‘Green Mile’ actor Michael Clarke Duncan remembered by Tom Hanks, others

Just hours after the death of actor Michael Clarke Duncan, fans, friends and colleagues began paying tribute to the Oscar-nominated star of The Green Mile.

As we previously reported Duncan died Monday. He had been in the hospital since suffering a heart attack in July and he did not recover.

In a statement to E! News, Tom Hanks, who co-starred with Duncan in The Green Mile, said, “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.”

The Green Mile director Frank Darabont also released a statement, reports The Associated Press. “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,” he said. “Michael was the gentlest of souls – an exemplar of decency, integrity, and kindness. The sadness I feel is inexpressible.”

Film critic Roger Ebert called him a “striking screen presence” on Twitter, while actress Olivia Munn added, “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.”

Comedian and talk show host Steve Harvey tweeted, “I will miss my friend, Michael Clarke Duncan. What an incredible soldier in God's Plan.”

Tommy Davidson, who co-starred with Duncan on Proud Family, wrote, “The MOST gentle of Giants. RIP, my friend Michael.”

“Blessed to have had the opportunity to work with Michael Clarke Duncan while he was still with us. He was a kind soul that will be missed,” wrote Zachary Levi.

The Los Angeles Times reports that the coroner’s office will not launch an investigation into Duncan’s death, due to his history of heart problems.

In addition to The Green Mile, Duncan is known for his roles in Armageddon, Sin City and Daredevil. He was most recently seen in Fox’s series The Finder.

image: Fox