In the March issue of Muscle & Fitness, we paid tribute to Michael Clarke Duncan's massive arms. Now we pay tribute to the man himself.
After working as a ditch-digger, bouncer, and personal bodyguard for some A-list celebrities, Duncan brought his acting chops and huge 20-inch biceps to Hollywood for the chance to break into showbiz. His larger-than-life personality, combined with his larger-than-life physique made him an instant success, landing him a host of roles in both televison and movies.
Starring alongside Tom Hanks, MCD quickly garnered the attention of Hollywood more than a decade ago for his portrayal of the incredibly strong, but sensitive John Coffey in The Green Mile. The role helped to launch Duncan's career and led to an Acadamy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Duncan went on to star in a variety of future flicks that called upon his abundance of acting talent and muscle, including The Whole Nine Yards, Planet of the Apes, Daredevil, Talladega Nights, and The Scorpion King.
Duncan passed away on September 3 at the age of 54 after being hospitalized for a heart attack he suffered on July 13. His fiancee, Omarosa Manigault, told Radar Online, "I'm devastated … He was the love of my life."
In 2006, Duncan talked to CNN about a health scare and what he did to get in better shape.
Check out one of Duncan's most memorable scenes from The Green Mile.
Duncan dishes on the MMA, and his confidence about going into the octagon.
Duncan belts out a Donna Summer tune while managing to crack up Will Ferrell in the process.
