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LOS ANGELES Michael Clarke Duncan, the hulking, prolific character actor whose dozens of films included an Oscar-nominated performance as a death row inmate in "The Green Mile" and such other box office hits as "Armageddon," "Planet of the Apes" and "Kung Fu Panda," is dead at age 54.
Mr. Duncan died Monday morning at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, where |he was being treated for a |heart attack, his fiancée, reality TV personality the Rev. Omarosa Manigault, said in a statement released by publicist Joy Fehily.
The muscular, 6-foot-4-inch Mr. Duncan, a former bodyguard who turned to acting in his 30s, "suffered a myocardial infarction on July 13 and never fully recovered," the statement said.
"Manigault is grateful for all of your prayers and asks for privacy at this time. Celebrations of his life, both private and public, will be announced at a later date."
In the spring of 2012, Clarke Mr. Duncan had appeared in a video for PETA, the animal rights organization, in which he spoke of how much better he felt since becoming a vegetarian three years earlier.
"I cleared out my refrigerator, about $5,000 worth of meat," he said. "I'm a lot healthier than I was when I was eating meat."
Mr. Duncan had a handful of minor roles before "The Green Mile" brought him an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actor. The 1999 film, based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, starred Tom Hanks as a corrections officer at a penitentiary in the 1930s. Mr. Duncan played John Coffey, a convicted murderer with a surprisingly gentle demeanor and extraordinary healing powers.
Mr. Duncan's performance caught on with critics and moviegoers, and he quickly became a favorite in Hollywood, appearing in several films a year.
He owed some of his good fortune to Bruce Willis, who recommended Mr. Duncan for "The Green Mile" after the two appeared together in "Armageddon." Clarke would work with Willis again in "Breakfast of Champions," "The Whole Nine Yards" and "Sin City."
His industrial-sized build was suited for everything from superhero films ("Daredevil") to comedy ("Talledega Nights," "School for Scoundrels").
His gravelly baritone alone was good enough for several animated movies, including, "Kung Fu Panda," "Delgo" and "Brother Bear."
Among Clarke's Mr. Duncan's television credits: "The Apprentice," "The Finder," "Two and a Half Men" and "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody."
Born in Chicago in 1957, Mr. Duncan was raised by a single mother whose resistance to his playing football led to his deciding he wanted to become |an actor. When his mother became ill, he dropped out of college, Alcorn State University, and |worked as a ditch digger and bouncer to support her.
By his mid-20s he was in Los Angeles, where he looked for acting parts and became a bodyguard for Will Smith, Jamie Foxx and other stars. The murder of rapper Notorious B.I.G., for whom Mr. Duncan had been hired to protect before switching assignments, led him to quit his job and pursue acting full time.
Early film and television credits, when he was usually cast as a bodyguard or bouncer, included "Bulworth," "A Night at the Roxbury" and "The Players Club."
2013 Entries
Watch my family please
Valencia Bock
Acquaintance
January 17, 2021
You will always be remembered.
October 30, 2019
M.OTIVATING
I.NCREDIBLE
C.ARING
H.ONORABLE
A.UTHENTIC
E.XCEPTIONAL
L.OYAL
C.APTIVATING
L.OVING
A.DMIRED
R.ESPECTED
K.INDHEARTED
E.NLIGHTENING
D.EVOTED
U.NIQUE
N.URTURING
C.OMPASSIONATE
A.MAZING
N.OBLE
YOU DEFINITELY WERE A LIGHT IN THIS WORLD, YOUR SMILE COULD LIGHT UP A ROOM ,AND FILL HEARTS WITH LOVE,AND NOW IT WILL CONTINUE TO LIGHT UP IN THAT BEAUTIFUL PLACE UP ABOVE.
REST IN GOD'S LOVING ARMS DEAR ONE.
