Michael Clarke Duncan was an excellent supporting actor who could create such a unique screen presence that few others could achieve in Hollywood. As a supporting actor, he played various kinds of people who might seem unoriginal in the hands of another artist but were given by Michael Clarke Duncan emotional and psychological depth in the performance that is difficult to imitate. For many filmgoers, Michael Clarke Duncan is a great example of how a late entry into the sphere of entertainments can be a source of success for many years.

Early life and reinvention

On December 10, 1957, Michael Clarke Duncan was born on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois. He spent his early years in Chicago, where he used to do various kinds of practical jobs before becoming a supporting actor. Prior to working in movies, the man spent much time doing guard services and being a bodyguard for celebrities. These facts formed his image as a tall man who could create a strong screen presence while appearing even without lines.

It should be mentioned that the majority of Michael Clarke Duncan's contemporaries started their careers far away from Hollywood. However, it is a kind of experience which has helped him create a unique screen image, since he was not only tall but experienced in the field, and he always used his experience in movies as well.

In addition, Michael Clarke Duncan entered Hollywood screens not after a number of roles on stage and as a result of participation in TV shows or some other activities. However, the unusual experience was also a significant asset for him.

Duncan on the screen

He made a real breakthrough in the film industry when he played some notable roles in the major films of famous Hollywood studios. Michael Clarke Duncan made his screen debut in Armageddon (1998), where he was called Bear and gained popularity as a tall, rough and tough man.

The performance that made the artist extremely popular was playing John Coffey in The Green Mile (1999). The performance of this man, who had to be imprisoned, gained him recognition in the whole movie-going community and an Oscar nomination in the category of Best Supporting Actor.

This role became popular for its complexity and the great talent of Michael Clarke Duncan, who managed to show the inner world of his character, his sorrowfulness and other nuances despite the fact that the actor was rather large and seemed tough in appearance and in the image that he presented.

Besides, his performance was the first one that showed the fans how Michael Clarke Duncan was able to give life to such a character who requires emotional depth.

The performances of Michael Clarke Duncan in the major films include:

  • portrayal of Bear in Armageddon (1998)
  • the performance of John Coffey in The Green Mile (1999)
  • Franklin Figueroa in The Whole Nine Yards (2000)
  • Attar in Planet of the Apes (2001)
  • Wilson Fisk in Daredevil (2003)

The next years have provided him with new film offers and after the performance in the film of Frank Darabont, Michael Clarke Duncan has participated in other successful movies. For example, the actor has played Franklin Figueroa in the comedy thriller of Bob Saget in 2000.

In addition, Michael Clarke Duncan was chosen to play in such films as Planet of the Apes (2001), where he has become an ape Attar and in the crime action film The Scorpion King in 2002.

Finally, in Daredevil in 2003, Michael Clarke Duncan has played a rather complex role of Wilson Fisk who can be considered a kingpin.

His other films and voice acting

The distinctive feature of the performances of Michael Clarke Duncan was that the man could be heard not only in the films in which he took part but also in cartoons because of the strong and unique sound of his voice, which made the man quite attractive for voice roles.

Michael Clarke Duncan was the voice of Kilowog in Green Lantern: First Flight in 2009.

The specialities of his acting

Michael Clarke Duncan became famous on Hollywood screens for his peculiar approach to acting because the majority of roles were those which seemed easy to play and did not need emotional depth, while Michael managed to find a lot of nuances that he could reveal.

He was very tall but he never seemed to be rude. At the same time, he played mostly roles of rather dangerous and strong characters, but there were a lot of nuances which showed his humanity. Michael Clarke Duncan performed characters in which he appeared as a huge, rather terrifying character and finally turned the scene into something tender, scared, tragic or sad.

Moreover, this man appeared to be the perfect addition to an ensemble cast since he played in various genres of films, from action to fantasy. In addition to his serious appearance, directors used him for scenes in which it was important to play menacing and cruel characters or to appear intimidating on the screen while the audience tended to remember him as a tender, intelligent or loyal hero.

Michael Clarke Duncan died on September 3, 2012, at the age of 54. Nevertheless, it is possible to say that in spite of the relatively short lifespan of this man his performances still live in the minds of the majority of people. His performances will always be remembered thanks to such films as The Green Mile, Armageddon, Planet of the Apes and many others.