Gregarious and larger than life actor Michael Clarke Duncan has died due to complications arising from a July 13th heart attack. He was 54 years old.
The six foot five 315 pound Chicago native, Duncan began his career in Hollywood as a body guard for such celebrities as Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Jamie Foxx, LL Cool J, and The Notorious B.I.G. Although his first recognizable role was as Bear in the 1998 film Armageddon, that film would be the turning point in Duncan's career. He struck up a friendship with Bruce Willis, and Willis's influence helped Duncan receive his Oscar nominated role as John Coffey in the 1999 film The Green Mile.
From there Duncan went on to star in such movies as The Whole Nine Yards, Daredevil, and Sin City and made guest appearances in shows like "Family Guy" and "Two and Half Men."
More than just an actor, Duncan also was very active in the community and did PSAs for stroke prevention. He was also an avid fan of the Chicago White Sox.
On a personal note I have to say that Duncan's death struck me a little harder than I expected it to. In a town full of phonies, he just seemed like one of the more sincere and genuine people Hollywood had to offer. I will never forget his poignant and heart wrenching role as John Coffey in The Green Mile. His loss to actor Michael Caine for the Best Support Actor Oscar is one of the greater injustices in Academy Award history.
It's sad to think that none of us will get to see that winning smile and hear that boisterous laugh, watch those keen eyes, or listen to that captivating deep bass voice ever again. Farewell Michael Clarke Duncan. The movie world will miss you.
And so will I.
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