MTV Books signs comedian Bernie Mac to write humor book

Bernie Mac in "The Original Kings of Comedy"

NEW YORK (Reuters) -- MTV Books has paid a high six figures for world rights to "I Ain't Scared of You!," a humor book by Bernie Mac, whose star has risen in Hollywood since his appearance in Spike Lee's "The Original Kings of Comedy."

"I Ain't Scared" will feature Mac's trademark riffs on race relations, marriage and family, and various lifestyle issues he finds humorous, Variety reports.

The book was an exclusive submission to MTV Books, an imprint of Viacom Inc.'s Pocket.

Viacom siblings Paramount and MTV Films teamed up on "Original Kings," which grossed $38 million at the domestic box office, and Mac is now developing an untitled vehicle there.

Publication of "I Ain't Scared" is timed to coincide with the launch of Mac's Fox/Regency Television series in fall 2001, based loosely on material from his comedy routine.

Mac has struck a flurry of deals lately. He'll appear opposite George Clooney and Brad Pitt in "Ocean's Eleven." He's in development with MGM on his own star vehicle, "Deadbeat Dad Detective," and just wrapped his role in the Danny DeVito/Martin Lawrence picture "What's the Worst That Could Happen."

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