Laid to rest ... Michael Clarke Duncan's memorial service at Forest Lawn Cemetery
TOM Hanks was among the mourners this morning at the funeral of Hollywood’s gentle giant Michael Clarke Duncan - his Green Mile co-star.
Kind-hearted Hanks delivered a heartfelt speech for those who had gathered at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills.
The Oscar winner poked fun at his late friend’s handwriting, which he described as “loopy and huge”, comparing it to that of "a 12-year-old girl who loves horses".
Speech ... Hanks poked fun at pal's handwriting
Singer Stevie Wonder performed at the service via video link, dedicating the opening lines of his track As to the late star.
Tragic Duncan - best known for his roles in The Green Mile and Armageddon - died on September 3 aged 54, leaving behind his fiance reality TV star Rev. Omarosa O. Manigault.
The pair planned to marry in a secret wedding in January of next year.
Former bodyguard Duncan failed to recover from a heart attack in July of this year - and today it emerged his official cause of death had been recorded as “Respiratory Failure”.
Jay Leno ... paid tribute to friend
Family and friends gathered for the four hour service, which featured speeches from Hanks and US talkshow host Jay Leno.
He said of his friend: "Just to see such a pure heart and pure kindness, and to see it taken so early. There are no sadder words than what might have been."
Green Mile director Frank Darabont also spoke, hailing Duncan as "a fierce warrior" and "the gentlest of souls."
Painful ... late star's fiancee Rev. Omarosa O. Manigault
While a letter from the book’s author Stephen King was also read out, in which the writer said: "No one has ever done a character I wrote more justice,"
The service also included gospel performances and many photos of the always smiling actor.
Comments
Post a Comment