37 Facts About Michael Clarke Duncan Death

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Michael Clarke Duncan's journey from humble beginnings to Hollywood stardom is truly inspiring. Let's explore the early years that shaped this remarkable actor.

1. Date of Birth: Michael Clarke Duncan was born on December 10, 1957, in Chicago, Illinois, USA.

2. Early Life: Raised by his single mother, Jean Duncan, on Chicago’s South Side, Michael grew up with his sister Judith. His father left the family when Michael was six years old.

3. Education: Duncan attended Alcorn State University in Mississippi, where he studied communications. However, he dropped out to care for his ailing mother.

4. Career Beginnings: After dropping out of college, Duncan worked as a ditch digger for Peoples Gas Company in Chicago. He later moonlighted as a bouncer in various South Side nightclubs.

5. Security Jobs: Duncan eventually landed a security position with a touring stage company production of "Beauty Shop, Part 2." This job took him to 56 cities across the United States, eventually leading him to settle in Los Angeles in 1995.

Transition to Acting

Duncan's move to Los Angeles marked the beginning of his acting career. Here are some key moments from his early days in Hollywood.

6. Security Clients: In Los Angeles, Duncan supported himself by working security jobs for several clients, including actors Will Smith and Martin Lawrence.

7. Acting Debut: Encouraged by his mother to pursue acting, Duncan obtained an agent and made his acting debut as a drill sergeant on a beer commercial. He then appeared in numerous regional and national TV spots before making his big-screen debut in 1995 in an uncredited walk-on role in the comedy film "Friday".

8. Early Roles: Duncan found himself typecast in the bouncer or "tough guy" role on television shows like "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," "The Jamie Foxx Show," "Married… with Children," and "The Bold and the Beautiful." He also appeared in films such as Warren Beatty's "Bulworth" and "A Night at the Roxbury" (both released in 1998).

Breakthrough and Acclaim

Duncan's big break came with a role that showcased his incredible talent and range as an actor.

9. Breakthrough Role: Duncan received acclaim in 1998 for his performance as Bear, a member of the motley crew of astronauts led by Bruce Willis in the action blockbuster "Armageddon".

10. Recommendation by Bruce Willis: Willis reportedly recommended Duncan to director Frank Darabont, who cast the actor in his film adaptation of Stephen King's serial novel "The Green Mile." The film, released in 1999, starred Tom Hanks as a corrections officer at a penitentiary in the 1930s. Duncan played John Coffey, a convicted murderer with a surprisingly gentle demeanor and extraordinary healing powers.

11. Oscar Nomination: Duncan's performance in "The Green Mile" earned him widespread critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Continued Success in Hollywood

Following his breakout role, Duncan continued to build an impressive filmography with diverse roles.

12. Reunion with Bruce Willis: Duncan reunited with Willis in the little-seen "Breakfast of Champions" in 1999, as well as in the comedy hit "The Whole Nine Yards" (2000).

13. Other Notable Roles: Duncan also appeared in movies such as "Planet of the Apes" (2001), "The Scorpion King" (2002), "Sin City" (2005), and "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby" (2006). He also had voice roles in films like "Brother Bear" (2003), "Kung Fu Panda" (2008), and "Green Lantern" (2011).

14. Television Roles: In addition to his film career, Duncan appeared in television series such as "Bones" (2011) and its spin-off "The Finder" (2012). He played the role of Leo Knox in both shows.

Personal Life and Health

Duncan's personal life and health journey were as compelling as his acting career.

15. Personal Life: At the time of his death, Duncan was dating reality television personality Omarosa Manigault. However, his family later claimed that Omarosa manipulated him in his final days, lied about their engagement, and sold his belongings without their knowledge.

16. Health Transformation: In the spring of 2012, Duncan appeared in a video for PETA, the animal rights organization, in which he spoke of how much better he felt since becoming a vegetarian three years earlier. He credited vegetarianism with improving his health and shedding 35 pounds from his massive frame.

Heart Attack and Hospitalization

Duncan's health took a tragic turn in 2012, leading to his untimely death.

17. Heart Attack: On July 13, 2012, Duncan suffered a myocardial infarction (heart attack) and was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Despite efforts to recover, he never fully recovered from the attack.

18. Hospitalization: By August 6, 2012, Duncan had been moved from the intensive care unit but remained hospitalized. His condition continued to deteriorate, and he eventually succumbed to respiratory failure on September 3, 2012.

19. Death Announcement: The news of Duncan's death was announced by his fiancée, Omarosa Manigault, in a statement released by publicist Joy Fehily. Manigault expressed gratitude for all the prayers and asked for privacy during this difficult time.

Legacy and Tributes

Duncan's legacy lives on through his work and the impact he had on those who knew him.

20. Celebrations of Life: Celebrations of his life, both private and public, were announced at a later date. Tom Hanks, who co-starred with him in "The Green Mile," was among the attendees at the memorial service.

