Well-known actor never fully recovered after July myocardial infarction

Sep 4, 2012 08:02 GMT  ·  By

One of the most instantly recognizable stars in Hollywood has passed away: Michael Clarke Duncan, nominated for an Academy Award for his work on “The Green Mile” is dead. He was just 54 years old.

In July this year, Duncan suffered a myocardial infarction: he was discovered in time by his girlfriend, who managed to keep him alive until paramedics arrived.

Sadly, it seems he never recovered from that. TMZ reports that Duncan passed away while the same girlfriend had stepped outside to run some errands.

“According to our sources, his passing came very suddenly. We're told his fiancée, Omarosa Manigault, was with him in his hospital room in Los Angeles and left for a short period of time. When she returned, he had died,” TMZ says.

The same report notes that Omarosa’s mother was with the actor at the time but was helpless when it came to saving him.

“Duncan's rep tells TMZ the actor never fully recovered from the myocardial infarction he suffered on July 13. As TMZ first reported, Omarosa found Duncan in cardiac arrest and performed CPR and was able to resuscitate him before calling 911,” the same media outlet explains.

A funeral ceremony will take place at a later date that will also be announced to the public.

“Omarosa Manigault is grateful for all of your prayers and asks for privacy at this time. Celebrations of his life, both private and public, will be announced at a later date,” Omarosa’s publicist confirms.

Before making it big as a Hollywood star, Duncan worked as bodyguard for some of the most high profile celebrities out there.

He was nominated for an Oscar for his performance on “The Green Mile” (see the trailer for it below), but he also impressed in comedic roles, even though his impressive physique made him more suitable for action films.

He will be missed.