Actor Michael Clarke Duncan dies at 54

Added by Monique Robinson on September 5, 2012

Actor Michael Clarke Duncan, noted for his role in “The Green Mile” as a death-row inmate of a Louisiana penitentiary, died on Monday at age 54. Doctors said Duncan died of natural causes related to complications from a heart attack he suffered in July.

Celebrities reacted to Duncan’s death through Twitter and other outlets, generally saying Duncan was a kind and gentle giant – in reference to his physical stature at 6 feet, 5 inches tall and weighing about 300 pounds.

Duncan landed the role of John Coffey in “The Green Mile” with help from Bruce Willis after they became acquainted while working on “Armageddon” where he played a member of the drilling team sent destroy an asteroid that threatened the future of Earth’s existence.

Duncan started dreaming about a career in acting when he was young, earning the title of “Hollywood Mike” from his co-workers because he talked about becoming an actor so often.

Duncan worked as a bodyguard before landing minor roles in films and television.

Duncan won the 2000 Academy award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “The Green Mile”; Duncan also won a number of other awards in 2000 including the Broadcast Film Critics Association award for Best Supporting Actor.