Hanks, Sinese & More React to Passing of Michael Clarke Duncan on Twitter

Actor Michael Clarke Duncan has passed away at age 54. According to a statement released by publicist Joy Fehily, Duncan died Monday morning at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, where he was being treated for a heart attack. The Academy Award-nominated actor, "suffered a myocardial infarction on July 13 and never fully recovered."

The actor was born in Chicago in 1957, and raised by a single mother whose refusal to allow him to play football led him to become an actor instead. By his mid-20s, he had come to Los Angeles and became a bodyguard for Will Smith, Jamie Foxx and other stars.

The husky 6 foot 4 actor was often cast as a bodyguard or bouncer, particularly in his earliest roles including "Bulworth," 'A Night at the Roxbury" and "The Players Club." He went on to star in his Oscar-nominated role as a death row inmate in "The Green Mile" as well as in the blockbusters "Armageddon," 'Planet of the Apes" and a voiceover in the animated, "Kung Fu Panda."

Today, friends, colleagues and fellow actors expressed their sadness at the passing of the beloved actor on Twitter: 

Tom Hanks
"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."

Yvette Nicole Brown
":( I worked with Michael on the film, #TheIsland. He was a cool dude. #RIP"

Olivia Munn
"Michael Clarke Duncan always had a smile on his face & a big bear hug ready for you. My thoughts & prayers are with his family&friends. RIP "

Gary Sinise
"Had the pleasure of working on 2 things with Michael Clark Duncan. The Green Mile, & as guest star on CSI NY. A real gentleman. R.I P my friend."

Mercedes Masohn
"As all of his fans know, Michael had a smile that would light up the screen. His presence was commanding due to his large stature and even larger biceps... I'm sad we lost a big teddy bear who cared so greatly for animals of all sizes… and he loved them so sweetly. I feel honored to have worked with him. My thoughts go out to his family and friends and all those who will miss him. RIP Michael Clark Duncan."

Dwayne Johnson (The Rock)
"When something happens, we always say it happens for a reason" ~ Michael Clarke Duncan 12/10/57 - 9/3/12 I'll miss you my brother."

Marlee Matlin
"RIP Michael Clarke Duncan. A giant presence in the Green Mile but with a gentle spirit. Condolences to [his fiancée] Omarosa, family and friends"

Gabrielle Union
"Such a sweet, kind man :("

Peter Facinelli
"Just heard about Michael Clarke Duncan. It was an honor 2 have worked with U sir. Ur smile & laugh were infectious & touched many souls. RIP"

Noel Clarke
" R.I.P. Michael Clarke Duncan #Sadtimes"

Danny Trejo
"Rest In Peace Michael Clarke Duncan, Prayers out to his family."

Robert Rodriguez
"Was fortunate to work with Michael Clarke Duncan on Sin City. A very kind and generous actor. He'll be greatly missed."

Mario Lopez
"R.I.P Michael Clarke Duncan... One of the nicest & most professional guys I've had the pleasure of knowing. So sad... #ClassAct"

Katharine McPhee
"Ahhh... #michaelclarkeDuncan I loved you! Green Mile was epic. RIP #gentlegiant"

Sherri Shepherd
"So sad & shocked to hear of the death of Michael Clarke Duncan. Only 54 years old- he never recovered from his heart attack in July RIP sir "

Roger Ebert
"Michael Clarke Duncan passes at 54. A striking screen presence."

Zachary Levi
"Blessed to have had the opportunity to work with Michael Clarke Duncan [on Chuck] while he was still with us. He was a kind soul that will be missed."

MC Hammer
"One of the best among Men on earth. A gentle Giant. Loved him. Pure class and grace. RIP my friend. #MichaelClarkeDuncan"

Tichina Arnold
"Damn. Just read about the death of #MichaelClarkeDuncan /He was really a nice guy. I pray 4 his loved ones. Damn. #rip"

Frankie Muniz
"So sad to hear about Michael Clarke Duncan. A great friend, and a GREAT guy! He always had the best stories... RIP"

Photo credit: BEI Images