If you have ever seen the epic movie “The Green Mile,” one of the break-out characters from that movie was John Coffey, played by the talented actor of Michael Clarke Duncan, who unfortunately died on September 3rd, 2012, at the age of 54.

Michael Clarke Duncan was an outstanding actor; however, life was not always that great for him. Duncan, a Chicago native, was raised in a single-parent household, and dropped out of his college career to take care of his ill mother. At this time, thanks to Duncan’s body size, he landed a job working as a bodyguard for various celebrities, such as: Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, and Jamie Foxx.

What was your favorite Michael Clarke Duncan character? Let us know in the comments!

In 1998, Duncan tried out for and acquired the role as “Bear” in the movie Armageddon, and then later landed the role of “John Coffey” in The Green Mile (1999). Duncan then earned an Academy Award nomination for “John Coffey” under the “Best Actor in a Supporting Role” category. This role also landed Duncan a Golden Globe nomination under the “Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture” category as well.

Michael Clarke Duncan was also known for acting in other various supporting roles, such as: “Attar” in Tim Burton’s adaption of Planet of the Apes (2001), “Balthazar” in The Scorpion King (2002), “Manute” in Sin City, and other roles in well-known blockbuster movies as well.

On September 3rd, 2012, Michael Clarke Duncan died of a myocardial infarction (sudden heart attack) at the age of 54. This comes after a minor heart attack that he suffered back in July.

Various fans of Duncan have left their condolences via Twitter: