Oscar-nominated actor Michael Clarke Duncan, whose imposing presence and deep voice lent heft to such films as The Green Mile, Sin City, and Daredevil, died Monday in Los Angeles from heart attack complications. He was 54.
Born in Chicago, Duncan worked as a bouncer and a as bodyguard for various celebrities before getting his first major role in 1998 in Armageddon. Duncan befriended Armageddon star Bruce Willis, who helped Duncan to land his most famous role; playing hulking death row inmate John Coffey in The Green Mile, Duncan earned an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Duncan subsequently solidified his status as a top character actor with such films as The Whole Nine Yards, Daredevil, Sin City, and Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby. He also put his rich, deep voice to good use in such animated fare as Brother Bear and Kung Fu Panda.
Duncan had suffered from health issues after a heart attack in July. He is survived by his fiancé, Omarosa Manigault.
Click here to see Michael Clarke Duncan’s filmography on Rotten Tomatoes. And check out our 2011 interview with Duncan here.
