#3 Michael Clarke Duncan
Underneath that impressive glower, Michael Clarke Duncan really had dramatic chops, and unlike many actors booked for that “strong but silent” type of role, he got the opportunity to display the depths of human emotions on numerous occasions. He also managed to make the most of each of his performances. His imposing, towering physique made him perfect for “big guy” roles.
In his all-too-short career, Clarke has played an admirably diverse range of characters, including notable cameos in Daredevil and Armageddon as well as the stunning lead role in the motion picture adaptation of Stephen King’s “The Green Mile.”
Duncan seemed destined for character roles at first, but his Oscar-nominated performance in The Green Mile demonstrated that he could also play leading roles. In fact, Duncan appeared to be in line for years of commercial success and critical acclaim, and he ought to have had a much longer career. However, he passed after suffering a heart attack in 2012 at the age of 54, ending his career prematurely.
