Oscar Nominee Michael Clarke Duncan was finally laid to rest Monday amidst family and celebrity friends who came out to pay their respects. Soulful gospel performances and tearful tributes about the larger than life actor nearly went four hours long. Hollywood big boys Tom Hanks and Jay Leno were also in attendance.
Tom Hanks, Duncan’s Green Mile co-star gave a heartwarming eulogy sharing a story from Duncan’s youth- when he finally told his mother he was joining a gang- she hit him with a frying pan in which she was cooking a pork chop, “If it wasn’t for that mama and the frying pan with a pork chop, we would not be here today celebrating the life of Michael Clarke Duncan.” Hanks said.
The 54-year-old star suffered a heart attack on July 13, he died two months later on September 3 due to natural causes. His death certificate lists respiratory failure as his immediate cause of death.
No longer the bride: Michael Clarke Duncan’s fiancé Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth wore a black veil. Sadly, she was busy planning their January wedding when the actor passed away.
The 6-foot-5-inch, 300-pound star will always be remembered as a gentle giant with an unforgettable number of screen roles which includes The Scorpion King, The Island, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, Daredevil, Planet of the Apes, Armageddon and Sin City.
Rest in peace, Michael Clarke Duncan! You will be missed!
