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Michael Clarke Duncan’s Last Mile
Other | Tuesday 4th September 2012 | Osh
Actor Michael Clarke Duncan, best known for his role in The Green Mile, suffered a heart attack in July and after failing to recover over the last two months, died Monday at Cedars Medical Centre in Los Angeles aged 54.
Duncan was raised by his mother in Chicago, where he focused on his studies and plans to join the football team. His mother however was against him playing the sport as she felt it to be too dangerous, so he turned his attention to acting. He eventually moved to Hollywood to pursue his acting career and became a bodyguard to the stars, including actors Will Smith, Martin Lawrence and Jamie Foxx. It was only after rapper Notorious B.I.G’s murder, who Duncan had been hired to protect before switching assignments, that led to his decision to quit his job and focus solely on his acting career.
Duncan will be primarily remembered for his role in the adaptation of the Stephen King’s novel The Green Mile. His portrayal of convicted murderer John Coffey was extremely moving; it certainly got Hollywood’s attention and won him an Oscar nomination in 2000. Tom Hanks who co-starred in the film as death row guard Paul Edgecomb, described him as “magic”. He added “He was a big love of man and his passing leaves us stunned”. The film’s director Frank Darabont described Duncan as “one of the finest people I’ve ever had the privilege to work with or know.”
Even though Duncan’s was in his thirties when his film career began, over the last twenty years he has accomplished so much and managed to firmly leave his mark on the industry. He showed great versatility as an actor starring in films such as Armageddon, Planet Of The Apes, Sin City and Talladega Nights, as well as lending his voice to animation for comedies such as Family Guy and Kung Fu Panda. His unforgettable performances and undeniable to talent will not be forgotten. Here’s a little clip to remind us just how great he was.
Rebecca Mason
