Michael Clarke Duncan: The Tributes Continue To Flow

Michael Clarke Duncan's death following a huge heart attack shocked family, friends and colleagues alike. The 54-year old gentle-giant was loved by many, and some of his fans and co-stars have had some heart-warming words for the late actor, reports E-Online.

Tom Hanks, Duncan's fellow actor in The Green Mile, was quick to pay his respects to his friend. "I am terribly saddened at the loss of Big Mike," he explained. "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." Another colleague from The Green Mile, director Frank Darabont spoke fondly: "I'm devastated at the loss of Michael Clarke Duncan, one of the finest people I've ever had the privilege to work with or know. Michael was the gentlest of souls-an exemplar of decency, integrity, and kindness," said Darabont. "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.

'Big Mike' as Hanks affectionately called him, started his acting career late, entering the industry at 30. A former bodyguard, he cut a gargantuan figure at 6"4, but despite his imposing size, his sweet and kind nature won him some atypical roles. His portrayal of the mercurial death row inmate, John Coffey won him an Oscar nomination. He also had box office hits with Armageddon, Planet of the Apes and Kung Fu Panda.