Lisa Murrey Ransom
December 19, 2018
He was one of my most favorite actors. Along with Tom hanks and the likes like chuck Conners he will be missed Eddie Ratliff harvest ala bama
Edward Ratliff
March 1, 2018
Awwww...... God wanted you home and no more suffering dear Michael ♥
God love you forever as we do test on sweet soul
Rosa Paul
December 15, 2017
Nazarene Mckinney
April 24, 2017
A kind SOUL who stayed HUMBLE in the mist of RICHES. GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN....PRAYERS and BLESSINGS
Valenda Newell
June 29, 2016
Wow i just watch a powerful movie the "Challenger" it was amazing you will always be a legend an Icon through all of your wonderful works my friend you will forever an always be greatly miss by many my heart goes out to your family my the Lord give you all strength RIP Michael Duncan(Fan Tara R)...
Taritha Rivers
May 21, 2016
RIP Gentle Giant. Many prayers and condolences to your family and friends.
Stella Spivey
April 20, 2016
A Brilliant actor. Never forgotten, Rest in Peace sir.
Allison Dupont
March 8, 2016
I really liked your performance on the rockford files and two & a half men and were taken away too young. RIP MICHAEL MY CONDOLENCES TO YOUR FAMILY & FRIENDS YOU WILL ALWAYS BE SADLY MISSED.
RONALD EVANS
February 8, 2016
Sorry for your death. I miss seeing you on the big screen. Rip love Mavisj, aka Ladyred Jarrett
November 21, 2015
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Harry Simpson
September 3, 2015
God bless your beautiful soul Mr. Duncan. RIP
J Sims
July 30, 2015
In God's care rest in peace
Dwayne Bickham,Sr.
July 14, 2015
Shirley Caldwell
June 12, 2015
My sincere condolences to the friends and family. May the memories bring you peace during this difficult time. May you also draw consolation and strength from the God of all comfort
(2 Cor. 1:3)
March 31, 2015
Always missed, never forgotten x
Sarah-Jane Rea
October 22, 2014
I was very surprised to see! Michael Clarke Duncan has left so soon, And so young, Well your time was filled here on earth, R.I.P with our Father in heaven, Praying for your family loss as well as your friends , Rest now your job is with God gone but not forgotten (Texas)
Cheryl Foster
September 3, 2014
May god bless you all we loved the man he sure put a impact on us with his movies may god hold all of you in his loving arms as you go through your grate loss god bless
wayne jacobs
July 5, 2014
You will continue to shine brightly. You are missed.
Kathy Betzner
May 3, 2014
Mike u r in the hands of our higher power living it up in paradise god bless u.u r very well missed here on earth
teresa linthicum
April 24, 2014
Ever wondered what hope can we have for the dead? Please read Acts 5:28,29. Sorry for your loss.
January 9, 2014
Prayers to your family,rest in peace,the world lost a wonderful and talented actor
Jennifer hickey
November 16, 2013
we love you michael rest in peace bro we will always remember you
carla hollan
August 4, 2013
carla god bless you loved u in the movie the island
carla hollan
August 4, 2013
RIP. Michael. Clark. Duncan
G . Harvin
June 13, 2013
In loving memory
Joel Cosby
May 30, 2013
To Michael Duncan,
You were a very talented actor. My prayers go to you, your family and friends. Lisa Weiner
Lisa Weiner
May 27, 2013
To Michael Duncan,
You were a very talented actor. My prayers are with you, your family and friends. Lisa Weiner
Lisa Weiner
May 27, 2013
Keep smiling Angel,you will never be forgotton.
Patricia Bassey
May 24, 2013
Our prayers go out to the family today. He will truly me missed.
Vickie Lail
May 19, 2013
Miss you. Already. Have some. Of. Your movie s. And just dun a. New one. That. Be. Out. Soon. RIP. Michael. Love you But. God. Love s. You. Best.
MRS. Gertie Harvin
May 17, 2013
He was a great man. He was.
Good actor. He will be missed Michael C. Dunken. Rip Never Will. Be Forgotton
Gertie Harvin
May 17, 2013
I was so sad to hear of your passing, my heart goes out to all you family friends and all the lives that have been affected by your passing! R.I.P.
LaTasha Phipps
May 15, 2013
You will truly be missed Michael Clarke Duncan. Gone but never forgotten
LaTasha Phipps
May 15, 2013
R.I.P.
Brandy Ali
April 28, 2013
R.I.P.
