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Michael Clarke Duncan was an immensely talented actor known for his powerful presence and unforgettable performances on the big screen. From his breakthrough role as John Coffey in “The Green Mile” to his portrayal of tough guys and larger-than-life characters, Duncan’s commanding presence and deep bass voice made him a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. However, there was more to Duncan than just his acting prowess. In addition to his successful career in the entertainment industry, he was a philanthropist, an advocate for animal rights, and a man of deep convictions. This introduction will delve into the life, career, and impact of the late Michael Clarke Duncan, shedding light on the extraordinary individual behind the iconic on-screen performances.

(1957-2012)

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Michael Clarke Duncan was born on December 10, 1957 in Chicago, Illinois. Duncan dropped out of college and worked security jobs for clients, including actors Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. Encouraged by his mother to pursue acting, he made several minor TV and film appearances before landing a role in 1999’s The Green Mile, which earned him an Oscar nomination. On September 3, 2012, Duncan died of complications from a heart attack that he had suffered two months prior, on July 13, 2012. He was 54 years old.

Early Life

Raised on Chicago’s South Side by his mother, Jean, Michael Clarke Duncan studied communications at Alcorn State University in Mississippi. He dropped out and returned to Chicago, working as a ditch digger for a gas company and moonlighting as a bouncer in various South Side nightclubs. He eventually landed a security position with a touring stage company production of Beauty Shop, Part 2. After touring 56 cities with the company, Duncan settled in 1995 in Los Angeles, where he again supported himself by working security jobs for several clients, including actors Will Smith and Martin Lawrence.

Acting Career

As a 6-foot-5 African-American man weighing more than 300 pounds, Duncan found himself typecast in the bouncer or “tough guy” role on television—The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, The Jamie Foxx Show, Married… with Children, and The Bold and the Beautiful—and in films, including Warren Beatty’s Bulworth and A Night at the Roxbury (both released in 1998). He received acclaim in 1998 for his performance as Bear, a member of the motley crew of astronauts led by Bruce Willis in the action blockbuster Armageddon.

Willis then reportedly recommended Duncan to director Frank Darabont, who cast the actor in his film adaptation of Stephen King’s serial novel The Green Mile. The film, released in 1999, starred Tom Hanks. As death-row inmate John Coffey, a massive but supremely gentle man imbued with supernatural healing powers, Duncan earned widespread critical acclaim, including an Oscar Award nomination for best supporting actor. He reunited with Willis in the little-seen Breakfast of Champions in 1999, as well as in the comedy hit The Whole Nine Yards (2000).

Duncan also tried his hand at series television: He co-starred with Geoff Stults in the humorous crime show The Finder in 2012.

Death

Later that year, on July 13, 2012, Duncan suffered a heart attack. Thanks to his fiancée and former contestant on The Apprentice, Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth, who performed CPR on the actor, Duncan survived the attack, but never fully recovered.

QUICK FACTS

Name: Michael Clarke Duncan
Birth Year: 1957
Birth date: December 10, 1957
Birth State: Illinois
Birth City: Chicago
Birth Country: United States
Gender: Male
Best Known For: Michael Clarke Duncan was an African-American actor, best remembered for his role in The Green Mile.
Industries

Film

Astrological Sign: Sagittarius
Schools

Alcorn State University

Death Year: 2012
Death date: September 3, 2012
Death State: California
Death City: Los Angeles
Death Country: United States

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CITATION INFORMATION

Article Title: Michael Clarke Duncan Biography
Author: Biography.com Editors
Website Name: The Biography.com website
Url: https://www.biography.com/actors/michael-clarke-duncan
Access Date:
Publisher: A&E; Television Networks
Last Updated: August 20, 2019
Original Published Date: April 2, 2014

In conclusion, Michael Clarke Duncan was a highly talented actor who left an indelible mark on the film industry with his powerful performances and unforgettable screen presence. He defied odds and persevered through adversity to achieve success, demonstrating the power of determination and hard work. Beyond his physical stature, Duncan was known for his kind heart, humility, and generosity, making him beloved by colleagues and fans alike. His untimely passing was a great loss to the entertainment world, but his legacy lives on through the numerous films and characters he brought to life. Michael Clarke Duncan will always be remembered as a true talent and an inspiration to aspiring actors everywhere.