Bernie Mac

Born: October 5 1958
Where: Chicago, USA

The former boxer and stand-up comedian is best known on the big screen for the role of Frank Catton in Steven Soderbergh's Ocean's Eleven.

Drawing on his colourful family background, he launched himself as a stand-up at Chicago's city parks and Regal Theatre.

He became a professional comedian in 1977, at the age of 19, but refused to compromise his image - a decision that cost him TV work.

In 1992 he made his film debut with a small part with Mo' Money and followed this with appearances in Who's the Man?, House Party 3 and The Walking Dead.

It was his creation Pastor Clever in the Chris Tucker comedy Friday that gained him a cult following.

In 1996 he starred in Spike Lee's Get on the Bus and played to his strengths in Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood.

His next couple of movie parts were more substantial, including How to Be a Player and The Players Club, and he starred alongside Eddie Murphy in Life.

His casting as a comedian in The Original Kings of Comedy led to bigger roles, including Martin Lawrence's Uncle in What's the Worst That Could Happen?.

In 2001, he made Ocean's Eleven and teamed up with Chris Rock for the comedy Head of Stage as well as replacing Bill Murray as Bosley in Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle.

In 2005, he reprised the role of Frank Catton in Ocean's Twelve with George Clooney and Brad Pitt and also appeared opposite Ashton Kutcher in the comedy Guess Who.