People News

Michael Clarke Duncan memorial service set for Monday

Sep 5, 2012, 22:01 GMT

Michael Clarke Duncan

A memorial service for Michael Clarke Duncan will take place on Monday (10.09.12).

The actor died of natural causes earlier this week, two months after suffering a heart attack, and a private invitation-only service will be held next week.

The memorial will be led by famed preacher Bishop Charles Blake and Dr. H. Beecher Hicks will read a eulogy.

A public viewing of Michael's casket is scheduled for Sunday (09.09.12) at the Hall of Liberty in Forest Lawn, Los Angeles between 9am and 2pm.

Since he passed away on Monday (03.09.12) aged 54, many have rushed to pay tribute to Michael, and offer their sympathies to his fiancee, Omarosa Manigault.

Tom Hanks, who starred alongside Michael 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.'

Bruce Willis, who appeared in four films with Michael, including 'The Whole Nine Yards' and 'Sin City', said: 'Michael Duncan was a great actor, a great human being, and he was my very dear friend. I will miss Big Mike in a Big Way.'

Meanwhile, director Michael Bay - who gave Michael his first acting break in 'Armageddon' - wrote on his blog: 'We found him in a gym. He cried at the first audition because he was so proud to audition for a Michael Bay and Jerry Bruckheimer movie, he just wanted to make his mom proud. We gave him the role in the room.

'Everyone loved him, his infectious spirit and great belly laugh. I'm really sad to lose him. Rest in peace buddy.'