9.03.2012

RIP: Michael Clarke Duncan

Sad news reported out of Hollywood today. News has reported that Oscar nominated actor Michael Clarke Duncan passed away today, September 3, 2012 at the age of 54.

Before breaking out in Hollywood with his Oscar-nominated role in 1999's The Green Mile, Michael Clarke Duncan had bit parts in films including Friday, A Night at the Roxbury and Armageddon. I will admit, both Armageddon and A Night at the Roxbury is where I first noticed Michael Clarke Duncan. He was a big man, but also seemed like a gentle giant in his small roles.



And speaking of gentle giant, his turn as prisoner John Coffey in The Green Mile broke open the doors. Michael Clarke Duncan portrayed John Coffey with the gentlest of touches. Even as his character was a convicted rapist and murderer, he also possessed a gift to "take back" certain things from people including: bringing a mouse to life and removing a brain tumor from the warden's wife.



As he should have, Michael Clarke Duncan, received a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his performance. Ultimately, he lost the award to Michael Caine for The Cider House Rules.



Not letting a loss deter him, Michael Clarke Duncan continued to make films throughout the 2000's including: Planet of the Apes, Daredevil, Sin City and Kung Fu Panda. Though he never was able to return to an Oscar caliber role like The Green Mile, his mark was definitely left in cinema history.



Thank you Michael Clarke Duncan for some great acting and for providing us with over a decade's worth of film memories.

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