Gregory Smith Jr
March 31, 2013
I've just found out months later that this gifted soul has transcended!He reminded me of Paul Robeson and every other brother who lived and evolved and illuminated through time. Rest well my brother! -DONNA J.(LEXINGTON,KY.)
Donna Johnson
March 27, 2013
A true human person with love oozing out of his being, a natural in front of the camera, who made it look so easy like it was his second NATURE, I am most certain that if I walked into his space, he would of made me feel most important. I say this because of all
the comments I have read, and his appreciation he stated for Bruce Willis
recommending him for the Green Mile which I consider in my TOP 10 OF ALL TIME, thanks
ps- TO Omarosa Manigaul, MAY GOD'S PEACE CONTINUE TO GUIDE YOU AND COMFORT YOU ON THE PASSING OF MICHAEL
TO BRUCE ON LOSING A GREAT FRIEND
AND THANK YOU MICHAEL, RIP.
MICHAEL DEMITA
March 12, 2013
May God bless u and welcome u with open arms.
Angie Raimondo
January 31, 2013
Go rest high on that mountain. You will be truly missed by all. Thank you for your time here with us, and for what you left us. May God bless you and your family.
Johnny Copeland
January 1, 2013
Not just a great actor,a fantastic human.kind heart.never hurt a soul.he would give one person more than he would take from a million.God keep him safe and warm
David M.
December 30, 2012
I ve long been a fan. I ve read of football player. body gaurd. and of course actor. Im writting this now because Im watching my favorite comedy Talledaga nights and I miss him. I read a quote on this web sight that he had such beleiving eyes. I agree. A person can tell about a man from their eyes. My condolences to his family.
Dustin Geurts
December 14, 2012
You were a great actor and I always enjoyed your work!
R.I.P
Cassandra Muhammad
December 4, 2012
Great actor! To the family keep being strong and have hope for there will come a day where there will be no more suffering or pain nor death.
November 29, 2012
My condolences to all his loved ones, Michael was a great actor and you could SEE his true heart in his eyes. The kindness and gentleness that alot of big men have. He will be greatly missed by his fans, even more so by those who knew and loved him. Sharon Levier
November 19, 2012
elizabeth oldham
November 11, 2012
I will miss you mike. R.I.P
john karuku
November 11, 2012
Great love and respect to a inspiring man who gave a little bit of himself to the world , Heartfelt sympathy to his family xx
Elsie Mcleman
October 28, 2012
My heart goes out to the family of Mr. Duncan. He was a great actor and a gentle giant! I know he is in heaven looking down on us all with that big wide smile he loved to show off! God has one of his best angles now....
JUANITA ROBINSON
October 27, 2012
You are so loved and missed. May God watch over you're family and love ones during their time of need.
Joanne Franklin
October 21, 2012
Dear Duncan family,
I am sorry to hear about your loss. I hope you can find comfort in the words found at "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.� And the One seated on the throne said: “Look! I am making all things new.� Also, he says: “Write, because these words are faithful and true.�
October 15, 2012
You will be missed,Micheal,RIP. love Carmen,Ivan
..
October 14, 2012
I went to school with Mike at Alcorn State in the 80's. He was a basketball player and a nice guy. We stayed on the same floor of our dorm. Rest in peace Big Mike
Del-Re' Dudley
October 11, 2012
Michael you have touched the lives of many. Let the family know that he will never be forgotten. Michael is now in the arms of the lord god. R.I.P. I didn't know you in person, but i feel that, to know you is to love you.
Gleda Wright
October 11, 2012
You were a pleasure and full of life! My heart goes out to the family.
Stacey Laine
October 8, 2012
RIP ONE OF THE GREATS YOU WILL BE MISSED
jay beaumont
October 8, 2012
Michael you will truly be missed. My Deepest Sympathy to the family and may the Lord give you all comfort and peace.
Sylvia Collins
October 2, 2012
I will miss that deep voice and that wonderful smile.you've earned those wings.
Pearlie Dean
September 30, 2012
++ Another Angel Has Earned His Wings! ++
Mr Duncan, you are definitely a Wonderful Actor who will be missed!
Aunt Linde
September 28, 2012
YOU WILL BE TRULEY MISSED !!!RIP GOD BLESS YOU ..
