It doesn’t matter how you know him. The fact remains that you do know him from something. His voice and physique is too unforgettable. If you don’t know who Michael Clarke Duncan is now, you’ll know by the end of this post. You’ll know his impact on the movie industry. You’ll know the unique and versatile actor that died at the age of 54.

Michael Clarke Duncan broke out in the Oscar nominated film, The Green Mile. Duncan was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of John Coffey. From there, Duncan showed his versatility. He did family films, comedies, superhero movies, action/adventure, drama, TV and video games.

With such a profound voice, people couldn’t resist using him for voiceovers in movies such as Cats and Dogs and Green Lantern. Family Guy used his voice a few times (Once as the stork). Video games including God of War II (Atlas) and Saints Row (Benjamin King), among others, also utilized his unique voice.

One of the films I really enjoy with him in it is The Whole Nine Yards. The Whole Nine Yards is one of my favorite comedies ever. Duncan portrayed Franklin Figueroa (aka Frankie Figs) and even though he wasn’t the biggest part of the film he fit the character perfectly. However, one of his best roles came in an unpopular superhero movie.

Daredevil wasn’t well received by audiences and eventually led to Elektra getting her own movie, which was about 10 times worse. I really liked Daredevil. I understand people not liking it, but there’s one thing audiences can’t deny. The part of Kingpin was made for Michael Clarke Duncan. He absolutely nailed that part.

I’m glad they moved away from the white Kingpin from the comic books and changed him to the black Duncan. I can’t think of any other actor who can pull off that role. He dressed classy, but remained intimidating with his build and deep voice. When the time came to actually fight Daredevil, he showed his strength. The movie made it seem as though Kingpin just had assassins do his dirty work. However, he made it clear that he could also take on the man without fear. Kingpin throws Daredevil off the ceiling instead of throwing him off the floor or a table. I thought that was the coolest thing and it seemed as though Duncan actually pulled that off, which just makes the scene better and more believable.

Although his greatest role is in The Green Mile, Michael Clarke Duncan is so much more than that. He’s in movies, TV and video games. He’s in everything that we love. Thank you Michael Clarke Duncan. We’ll miss you.

Michael Clarke Duncan Quotes

“I’m tired, boss. Tired of bein’ on the road, lonely as a sparrow in the rain. Tired of not ever having me a buddy to be with, or tell me where we’s coming from or going to, or why. Mostly I’m tired of people being ugly to each other. I’m tired of all the pain I feel and hear in the world everyday. There’s too much of it. It’s like pieces of glass in my head all the time. Can you understand?” (John Coffey, The Green Mile)

“Sweetie, you and me are gonna make the baby.” (The Stork, Family Guy)

“Franklin Figueroa, aka Frankie Figs.” (Frankie Figs, The Whole Nine Yards)