‘Green Mile’ Actor Michael Clarke Duncan Dead At 54

Michael Clarke Duncan, best known for his roles in “The Green Mile” and “The Whole Nine Yards,” passed away. He was 54. After suffering a massive heart attack back in July, actor Michael Clarke Duncan, the miraculous mountain of muscle in the Oscar-nominated film “The Green Mile,” died this Monday in Los Angeles. The 6-foot-5, 325-pound movie star passed away at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center at age 54, his rep confirmed to the Daily News. Michael Clarke Duncan, a former bodyguard who turned to acting in his 30s,“suffered a myocardial infarction on July 13 and never fully recovered,” the statement said. Seven weeks ago, his fiance, Omarosa Manigault, a reality TV star and Baptist minister, performed CPR and was able to resuscitate him before calling 911. Duncan left the intensive care unit in early August but remained hospitalized. “Manigault is grateful for all of your prayers and asks for privacy at this time,” Duncan’s rep said, adding that public and private memorials would be announced soon. Duncan had a handful of minor roles before “The Green Mile” brought him an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actor. His portrayal of John Coffey in “The Green Mile” caught on with critics and moviegoers and he quickly became a favorite in Hollywood, appearing in several films a year. Just hours after his death fans, friends and colleagues began paying tribute to the Oscar-nominated star of The Green Mile. In a statement to E! News, Tom Hanks, who co-starred with Duncan in The Green Mile, said: “I am terribly saddened at the loss of Big Mike...He was the treasure we all discovered on the set of The Green Mile. He was magic. He was a huge love of man and his passing leaves us stunned.” The Green Mile director Frank Darabont also released a statement, reported The Associated Press. “I'm devastated at the loss of Michael Clarke Duncan, one of the finest people I've ever had the privilege to work with or know,” he said. “Michael was the gentlest of souls – an exemplar of decency, integrity, and kindness. The sadness I feel is inexpressible.” Film critic Roger Ebert called him a “striking screen presence” on Twitter, while actress Olivia Munn added: “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.” Comedian and talk show host Steve Harvey took it to Twitter to epxress his sadness: “I will miss my friend, Michael Clarke Duncan. What an incredible soldier in God's Plan.” Tommy Davidson, who co-starred with Duncan on Proud Family, wrote, “The MOST gentle of Giants. RIP, my friend Michael.” “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,” wrote Zachary Levi. Our prayers go out to his family. RIP Big Mike!