21. Funeral: A private funeral was held for Duncan on September 10, 2012, in Los Angeles. He was interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills.

22. Legacy: Remembered as a kind man with an infectious smile who didn’t let success get to him, Michael Clarke Duncan has left behind millions of adoring fans and colleagues with nothing but praise for him. His legacy continues to inspire aspiring actors and vegetarians alike.

Interesting Facts and Trivia

Duncan's life was filled with interesting moments and achievements beyond his acting career.

23. Trivia: Duncan was known for his deep commanding voice and towering height of 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 meters). He was also famous for giving five dollars to anyone who recognized him on the street and knew his full name.

24. Sports Background: Before turning to acting, Duncan tried out for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL) but decided to become an actor instead when his mother refused to let him play, fearing he would get injured. He also played basketball at Kankakee Community College and for one season for the Alcorn State Braves.

25. Disco Demolition Night: In 1979, Duncan participated in the infamous Disco Demolition Night at Comiskey Park, home of the Chicago White Sox. During the riot, his silver belt buckle was stolen while he was stealing a baseball bat from the dugout.

26. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Duncan trained in Brazilian jiu-jitsu at the Gracie Academy in Torrance, California, and held a purple belt in the discipline.

27. PETA Promotion: Duncan’s appearance in the PETA video promoting vegetarianism highlighted his commitment to a healthier lifestyle. He stated, “I cleared out my refrigerator, about $5,000 worth of meat. I’m a lot healthier than I was when I was eating meat”.

Health Risks and Family Claims

Despite his efforts to lead a healthy lifestyle, Duncan faced significant health risks.

28. Health Risks: Despite his healthy diet, Duncan’s family history of heart disease put him at a higher risk for cardiovascular issues. The American Heart Association notes that vegetarian diets are generally lower in saturated fats and cholesterol, which can reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers.

29. Family Claims: After Duncan’s death, his family claimed that Omarosa manipulated him in his final days, lied about their engagement, and sold his belongings without their knowledge. These claims have been subject to public scrutiny and debate.

Charitable Work and Public Tributes

Duncan's charitable efforts and the tributes paid to him after his death highlight his lasting impact.

30. Charitable Work: Omarosa Manigault played in the cast of "The All-Star Celebrity Apprentice" in 2013 and won $40,000 for the Sue Duncan Children's Center, a charity that Duncan had supported. This act was seen as a tribute to his memory and a continuation of his charitable work.

31. Public Tributes: The late-night talk show "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson" paid tribute to Duncan after his death. Ferguson, who often featured Duncan as a guest, began his show with a tribute to him the day after Duncan’s passing. During the show’s winter break in January 2013, reruns of the Scotland episodes were broadcast with a tribute to Duncan at the beginning of each episode.

32. Community Impact: Duncan’s impact on his community was significant. He was remembered for his kindness and generosity, often giving to those in need. His legacy extends beyond his acting career to his contributions to his community and charitable causes.

Career Highlights and Awards

Duncan's career was marked by memorable roles and significant accolades.

33. Career Highlights: Some of Duncan’s most notable roles include Kingpin in "Daredevil" and "Spider-Man: The New Animated Series" (both 2003), as well as voice roles in films like "Brother Bear" (2003) and "Kung Fu Panda" (2008).

34. Filmography: Duncan’s extensive filmography includes a wide range of genres and roles. From action blockbusters like "Armageddon" to dramatic performances in "The Green Mile," he demonstrated his versatility as an actor.

35. Television Appearances: In addition to his film career, Duncan made numerous television appearances. He co-starred in shows like "Bones" and "The Finder," showcasing his ability to adapt to different roles and genres.

36. Awards and Nominations: Duncan’s performance in "The Green Mile" earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. This recognition marked a significant milestone in his career, cementing his status as a talented and versatile actor.

37. Legacy Continues: Despite his untimely passing, Michael Clarke Duncan’s legacy continues to inspire aspiring actors and vegetarians alike. His commitment to a healthier lifestyle and his charitable work serve as a testament to his enduring impact on society.

Remembering Michael Clarke Duncan

Michael Clarke Duncan's life was a testament to perseverance and dedication. From his humble beginnings in Chicago to his rise as a Hollywood star, he left an indelible mark on the film industry. Known for his towering height, deep voice, and unforgettable roles, Duncan's legacy extends beyond his acting career. His commitment to a healthier lifestyle, highlighted by his switch to vegetarianism, and his charitable work continue to inspire many. Despite his untimely passing due to a heart attack in 2012, Duncan's impact remains strong. His performances, especially in "The Green Mile," earned him critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination. Fans and colleagues remember him as a kind, generous man who never let fame change him. Michael Clarke Duncan's story is one of resilience, talent, and a lasting legacy that will be remembered for generations.