Michael Clarke Duncan, known for his role in the 1999 film “The Green Mile,” died on Sep. 3 in a local Los Angelas hospital at the age of 54. Duncan died seven weeks after suffering from a myocardial infarction in early July. After the initial heart attack, Duncan was found by his fiancé Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth, who is famous for her role in the hit reality show “The Apprentice.” Stallworth provided lifesaving efforts before calling 9-1-1.

“No one had a more positive spirit than Michael Clarke Duncan,” said Frank Darabont, director of “The Green Mile.”

Duncan was born in Chicago, Ill., where he grew up in a single-parent household with his mother, Jean Duncan. Duncan’s father left the family when he was only a child. Duncan attended Alcorn State University, where he was involved in a Communications program. While in college, Duncan’s mother became sick, forcing him to leave college to take care of her.

Duncan’s first big job was as a security guard for a number of famous actors including Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, and Jamie Foxx. While working as bodyguard, Duncan got some opportunities to act in small roles for TV shows. Duncan’s acting ability was so impressive that he began to get opportunities to play small roles in feature films.

Duncan’s first big role was “The Green Mile” in 1999.  He played John Coffey, a convicted murderer who had extraordinary healing powers. His role as John Coffey received various nominations, including the Oscar for best supporting actor. He is also famous for playing smaller roles in the movies “Daredevil,” “Talladega Nights,” and “The Planet of the Apes.”

“He had a phenomenal gift,” says Denny Charbonnet, film class teacher at St. Paul’s School. “It’s tremendous to lose someone who made the audience feel for the character.”

Duncan was buried on Sep. 10 in Forest Lawn Memorial-Park and Mortuaries in the Hollywood Hills. A number of celebrities, such as comedian Jay Leno, Tom Hanks, and Vivica Fox, were in attendance.

“Just to see such a pure heart and pure kindness, and to see it taken so early,” said comedian Jay Leno. “There are no sadder words than what might have been.”