Actor Michael Clarke Duncan Dead at 54

By: Lauren Williams | Posted: September 3, 2012 at 6:21 PM

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Actor Michael Clarke Duncan died Monday morning at a Los Angeles hospital at the age of 54, according to a statement from his fiancee, TV personality Omarosa Manigault.

From the Associated Press:

The muscular, 6-foot-4 Duncan, a former bodyguard who turned to acting in his 30s, "suffered a myocardial infarction on July 13 and never fully recovered," the statement said. "Manigault is grateful for all of your prayers and asks for privacy at this time. Celebrations of his life, both private and public, will be announced at a later date ... "

Duncan had a handful of minor roles before "The Green Mile" brought him an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actor. The 1999 film, based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, 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.

Read more at the Associated Press.

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