The Truth About Rhonda McCullough: What Really Happened To Bernie Mac's Wife And Her Life Today

Despite the persistent rumors and search queries suggesting otherwise, the most important and current fact to clarify as of today, December 11, 2025, is that Bernie Mac's beloved wife, Rhonda McCullough-Gilmore, is alive and well. The curiosity and concern surrounding her well-being are a testament to the enduring love story she shared with the late comedian, Bernard Jeffrey McCullough, known to the world as Bernie Mac. This article dives deep into the life of the woman who stood by the King of Comedy, detailing her current endeavors, her family life, and the powerful legacy she continues to build more than 15 years after her husband's untimely passing.

The confusion often stems from the tragic loss of Bernie Mac himself in 2008, which left a void in the entertainment world and a deep pain for his family. Rhonda has since dedicated her life to ensuring his memory—and his charitable mission—lives on, transforming her grief into powerful advocacy. She has become a formidable philanthropist and CEO, keeping the focus on the disease that claimed her husband's life: sarcoidosis.

Rhonda McCullough-Gilmore: A Comprehensive Biography and Profile

The woman who became the heart of Bernie Mac’s world and the keeper of his legacy has a rich history as an entrepreneur, producer, and dedicated philanthropist. Her life story is one of enduring love, profound loss, and inspiring resilience.

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• Full Name: Rhonda R. McCullough-Gilmore (formerly Rhonda R. McCullough)
• Known As: Bernie Mac's Widow, Rhonda McCullough
• Birth Date: August 18, 1958 (approximate)
• Current Age: Mid-60s
• Place of Birth: Chicago, Illinois, USA
• First Husband: Bernard Jeffrey "Bernie Mac" McCullough (Married 1977; Died 2008)
• Second Husband: Horace Gilmore (Remarried in 2011)
• Children: Je'Niece McCullough (Daughter with Bernie Mac)
• Grandchildren: Jasmin McCullough (Granddaughter)
• Education: Attended Chicago Vocational High School
• Professional Roles: CEO and President of The Bernie Mac Foundation; Producer (Credit on the documentary I Ain't Scared of You: Bernie Mac)
• Philanthropic Focus: Raising awareness for sarcoidosis, a systemic inflammatory disease.

Rhonda and Bernie Mac's relationship began as a high school romance in Chicago. They were married in 1977, long before his rise to fame, and their bond became a bedrock for the comedian’s career. She was a constant source of support, traveling with him in the early days of his stand-up career and helping him navigate the pressures of Hollywood success.

The True Story: Bernie Mac's Untimely Death and the Lawsuit

The question "how did Bernie Mac wife die" is often a misdirected query about the true tragedy that struck the family: the death of Bernie Mac himself. The comedian passed away on August 9, 2008, at the age of 50.

His official cause of death was complications from pneumonia after a long battle with sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that causes abnormal masses or nodules (granulomas) to form in various organs, most commonly the lungs and lymph nodes.

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Rhonda McCullough's life after Bernie Mac’s death was marked by a legal battle that brought national attention to the circumstances of his final days. In 2010, she filed a wrongful death lawsuit against his longtime dermatologist, Dr. Rene Earles.

The lawsuit alleged that the doctor failed to recognize signs of respiratory distress in the weeks leading up to Mac's death. Specifically, it claimed the dermatologist kept Mac at his South Side clinic instead of immediately calling for emergency medical services when his condition worsened. This legal action, though eventually dropped, was a significant part of Rhonda's grieving process and her quest for accountability, further fueling the public's intense focus on her life.

Rhonda's Powerful Second Act: CEO and Sarcoidosis Advocate

Instead of retreating from the public eye, Rhonda McCullough channeled her grief into a powerful mission, transforming into a prominent philanthropist and CEO. Her primary focus is The Bernie Mac Foundation, which was established to raise awareness and fund research for sarcoidosis.

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The foundation's work is a direct continuation of Bernie Mac's wish to help others fighting the rare disease. Rhonda has been instrumental in organizing major fundraising events and awareness campaigns, ensuring the foundation's mission remains fresh and impactful.

Recent Activities and Current Endorsements (2024–2025)

The Bernie Mac Foundation remains highly active, with Rhonda McCullough-Gilmore at the helm. This dedication to her husband’s legacy is a key reason why her name remains in the news and is often searched for:

• 2024 Recognition: The foundation received significant recognition in 2024, including being celebrated by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who designated April 21st as an official day of recognition.
• 2024 Events: The foundation continues to host major events, such as the Purple Carpet Fundraiser and other awareness initiatives, with a major event scheduled for October 26, 2024. These events keep the conversation about sarcoidosis at the forefront of public health discourse.
• Philanthropic Honors: Rhonda was recently honored with the Torch for Philanthropy award, recognizing her tireless efforts and commitment to charitable work.

Her current role is not just symbolic; she actively manages the foundation, often conducting interviews and 'sit-downs' with her team, like Program Assistant Simone Ramsey, to discuss the foundation's future and goals.

Life After Loss: Remarriage and Enduring Family Bonds

Rhonda McCullough's personal life has also seen a new chapter of happiness. Several years after Bernie Mac's passing, she found love again and remarried Horace Gilmore. She is now known as Rhonda McCullough-Gilmore. This remarriage was a significant step in her journey of healing and moving forward, a testament to her strength and resilience.

Her family life remains a central focus. Her daughter, Je'Niece McCullough, and granddaughter, Jasmin McCullough, frequently appear in the media, sharing memories of Bernie Mac and supporting Rhonda's work with the foundation. Je'Niece has often spoken about her mother's strength and how she has managed to keep her father's spirit alive for the family and the public.

In conclusion, the widespread searches and rumors asking "how did Bernie Mac's wife die" are definitively incorrect. Rhonda McCullough-Gilmore is a thriving CEO, a dedicated mother and grandmother, and a powerful voice for sarcoidosis awareness. Her life is a profound example of how love and legacy can endure, turning a painful loss into a lasting, positive impact on the world.