'Green Mile' actor Michael Clarke Duncan remembered as a 'gentle giant' - CNN

'Green Mile' actor Michael Clarke Duncan remembered as a 'gentle giant'

By the CNN Wire Staff

Updated 1127 GMT (1927 HKT) September 4, 2012

Michael Clarke Duncan, the Oscar-nominated actor who died Monday, September 3, and reality-TV personality Omarosa Manigault planned to marry next year, her representative said Tuesday.
Photos: Photos: Duncan through the years
Duncan through the years – Michael Clarke Duncan, the Oscar-nominated actor who died Monday, September 3, and reality-TV personality Omarosa Manigault planned to marry next year, her representative said Tuesday.
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Duncan died in Los Angeles on Monday at age 54. He had a heart attack on July 13 and never fully recovered, a family representative says.
Photos: Photos: Duncan through the years
Duncan through the years – Duncan died in Los Angeles on Monday at age 54. He had a heart attack on July 13 and never fully recovered, a family representative says.
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Duncan earned an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor in 1999 for his role as John Coffey in "The Green Mile."
Photos: Photos: Duncan through the years
Duncan through the years – Duncan earned an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor in 1999 for his role as John Coffey in "The Green Mile."
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In 1998, Duncan landed his first significant movie role, playing Bear in "Armageddon." From left, Steve Buscemi, Will Patton, Bruce Willis, Duncan, Ben Affleck and Owen Wilson co-star in the film.
Photos: Photos: Duncan through the years
Duncan through the years – In 1998, Duncan landed his first significant movie role, playing Bear in "Armageddon." From left, Steve Buscemi, Will Patton, Bruce Willis, Duncan, Ben Affleck and Owen Wilson co-star in the film.
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Academy Awards host Billy Crystal and Duncan present the animated action short film award during the ceremony in 2000.
Photos: Photos: Duncan through the years
Duncan through the years – Academy Awards host Billy Crystal and Duncan present the animated action short film award during the ceremony in 2000.
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In 2000, Duncan was cast in the crime comedy "The Whole Nine Yards." He is seen at the premiere with co-stars, from left, Kevin Pollak, Matthew Perry, Rosanna Arquette, Amanda Peet, Natasha Henstridge and Bruce Willis.
Photos: Photos: Duncan through the years
Duncan through the years – In 2000, Duncan was cast in the crime comedy "The Whole Nine Yards." He is seen at the premiere with co-stars, from left, Kevin Pollak, Matthew Perry, Rosanna Arquette, Amanda Peet, Natasha Henstridge and Bruce Willis.
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Duncan signs autographs for fans during the 2001 Sears-WNBA Breast Health Awareness Celebrity Game in Santa Monica, California.
Photos: Photos: Duncan through the years
Duncan through the years – Duncan signs autographs for fans during the 2001 Sears-WNBA Breast Health Awareness Celebrity Game in Santa Monica, California.
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Duncan and his friend and co-star The Rock attend the Los Angeles premiere of "The Scorpion King" in 2002.
Photos: Photos: Duncan through the years
Duncan through the years – Duncan and his friend and co-star The Rock attend the Los Angeles premiere of "The Scorpion King" in 2002.
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Colin Farrell, Duncan, Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck arrive for the premier of "Daredevil" in 2003.
Photos: Photos: Duncan through the years
Duncan through the years – Colin Farrell, Duncan, Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck arrive for the premier of "Daredevil" in 2003.
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In 2005, Duncan had a role in the "Sin City," based on the Frank Miller graphic novel of the same name.
Photos: Photos: Duncan through the years
Duncan through the years – In 2005, Duncan had a role in the "Sin City," based on the Frank Miller graphic novel of the same name.
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Actress Scarlett Johansson and Duncan appear onstage together with host Damien Fahey of MTV's Total Request Live in 2005. Johansson and Duncan both had roles in the sci-fi film "The Island" that year.
Photos: Photos: Duncan through the years
Duncan through the years – Actress Scarlett Johansson and Duncan appear onstage together with host Damien Fahey of MTV's Total Request Live in 2005. Johansson and Duncan both had roles in the sci-fi film "The Island" that year.
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Duncan and fellow "Talladega Nights" cast members John C. Reilly, Will Ferrell and Leslie Bibb take questions from the media at the Chicagoland Speedway in 2006.
Photos: Photos: Duncan through the years
Duncan through the years – Duncan and fellow "Talladega Nights" cast members John C. Reilly, Will Ferrell and Leslie Bibb take questions from the media at the Chicagoland Speedway in 2006.
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Duncan lent his signature deep voice to a number of animated features, including 2008's "Kung Fu Panda."
Photos: Photos: Duncan through the years
Duncan through the years – Duncan lent his signature deep voice to a number of animated features, including 2008's "Kung Fu Panda."
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Mario Lopez and Duncan play in the 2010 MLB All Star Celebrity Softball Game in Anaheim, California.
Photos: Photos: Duncan through the years
Duncan through the years – Mario Lopez and Duncan play in the 2010 MLB All Star Celebrity Softball Game in Anaheim, California.
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Duncan and Geoff Stults laugh onstage during the panel for "The Finder" at the Winter TCA Tour on January 8 in Pasadena, California. Dunan's most recent role was on the Fox television series.
Photos: Photos: Duncan through the years
Duncan through the years – Duncan and Geoff Stults laugh onstage during the panel for "The Finder" at the Winter TCA Tour on January 8 in Pasadena, California. Dunan's most recent role was on the Fox television series.
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Tributes to "Green Mile" actor Michael Clarke Duncan poured in Monday on Twitter as word of his death spread.
Here's how some celebrities and people who knew Duncan remembered him:
Adam Baldwin, actor
"R.I.P. dear Michael. We were all honored & priviliged to know you & work with you on 'Chuck.' Farewell, gentle giant."
Zachary Levi, actor
2000: Duncan talks about fame
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2006: Michael Clarke Duncan on his health
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2006: Michael Clarke Duncan on his health 02:58
"Blessed to have had the opportunity to work with Michael Clarke Duncan while he was still with us. He was a kind soul that will be missed."
Roger Ebert, film critic
"Michael Clarke Duncan passes at 54. A striking screen presence."
MC Hammer, rapper
"One of the best among Men on earth. A gentle Giant. Loved him. Pure class and grace. RIP my friend."
Terry Crews, actor
"Rest in Peace to my brother who paved the way for me and many Black actors, Michael Clarke Duncan."
Steve Harvey, actor and radio host
"I will miss my friend, Michael Clarke Duncan. What an incredible soldier in God's Plan."
Olivia Munn, actress
"Michael Clarke Duncan always had a smile on his face & a big bear hug ready for you. My thoughts & prayers are with his family&friends. RIP."
Jordin Sparks, singer and actress
"RIP Michael Clarke Duncan. Thank you for being so kind to me & for sharing your talent with the world. You will be truly missed."
Mario Lopez, TV host and actor
R.I.P Michael Clarke Duncan... One of the nicest & most professional guys I've had the pleasure of knowing. So sad."
David Boreanaz, actor
R.I.P. my friend MCD. I will miss you.