THE ACTOR MICHAEL CLARKE DUNCAN DIED OF A HEART ATTACK RELATED COMPLICATIONS IN LOS ANGELES

 Recopilated by Tony Franco

The Oscar-nominated actor died on September 3 at the age of 54 from complications after a heart attack.

Michael Clarke Duncan died in Los Angeles on Monday, September 3. The Academy Award-nominated actor had a heart attack on July 13 and never fully recovered. Clarke died at a Los Angeles hospital where he had been since having the heart attack more than seven weeks ago.

Michael Clarke Duncan  was born on December 10, 1957, he was an American actor, best known for his breakout role as John Coffey in The Green Mile, for which he was nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe.

Before he broke into acting, Duncan worked as a bodyguard for stars including Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Jamie Foxx, LL Cool J, and The Notorious B.I.G whose 1997 death prompted him to quit that line of work.

At 6-feet, 5-inches tall and approximately 300 pounds, Duncan was nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for his role as gentle giant prisoner John Coffey in "The Green Mile," also starring Tom Hanks. Duncan won the role, in part, due to a recommendation by Bruce Willis, who he worked with on 1998's "Armageddon." Duncan went on to appear with Willis in three more films -- "Breakfast of Champions," "The Whole Nine Yards" and "Sin City."

Duncan's career spanned three decades and included roles in other television and film titles including "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," "Married with Children," "The Jamie Foxx Show," "Living Single," "Bulworth," "Arli$$," "A Night at the Roxbury," "Sister, Sister," "Planet of the Apes,"The Scorpion King (where he starred alongside his friend, The Rock),  "CSI: NY," "Talladega Nights," "Two and a Half Men," "Bones," and most recently "The Challenger," which is yet to be released.

Duncan was a prolific voice-over actor as well, lending his rumbling baritone to animated characters in "Kung Fu Panda," "King of the Hill," "Family Guy," "Green Lantern," and many others. The African American actor also played The Kingpin in 2003's "Daredevil," starring Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner.

Like every other aspect of his life, the impression Michael Clarke Duncan made when he appeared in a film was always big. From his first major role as one of the roughnecks saving the world in "Armageddon," he rumbled seats with his deep baritone voice and earned laughs with his natural charm.

Tom Hanks and Michael Duncan in "The Green Mile"

ILLNESS AND DEATH

On July 13, 2012, Duncan was sent to the hospital after suffering from a heart attack. It was reported that his girlfriend, Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth, potentially saved his life by performing CPR before he was transported to the hospital.

Duncan's publicist Joy Fehily said in a statement on August 6, 2012 that he was moved from the intensive care unit but remained hospitalized following his July 13 heart attack.

On September 3, 2012, a publicist quoted Manigault as saying that Duncan had died during the morning hours in Los Angeles at the age of 54.

Michael Duncan and Billy Crystal at the Academy Awards 2000. 

MESSAGES OF DUNCAN´S FRIENDS ON TWITTER

El NotiCoto ‏@ElNotiCoto

Rest in Peace Michael your heart stopped but your essence, your spirit, your work and great smile will live forever!

His co-star Mercedes Masohn tweeted: "Today is a sad day. Michael Clark Duncan passed away this morning. Known for his moving performance in The Green Mile. RIP MCD. You'll b missed."

Zachary Levi, actor

"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."

Roger Ebert, film critic

"Michael Clarke Duncan passes at 54. A striking screen presence."

MC Hammer, rapper

"One of the best among Men on earth. A gentle Giant. Loved him. Pure class and grace. RIP my friend."

Adam Baldwin, actor

"R.I.P. dear Michael. We were all honored & priviliged to know you & work with you on 'Chuck.' Farewell, gentle giant."

Terry Crews, actor

"Rest in Peace to my brother who paved the way for me and many Black actors, Michael Clarke Duncan."

Steve Harvey, actor and radio host

"I will miss my friend, Michael Clarke Duncan. What an incredible soldier in God's Plan."

Olivia Munn, actress

"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."

Jordin Sparks, singer and actress

"RIP Michael Clarke Duncan. Thank you for being so kind to me & for sharing your talent with the world. You will be truly missed."

Mario Lopez, TV host and actor

R.I.P Michael Clarke Duncan... One of the nicest & most professional guys I've had the pleasure of knowing. So sad."

David Boreanaz, actor

R.I.P. my friend MCD. I will miss you.

Sources: CNN, Yahoo News, Twitter, and Wikipedia.