Hollywood Stars React Via Twitter To Michael Clarke Duncan’s Death
A day after Hollywood learned about the death of Oscar-nominated star Michael Clarke Duncan, 54, stars flocked to Twitter to mourn the native Chicagoan. According to a released statement from fiancé, the Rev. Omarosa Manigault, the former star of "The Apprentice," The "Green Mile" actor "never fully recovered" from a heart attack he suffered on July 13.
"I am terribly saddened at the loss of Big Mike," Duncan's former co-star, Tom Hanks told Entertainment Tonight. "He was the treasure we all discovered on the set of The Green Mile. He was magic. He was a big love of man and his passing leaves us stunned."
The film's director Frank Darabont, also shared his devastation over the passing of the 6-ft., 5-in., 300-lb. actor. "I'm devastated at the loss of Michael Clarke Duncan, one of the finest people I've ever had the privilege to work with or know. Darabont, 53, said in a statement. "Michael was the gentlest of souls-an exemplar of decency, integrity and kindness. The sadness I feel is inexpressible."
"Our experience making The Green Mile together was immersive and incredible, a once-in-a-lifetime journey. What sticks most in my mind was his devotion to his craft and the strides he made as an artist during that time, which was beyond inspiring to those of us who took the journey with him," the director added. "Never has an actor more richly deserved the recognition of an Academy Award nomination than Michael did for his performance as John Coffey."
Concluding with Duncan "has left us far, far too soon. We lost a great man and a great spirit today. My thoughts and condolences go out to his fiancee, Omarosa, and to his family."
As reports of Duncan's death spread throughout Hollywood, an outpouring of heartfelt condolences flooded Twitter:
"Sparkle" actress and former "American Idol" winner Jordin Sparks, thanked Duncan "for being so kind to me and for sharing your talent with the world. You will be truly missed."
"RIP Michael Clarke Duncan," "Extra" host Mario Lopez, 38, wrote. "One of the nicest and most professional guys I've had the pleasure of knowing. So sad."
Former "Smallville" actress Kristin Kreuk, 29, described the actor as "the most gentle, kind giant of a man. He will be missed. Prayers to his family and loved ones. RIP."
Newsroom actress Olivia Munn, 32, wrote "Michael Clarke Duncan always had a smile on his face and a big bear hug ready for you. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. RIP."
"I will miss my friend, Michael Clarke Duncan," talk-show host Steve Harvey said. "What an incredible soldier in God's Plan."
The gentle giant, who worked as a bodyguard for Jamie Foxx and Will Smith, starred in notable box office hits like "Armageddon," " Planet of the Apes," " The Whole Nine Yards," " Kung Fu Panda," and "Sin City."