life of Rhonda McCullough-Gilmore, exploring the foundation she built, the challenges of sarcoidosis awareness, and the current activities of her daughter, Je'Niece McCullough, ensuring Bernie Mac's iconic voice continues to resonate today.

Rhonda McCullough-Gilmore: A Comprehensive Biography and Profile

Rhonda McCullough's life is inextricably linked to the man the world knew as Bernie Mac, but her journey is a powerful narrative in its own right. She is now known as Rhonda McCullough-Gilmore, reflecting a new marriage that began years after her first husband’s passing.

• Full Name: Rhonda R. McCullough-Gilmore (formerly Rhonda R. McCullough)
• Date of Birth: 1958 (Exact date often kept private)
• Place of Birth: Chicago, Illinois, USA
• First Husband: Bernard Jeffrey "Bernie Mac" McCullough (Married 1977; until his death in 2008)
• Second Husband: Horace Gilmore (Married 2011)
• Daughter: Je'Niece McCullough (Born 1978)
• Grandchild: Jasmine McCullough
• Education: Chicago Vocational High School (where she met Bernie Mac)
• Current Role: CEO and Founder of The Bernie Mac Foundation
• Key Focus: Raising awareness and funding research for sarcoidosis, the disease that claimed Bernie Mac's life.

The Enduring Love Story and the Transition to Rhonda McCullough-Gilmore

The relationship between Rhonda and Bernie Mac is a classic Hollywood love story, though it began far from the spotlight. They were high school sweethearts, meeting at Chicago Vocational High School. Their bond was the bedrock of Bernie Mac's life, with Rhonda often credited as his greatest supporter during his years as a struggling comedian. They were married in 1977, and their union lasted 31 years until his tragic death in August 2008 from complications related to sarcoidosis. The loss was devastating. Rhonda McCullough has spoken candidly about the intense grief and the feeling of being "lost" after the passing of her soulmate. She faced the difficult path of moving forward, a journey that many widows and widowers must navigate.

Finding a New Chapter with Horace Gilmore

In a move that sparked public discussion but was met with support from her family, Rhonda McCullough decided to remarry. Only three years after Bernie Mac's death, she married Horace Gilmore in 2011. This new chapter was a testament to her strength and her belief in love, proving that honoring a lost spouse does not mean abandoning one's own future. She now goes by Rhonda McCullough-Gilmore, a name that respectfully carries both her past and her present. Rhonda has maintained a relatively private life with Horace Gilmore, focusing her public energy almost entirely on the charitable work that honors Bernie Mac's memory. This decision allowed her to compartmentalize her public commitment to her first husband's legacy with her private commitment to her new marriage, a balance that has been praised by those close to her.

The Bernie Mac Foundation: A Beacon of Sarcoidosis Awareness

The most significant aspect of Rhonda McCullough-Gilmore's life today is her role as the CEO and Founder of The Bernie Mac Foundation. The foundation's mission is clear: to raise awareness and fund research for sarcoidosis, a chronic disease characterized by the growth of inflammatory cells in different parts of the body, most commonly the lungs, which ultimately led to Bernie Mac's death.

Fresh Updates and 2024/2025 Foundation Activities

The foundation is not a dormant tribute; it is an active force in the medical and community world, with recent events demonstrating its ongoing relevance. This commitment provides the most up-to-date information on the McCullough family's efforts. * Designated "Bernie Mac Day": The city of Chicago, where Bernie Mac and Rhonda grew up, officially designated April 21st as "Bernie Mac Day." This recognition is a major win for the foundation and ensures the comedian's legacy is formally recognized each year. * 2024 Events: The foundation hosted significant events in 2024, including a ceremony on Saturday, April 13, 2024, demonstrating its continued commitment to community engagement and fundraising. * Lifetime Achievement Award: The foundation continues to honor others through The Bernie Mac Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony, with a major event scheduled for January 2026, showcasing long-term planning and influence. * Sarcoidosis Warrior Support: The foundation actively supports "Sarcoidosis Warriors," those currently battling the disease, providing a community and resources that go beyond just medical research. Rhonda McCullough-Gilmore's tireless work with the foundation ensures that the pain of her loss is channeled into a positive, life-saving cause, solidifying Bernie Mac's legacy as more than just a comedian, but a figurehead for a critical health issue.

Je'Niece McCullough: Carrying the Legacy as "Bernie's Daughter"

The legacy of Bernie Mac and Rhonda McCullough-Gilmore is powerfully carried on by their only daughter, Je'Niece McCullough. Born in 1978, Je'Niece has become a public figure in her own right, focusing on mental health, grief, and her father's impact.

A Focus on Mental Health and Candid Conversation

Je'Niece McCullough holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in mental health, which deeply informs her current work. She serves as the Vice President of the Bernie Mac Foundation, working alongside her mother. Her most notable personal project is the "Bernie's Daughter" blog and podcast, where she speaks candidly about growing up with a comedic legend, the sudden fame, and the dark truths of grief after his passing. She has been a featured speaker at events like The Black Women's Expo, using her platform to discuss emotional resilience and her father's life, turning his story into a lesson on coping with loss. Through her work, Je'Niece provides a crucial, intimate perspective on the man behind the microphone, offering fans and the public a rare glimpse into the McCullough family's private life and their ongoing journey of healing and purpose. Her public appearances, including recent podcast interviews in 2024, keep the family's story and the foundation's mission fresh and relevant to a new generation.