Before the Oscar nomination… before the world saw his tear-filled eyes and healing hands…
Michael Clarke Duncan was digging trenches in the streets of Chicago.
He was massive. Powerful.
But painfully shy.
His mother — who raised him alone — always told him:
"Your size is a gift… but your tenderness? That’s your true power."
For years, he worked nightclub doors, guarding celebrities.
Protecting bodies… while dreaming of touching souls on a movie screen.
But no one believed in him.
"Too big," they said.
"Too gentle," they said.
Until one day… Bruce Willis saw him cry.
Not on cue. Not rehearsed. Just raw truth.
And in that moment — Bruce found his John Coffey.
The gentle giant who looked like a monster… but only wanted to help.
Michael wept in every scene.
But he wasn’t acting.
He was remembering — his mother’s words, the judgment, the weight of being misunderstood.
"Being strong doesn’t mean striking back.
Sometimes, it means standing tall without breaking."
When he passed in 2012, the world didn’t just mourn his size…
They mourned his soul.
Because sometimes, the biggest men… are the softest listeners.
And sometimes, a giant doesn’t need to roar
He just needs someone to believe in him.
Thanks FBers
 

 
Same with Clint Walker. Cheyenne spoke softly, watched out for women, Kids, Indians, blacks, and always stood on the side of right.
ReplyDeleteI was named after him. He took a ski pole through the heart and survived. Night of the Grizzly was a great movie too
DeleteNight of the Grizzly, co-starring Martha Hyer, who co-wrote Rooster Cogburn.
DeleteA very attractive, talented lady.
BTW, Clint retired near my hometown of Grass Valley, CA, as did Chuck Yeager.
You're thinking of Marguerite Roberts. Martha Hyer was a very successful actress and wife of Hal Wallis, a producer of hit movies at Warners in the 30s and 40 who moved over to chief of production at Paramount from the 50 through the 70s.
Deleteedutcher, I remember that.
DeleteNed Eastwood, Eastwood?
DeleteElmo, two famous people? Cool.
Deleteedutcher, way to go professor.
DeleteThe Green Mile.
ReplyDeleteAnon, indeed it is.
DeleteThis tender giant is missed.
ReplyDeleteclayusmcret, he sure is.
DeleteIn a lot of movies (at least pre woke movies) the strongest character is not the lead or the "big name". The Green Mile? Big name is Tom Hanks. The character with the most impact? Michael Clarke Duncan.
ReplyDeletemer, that's the I see it, too.
DeleteWhat did Bruce Willis have to do with The Green Mile? i don't see his name anywhere in the production credits.
ReplyDeleteBruce Willis knew Michael, word of mouth got him the role of John Coffey that is the connection. Can you breathe?
DeleteBruce T, Anon below has it for you.
DeleteAnon, thanks!
Delete