Tom Hanks: Michael Clarke Duncan Was A ‘Treasure’
Tom Hanks has led the tributes to his The Green Mile co-star Michael Clarke Duncan, who passed away on Monday after suffering a cardiac arrest at his home in Los Angeles in July.
Hanks discussed his memories of Duncan with Entertainment Tonight, telling the show:
“I am terribly saddened at the loss of Big Mike. 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.”
Hanks was far from alone in his tribute to Duncan. The Green Mile director Frank Darabont had previously spoken of his memories of the actor:
“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. Never has an actor more richly deserved the recognition of an Academy Award nomination than Michael did for his performance as John Coffey. Michael 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.”
Another star of The Green Mile, Gary Sinise, took to Twitter to speak of his own Mchael Clarke Duncan recollections:
Had the pleasure of working on 2 things with Michael Clark Duncan.The Green Mile, as guest star on CSI NY.A real gentleman.R.I P my friend
— Gary Sinise (@GarySinise) September 3, 2012
Sinise was in turn joined by many other actors and celebrity friends of Clarke including Olivia Munn:
Michael Clarke Duncan always had a smile on his face a big bear hug ready for you. My thoughts prayers are with his family&friends. RIP
— oliviamunn (@oliviamunn) September 3, 2012
La Toya Jackson:
My prayers are with the family and to the loved ones of Michael Duncan Clark. What a kind sweet loving guy you were! May you R.I.P
— La Toya Jackson (@latoyajackson) September 3, 2012
Donald Faison:
Michael Clarke Duncan i’ll never forget you. Such an awesome man taken way too soon. Rest In Peace my friend.
— Donald Faison (@donald_faison) September 4, 2012
Bobby Brown:
Rest In Paradise Mr. Michael Clark Duncan…
— Bobby Brown (@KingBobbyBrown) September 3, 2012
… and plenty more!
