Who Is Rhonda McCullough? All About Bernie Mac’s Wife

Rhonda McCullough is the wife of the late comedian Bernie Mac. She is also a film producer and former nurse. She helped Bernie through hard times before he became a famous star.

Their love story began when they were young. They married in 1977 and spent 31 years together. Rhonda stayed by his side until his death in 2008.

Today, Rhonda is known for helping people with a rare illness called sarcoidosis. She also works to keep Bernie’s memory alive. Here is a closer look at her life and family.

Rhonda McCullough Quick Bio

Who Is Rhonda McCullough?

Rhonda McCullough is an American film producer and former nurse. She is best known as Bernie Mac’s wife. Her full name is Rhonda McCullough-Gilmore. She became known to many people through her husband’s fame.

Rhonda was with Bernie long before he became rich and famous. She helped care for their family while he worked hard to become a comedian. She always believed in his dreams.

After Bernie died, Rhonda began doing more public work. She became the head of the Bernie Mac Foundation. The group helps people who have the same illness Bernie lived with for many years.

Rhonda McCullough Early Life

Rhonda McCullough was born and raised in Chicago. She grew up in an African American family. Some reports say her mother’s name is Mary Simmons. Not much is known about her father.

She went to Chicago Vocational High School. This school became an important part of her life. It was where she met Bernie Mac and began a love story that lasted for many years.

Rhonda has kept most of her early life private. She does not share much about her childhood or family. She has always cared more about her loved ones than being famous.

Rhonda McCullough Education and Nursing Career

Rhonda McCullough went to Chicago Vocational High School. She later chose to become a nurse. Reports say she began nursing school in 1983 and passed her nursing test in 1985.

She worked at a care center and helped people with mental health needs. She also worked night shifts. Later, she spent many years working at Chicago Read Mental Health Center.

Her nursing job helped pay the family’s bills. Bernie was still trying to become a famous comedian. Rhonda worked hard so they could have food and a safe home.

How Did Rhonda McCullough Meet Bernie Mac?

Rhonda McCullough met Bernie Mac in 1974. They were both in high school. A friend helped them meet. At first, Rhonda did not know why so many girls liked him.

But Bernie was funny and knew how to make people smile. Rhonda soon began to like him. They spent more time together and became close. Their friendship slowly turned into love.

Bernie had big dreams of becoming a star. Rhonda believed he could do it. She stayed with him even when they had little money. Their love grew stronger as they faced life together.

Rhonda McCullough and Bernie Mac’s Marriage

Rhonda McCullough married Bernie Mac on September 17, 1977. They were both 19 years old. They were young and ready to build a family. Their marriage lasted for 31 years.

Life was hard at first. They did not have much money and needed food stamps to buy food. Rhonda worked as a nurse while Bernie tried to make money through comedy.

In 1990, Bernie won the Miller Lite Comedy Search. This helped him become more famous. He later starred in films and TV shows. Rhonda stayed by his side through all his success.

Rhonda McCullough Daughter and Granddaughter

Rhonda McCullough and Bernie Mac had one daughter named Je’Niece McCullough. She was born on January 21, 1978. Their daughter brought great joy to their home. Bernie loved being a father and always cared about his family.

Je’Niece grew up and made her own path in life. She became a writer and speaker. She has also shared stories about her father and the lessons he taught her. Rhonda has always been close to her daughter.

Their family grew when Je’Niece welcomed a daughter named Jasmine in 2007. Bernie was happy to become a grandfather. Sadly, he died the next year. Rhonda still shares a strong family bond with her daughter and granddaughter.

Rhonda McCullough Movies and Producer Career

Rhonda McCullough worked as a nurse before moving into film work. After Bernie Mac died, she wanted to share his story with fans. She became an executive producer of a film made to honor his life.

In 2011, she worked on I Ain’t Scared of You: A Tribute to Bernie Mac. The film tells the story of Bernie’s life and career. It also shares memories from stars like Samuel L. Jackson and Cameron Diaz.

