by MATT GORDON Editor-in-chief
Actor Michael Clarke Duncan, 54, died Monday in Los Angeles of complications from a heart attack suffered in mid-July. Duncan was most famous for his roles as John Coffey in “The Green Mile” and Kingpin in “Daredevil.” He was known as a “gentle-giant” and was fit perfectly for action roles and comedy with his large, demeaning stature, but wide, bright smile. Duncan began as a bodyguard for celebrities Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Jamie Foxx, LL Cool J, and The Notorious B.I.G. During the filmiling of “Armageddon,” Duncan struck up a friendship with castmate Bruce Willis and his acting career took off. Raised by a single mother in Chicago, Duncan was prohibited from playing sports, so he took up acting and attended Alcorn University. Unfortunately, he had to drop out to support his family, and became a bouncer at many Chicago clubs. Before he died, Duncan was an advocate for PETA and starred in a video encouraging people to become vegetarians. Many fellow actors and celebrities expressed their sorrow after his death. “I will miss my friend, Michael Clarke Duncan,” said comedian and talk-show host Steve Harvey.