Michael Clarke Duncan, an Oscar nominee and a recent TV star of The Finder has died at the age of 54. Thanks to Twitter, reactions from Hollywood were swift and sad. A number of actors, producers and more who had worked with Duncan took to the social media site to express their grief.
According to a report from the Associated Press, Duncan died on the morning of Monday, September 3 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He had been hospitalized since a heart attack on July 13.
The actor is best-known for films like The Green Mile (for which Michael Clarke Duncan was nominated for an Academy Award), Armageddon and Kung Fu Panda. In recent years, Duncan expanded his work into television. He had a memorable role on the Chuck season 2 premiere and then co-starred in the 2012 Bones spinoff, The Finder, in which he played Leo Knox.
Many in Hollywood who had worked with Duncan posted messages following the announcement of the news.
Stephen Nathan, the executive producer of Bones, tweeted, “Michael Clarke Duncan RIP. You will be missed.”
Dule Hill of Psych similarly wrote, “Life is so precious. A talented brother and a kind spirit. RIP Michael Clarke Duncan.”
Director Robert Rodriguez posted, “Was fortunate to work with Michael Clarke Duncan on Sin City. A very kind and generous actor. He’ll be greatly missed.”
Two and a Half Men star Jon Cryer, shared a bit of an anecdote, “I 1st “met” Michael Clarke Duncan at a charity softball game. When I say “met” I mean he hit a line drive into my crotch. #shouldawornacup”
Zachary Levi, the former star of Chuck, wrote, “Blessed to have had the opportunity to work with Michael Clarke Duncan while he was still with us. He was a kind soul that will be missed.”
Yvette Nicole Brown tweeted: “:( I worked with Michael on the film, #TheIsland. He was a cool dude. #RIP…Michael Clarke Duncan dead at 54.”
Music author David Wild wrote, “#RIPMichaelClarkeDuncan whose American journey took him from ditch-digger to Oscar nominee. A big heart gone too soon.”
Reality star NeNe Leakes posted, “My heart breaks 4 @omarosa! I know how much u loved him! #RIP Michael Clarke Duncan it was a pleasure.”
Pauley Perrette of NCIS tweeted, “RIP Michael Clarke Duncan I’m such a big fan #TheGreenMile
Words from Michael Clarke Duncan himself are available on Twitter as well. Tweeting regularly as @OfficialMCD, there are plenty of messages. Some seem particularly poignant following the actor’s early death.
“Stress is related to 99% of all disease an sickness!” (June 24)
“Remember everything you eat has a direct effect on your health. Stay healthy! Go vegetarian!” (June 9)
“Drink water with every meal! It has amazing benefits! Stay healthy!” (May 20)
“Date nite with my woman @OMAROSA Clippers game then dinner! Life is good!” (March 31)
“Instead of complaining of how early you had to wake up, thank GOD for letting you rise!!! Have a blessed day.” (January 30)
Duncan’s last activity on Twitter was a retweet of a message and photo from @MochaMom365, “@Omarosa is holding it down at the #AllstateTJFR” The actor did not send out any original Twitter messages after he was hospitalized in July.
(Images courtesy of FOX)
Senior Writer, BuddyTV
Laurel grew up in Mamaroneck, NY, Grosse Pointe, MI and Bellevue WA. She then went on to live in places like Boston, Tucson, Houston, Wales, Tanzania, Prince Edward Island and New York City before heading back to Seattle. Ever since early childhood, when she became addicted to The Muppet Show, Laurel has watched far too much TV. Current favorites include Chuck, Modern Family, Supernatural, Mad Men and Community. Laurel received a BA in Astrophysics (yes, that is possible) from Colgate University and a PhD in Middle Eastern Studies and History of Science from Columbia University before she realized that television is much better than studying.