Rhonda has also appeared in shows such as Unsung Hollywood. These shows look back at famous people and their lives. Her work helps fans learn more about Bernie and the man he was away from the stage.

Bernie Mac’s Death and Rhonda McCullough’s Grief

Bernie Mac had a disease called sarcoidosis. It can cause swelling in the lungs and other parts of the body. He lived with this illness for many years. Even so, he kept working and making people laugh.

In 2008, Bernie became very sick with pneumonia. He was taken to the hospital but did not get better. He died on August 9, 2008, at age 50. His death left Rhonda and their family heartbroken.

Rhonda found it hard to live without him. She had known Bernie since she was a teen. In 2010, she filed a lawsuit against one of his doctors. She later dropped the case in 2015.

Rhonda McCullough Second Husband Horace Gilmore

Rhonda McCullough found love again after Bernie Mac’s death. She met a man named Horace Gilmore at a party. Her younger sister had also helped bring them together. At first, Rhonda was not looking for love.

But Horace made her feel happy again. They spent time together and soon grew close. Their first date lasted for many hours. Rhonda felt that meeting him was a special gift after years of pain.

Rhonda married Horace Gilmore on December 31, 2010. She later began using the name Rhonda McCullough-Gilmore. The couple keeps their life private. Rhonda still speaks with love about Bernie and the years they shared.

Rhonda McCullough Net Worth and Charity Work

Rhonda McCullough earned money from her nursing career and film work. She also helped manage Bernie’s estate. Some websites claim her net worth is around $200,000. Yet this amount has not been proven by public records.

Today, Rhonda is best known for her work with the Bernie Mac Foundation. Bernie helped start the group in 2007. It raises money for research into sarcoidosis and helps more people learn about the disease.

Rhonda became the group’s president and CEO after Bernie died. She works to help people who face the same illness. In 2013, she received a charity award for her work. Her goal is to keep helping others.

Where Is Rhonda McCullough Today in 2026?

As of 2026, Rhonda McCullough is known for her work with the Bernie Mac Foundation. The latest detailed reports say she still leads the group. She helps raise funds and keeps Bernie’s name alive through its work.

Rhonda also helped create Bernie’s 2022 book I Don’t Care If You Like Me, I Like Me. She gave her voice to the audiobook. In 2018, she also helped honor Bernie when he received a Hollywood Walk of Fame star.

Rhonda lives a quiet life with her second husband, Horace Gilmore. Her exact home in 2026 is not publicly known. She still cares deeply about her family and the work Bernie began before his death.

Final Thoughts

Rhonda McCullough has lived a life full of love and hard work. She stood beside Bernie Mac before he became famous. She helped care for their family and supported his dreams through many hard years.

After Bernie died, Rhonda faced a painful time. But she found a new path through charity work and film projects. She also found love again while keeping the memories of her first husband close.

Today, Rhonda McCullough is more than Bernie Mac’s widow. She is a mother and grandmother who helps others. Her story shows that love can stay strong even when life brings great loss.

(FAQs)

How Old Is Rhonda McCullough and When Is Her Birthday?

Rhonda McCullough was reportedly born in 1958. She is about 68 years old in 2026. Her exact birthday is not known.

What Is Rhonda McCullough’s Net Worth?

Some websites say her net worth is $200,000. But this amount is not confirmed. She has worked as a nurse and film producer.

Who Is Rhonda McCullough’s Husband?

Rhonda married Bernie Mac in 1977. He died in 2008. She later married Horace Gilmore on December 31, 2010.

Did Rhonda McCullough Dance With Stetler?

There is no clear proof that Rhonda McCullough danced with Stetler. She is best known as Bernie Mac’s wife.

Is Rhonda McCullough Still Alive and Where Does She Live Today?

Rhonda McCullough is alive as of the latest reports. She leads the Bernie Mac Foundation. Her exact home in 2026 is not known.

---

You may also read: Penny Knight: Everything to Know About Phil Knight’s Wife