A Tribute To A Gentle Giant Michael Clarke Duncan

The news was very disturbing on July 13, 2012 when the details were released regarding Michael Clarke Duncan health scare. He had gone into cardiac arrest. His fiancée Omarosa Manigault was the one who had found him and was able to perform CPR. According to an interview Omarosa had given on the Tom Joyner Morning Show she stated that Duncan was doing fine. It was even more shocking when we learned on 09/03/12 Duncan had passed away at the age of 54.

Michael Clarke Duncan was born on 12/10/57 in Chicago. Michael and his sister Judith was raised by their

mother. He had always wanted to become an actor but was told by many that he was too big and did not have the looks to pursue such a dream. Michael credits his mother and held on too her words, “You can be anything.”

During his younger years he was able to attend Alcorn State University in Mississippi, but was unable to complete his studies. His mother‘s health was failing so he decided to leave school to help support her. Duncan returned to Chicago and found a job as a ditch digger with the gas company. Duncan was able to eventually quit his job and become a security guard with a traveling show. Once he made it to Los Angeles Duncan stayed. In 1998 Duncan started gaining small roles in television and films. He became a bodyguard for several

different stars. He was supposed to be guarding Notorious B.I.G. the night he was gunned down but his assignment had been switched. After this event Duncan decided to leave his body guard job behind. He made the decision to pursue acting full time.

The role that really put Duncan on the map was Stephen King’s novel and also the name of the movie “The Green Mile.” This movie opened in theaters in 1999. Duncan play John Coffey a man who had healing powers and was also accused of killing two little girls. The movie was a success and Duncan was nominated for an Academy Award. That same year he was also nominated for a Golden Globe Award. This opened the door for Duncan to appear in other films. Duncan thanked Bruce Willis, the man who had recommended him for the “Green Mile.”

Duncan died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He never really recovered from the heart attack he suffered from in July.

Thank you Michael Clarke Duncan for showing us that dreams can come true with hard work and dedication.

Duncan is survived by his mother, his sister and his fiancée Omarosa Manigault
RIP
 

Cierra Grant Live Performance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCWHVulfMq0