'Green Mile' actor dies

Michael Clarke Duncan has died.

The actor passed away suddenly in a Los Angeles hospital yesterday, two months after suffering a heart attack.

The 54-year-old star was best known for his role as John Coffey in 'The Green Mile' - for which he was nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor - but he also appeared in a long list of Hollywood blockbusters, including 'The Whole Nine Yards', 'Daredevil', 'Armageddon', 'Sin City' and 'Green Lantern'.

Publicist Joy Fehily released a statement from Michael's fiancee, Reverend Omarosa Manigault - who was with him at the hospital, where he was receiving ongoing treatment following his heart attack - confirming the sad news.

It said: "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."

Before getting his break in Hollywood, Michael - who was two metres tall and weighed 300lbs - had worked as a bodyguard for celebrities including Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Jamie Foxx, LL Cool J, and Notorious B.I.G.