Michael Clarke Duncan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael Clarke Duncan
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Duncan in 2009
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| Born | December 10, 1957 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
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| Died | September 3, 2012 (aged 54) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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| Resting place | Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills, California, U.S. |
| Years active | 1994–2012 |
| Height | 6 ft 5 in (196 cm) |
| Partner(s) | Omarosa (m. 2010) |
Michael Clarke Duncan (born December 10, 1957 – died September 3, 2012) was an American actor and comedian. He was famous for his strong voice and large, friendly presence.
He was best known for playing John Coffey in the movie The Green Mile (1999). For this role, he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. He also played the villain Kingpin in Daredevil (2003). Michael Clarke Duncan appeared in many other popular movies like Armageddon (1998) and Kung Fu Panda (2008), where he lent his voice to characters.
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Early Life and Growing Up
Michael Clarke Duncan was born in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up with his mother, Jean, and his sister, Judy. His mother worked hard as a house cleaner to support their family.
When he was young, Michael wanted to play football. He even tried out for the Chicago Bears! However, his mother was worried he might get hurt. So, he decided to become an actor instead. He had to leave college to help his family when his mother became ill.
Michael was very tall and strong, standing at 6 feet 5 inches (196 cm) and weighing around 315 pounds (143 kg). This helped him in his early jobs. He worked digging ditches and as a bouncer at clubs in Chicago. He also played basketball in college.
In 1979, he went to an event called "Disco Demolition Night" at Comiskey Park. This was a famous event where people destroyed disco records. Michael was one of the first people to run onto the baseball field!
Starting His Acting Career
When Michael moved to Los Angeles, he took different security jobs. He worked as a bodyguard for famous people like Will Smith and Jamie Foxx. While doing this, he also tried to get small acting roles in TV shows and commercials. In 1997, he stopped being a bodyguard to focus fully on acting.
His first big movie role was in the action film Armageddon (1998). In this movie, he became good friends with actor Bruce Willis. Bruce Willis helped him get his most famous role.
Becoming a Star
That famous role was John Coffey in the movie The Green Mile (1999). He played a gentle giant with special powers. He starred alongside Tom Hanks in the film. Michael's amazing performance earned him nominations for major awards, like the Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award.
After The Green Mile, Michael Clarke Duncan became a well-known actor. He appeared in many movies, showing his talent in both action and comedy. Some of these films include The Whole Nine Yards (2000), Planet of the Apes (2001), and The Scorpion King (2002).
He also played the powerful villain Kingpin in the movie Daredevil (2003). This character is usually shown as white in comic books. Michael worked hard to fit the character's large size for the role. Later, he became a vegetarian and even appeared in an ad for PETA. He talked about how healthy his new diet made him feel.
In 2005, he was in Sin City, playing a strong character named Manute. A famous movie critic, Roger Ebert, praised Michael's acting in another film, The Island. He said Michael brought "true horror" to his scenes. Michael also appeared in the comedy Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006).
Voice Acting and TV Roles
Michael Clarke Duncan had a very deep and clear voice. This made him perfect for voice acting! He voiced characters in animated movies like Brother Bear (2003), Kung Fu Panda (2008), and Green Lantern (2011). In Green Lantern, he voiced the alien character Kilowog.
He also lent his voice to many TV shows and video games. He was the voice of Benjamin King in the video game Saints Row (2006). He also played the Kingpin again in Spider-Man: The New Animated Series.
On television, Michael guest-starred in popular shows like CSI: NY and Two and a Half Men. In 2011, he appeared in an episode of Bones as a character named Leo Knox. This role was so popular that it led to him starring in a spin-off show called The Finder in 2012.
Michael was also a frequent guest on the talk show The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. He appeared on the show 18 times! After his death, the host, Craig Ferguson, paid a special tribute to him.
Personal Life
At the time of his death, Michael Clarke Duncan was dating reality TV star Omarosa Manigault. Omarosa later appeared on a TV show called The All-Star Celebrity Apprentice. She played for Michael's favorite charity, the Sue Duncan Children's Center, and won $40,000 for them.
Michael was also very interested in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a type of martial arts. He trained at the Gracie Academy in California and earned a purple belt.
His Passing
On July 13, 2012, Michael Clarke Duncan had a heart attack and was taken to the hospital. He stayed in the hospital for some time. Sadly, on September 3, 2012, he passed away from breathing problems. He was 54 years old.
A private funeral was held for him in Los Angeles on September 10, 2012. He was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills.
Images for kids
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Duncan in 2009
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Duncan in 2009
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Crypt of Duncan at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills
See also
In Spanish: Michael Clarke Duncan para niños
