Sad news to end this Labor Day holiday–actor, voiceover personality and former celebrity bodyguard Michael Clarke Duncan died today in a Los Angeles Hospital. The star of such films as The Green Mile, Armageddon, Daredevil, and The Whole Nine Yards was 54 years old.
Clark had been convalescing in a Los Angeles hospital since his heart attack on July 13th of this year. He had remained hospitalized, but removed from the Intensive Care Unit, in August.
According to TMZ, Duncan’s death came very suddenly this morning—his fiancé, two-time The Apprentice cast member Omarosa Manigualt, had briefly left Duncan in his hospital room with her mother, and the physically imposing star had passed away by the time she returned.
TMZ also has a statement from Duncan’s representative, noting that the actor “never fully recovered” from the July heart attack. The rep also stated that Manigault “is grateful for all of your prayers and asks for privacy at this time. Celebrations of his life, both private and public, will be announced at a later date.”
Prior to becoming a Hollywood actor, Duncan worked as a celebrity bodyguard, protecting such stars as Martin Lawrence, Will Smith, Jamie Foxx, LL Cool J, and Notorious B.I.G.
Duncan was famous for his large physique (6’5”, with weight that varied from 270 to 330) and deep voice, which, combined with his screen presence, made him difficult to ignore in such films as The Green Mile (for which he was nominated for an Academy Award), The Whole Nine Yards, Armageddon, Daredevil, Sin City, Planet of the Apes, The Scorpion King, Kung Fu Panda, and more.
What is your favorite Michael Clarke Duncan performance?
Criminal Empire For Dummies
The Challenger
Into the Hive
The High Fructose Adventures of Annoying Orange
From the Rough
The Sibling
The Finder
Green Lantern
Legend of Kung Fu Rabbit
Bones
Cross
Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore
Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li
The Slammin’ Salmon
Delgo
Kung Fu Panda
Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins
American Crude
One Way
Slipstream
The Last Mimzy
School for Scoundrels
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
D.E.B.S.
Racing Stripes
Sin City
The Island
Pursued
Brother Bear
Daredevil
The Scorpion King
Planet of the Apes
See Spot Run
Sleep in a Nest of Flames
The Whole Nine Yards
Breakfast of Champions
The Green Mile
The Underground Comedy Movie
A Night At the Roxbury
Bulworth
The Players Club