RONDA JACKSON
September 26, 2012
He will be greatly missed !! I truly couldn't take my eyes off him he had a special talent and we all are thankful we had him for awhile
September 26, 2012
I just can't believe it !!!! I enjoyed him so much I can't believe he's gone !! Michael,
you left a legacy to be proud of....you will
be so missed !! Condolences to all who loved
you.
Lillian Webb
September 24, 2012
To the family of Michael Clarke Duncan. Please accept my deepest sorrow. May God bring peace at this time.2 Cor. 1:1-2
EM
September 24, 2012
Dear Michael,
I loved your work and please know you are one of the Angels gone home long before we are ready. Blessed light and love to those you have left behind. Ekua
Ekua W.
September 23, 2012
We will miss you terribly Michael Clarke Duncan. Green Mile is and will always be my favorite movie. Heaven is now brighter since a great actor is on board. R.I.P.
Alex Palmer
September 22, 2012
May you Rest In Peace - Praying for the Family. RIP: You will be missed. Your Fans: T'keiha, Shatavia, Krystyna Fullwood.
Patsy Fullwood
September 22, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
JoElla DeGraftenreed-Penn
September 20, 2012
It was a complete honor to meet you that summer day @ Fox Studios and I knew it. I just didn't know that this would be our one and only time meeting..LIFE! R.I.P MCD
I chant this Buddhist chant for the Highest elevation of YOUR SOUL : ) Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo ~ AMEN
Shauna
September 19, 2012
Mr. Duncan, a giant among us, in more ways than his physical presence. Your role in the movie "The Green Mile" will remain with me until we meet, hopefully, in heaven. God rest your soul. Until later.
Frank Lewis
September 19, 2012
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Mary Metcalf
September 18, 2012
Monica
September 17, 2012
You were a blessed man. Thank you, for sharing your life with us.
scott Shelley
September 17, 2012
You will be missed you were a great actor and there has never been another actor like you.Thank You for all the good memorys.
Angie Capps
September 17, 2012
Rest well sweet soul
Priscilla Vail
September 17, 2012
U were the best njoyed all ur movies!
Pamela Allen
September 17, 2012
You will truly b missed hearts go out
sandra crosby
September 17, 2012
RIP. You will be Missed.
Vickey McCue
September 17, 2012
You will be missed.
Geneva
September 17, 2012
You will be missed by alot of people. say hi to pac. pour out a little liqour.
Jorge velez
September 17, 2012
you were and still are an inspiration to people everywhere, may your memory always fill our hearts and warm our souls you will be dearly missed
jessic Gay
September 17, 2012
May GOD rest your soul! You will be truly missed. Bless GOD! Prayers to the family and friends.
Patrice Cullen
September 16, 2012
May the angels welcome you to heaven
September 16, 2012
you will b missed by all.
cynthia smith
September 16, 2012
diann smith
September 16, 2012
You will be missed
Ida Megginson
September 16, 2012
RIP u will always be missed and always in our hearts
taihatain mitchell
September 16, 2012
Rest in peace Michael.
Flora Brooks
September 16, 2012
Great actor who we all will greatly miss! Loved his work!
Elizabeth Soule
September 16, 2012
R.I.P. You will be missed!
T S
September 16, 2012
Great Actor..Will be missed
Andrea Martinez
September 16, 2012
RIP. Michael. You. Was wonderful Actor. An person you will be missed. By every one.
Taleia Alexander
September 16, 2012
So sad to see Michael go. He was a great actor. My condolences to the family.
jewel JONES
September 16, 2012
Your star shines on forever
terri meyer
September 16, 2012
Rest in peace we all will miss you especially the show business that you was in
Mary Johnson
September 16, 2012
Mr Duncan was a very outstanding actor and alway had a wonderful smile. May his soul rest in peace.
Janice T (Oklahoma City, OK)
September 16, 2012
Rest In Peace!!!
ANGELA FLETCHER
September 16, 2012
rest in peace my friend
leticia lopez
September 16, 2012
RIP BIG MIKE, URE A GREAT ACTOR AND U WILL BE GREATLY MISSED
James Pickering Jr.
September 16, 2012
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