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Remembering Michael Clark Duncan: Early Life, Career and Legacy

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 26: Actor Michael Clarke Duncan arrives at the premiere of "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby" at Mann

Michael Clarke Duncan is best known for his role as John Coffey in The Green Mile. 180 cm high. Duncan’s life and legacy were much greater than his role within the 1999 supernatural thriller. Although his life and profession were ultimately cut short as a result of his death in 2012, Duncan managed to look in over 40 movies. His extraordinary contributions to television and film, in addition to his kindness and gentle demeanor, are remembered by his friends, castmates and fans alike.

The youth of Michael Clark Duncan

Michael Clarke Duncan was born on December 10, 1957 in Chicago. His father left when he was 6, so he was raised on the South Side by his mother, a cleansing lady, and an older sister. As a toddler, Duncan desired to play football, but his mother didn’t allow him for fear of wounding himself. Duncan made up his mind give attention to learning and staying out of trouble, although he tried unsuccessfully Chicago Bears as a young man. He all the time thought of becoming an actor, but this dream and his education at Alcorn State University were placed on hold when his mother became unwell and he needed to work to support his family.

Duncan supported himself and his family by working as: trencher and eventually as a bouncer in nightclubs. He also worked as a private bodyguard for stars equivalent to Will Smith, Martin Lawrence and Notorious B.I.G. When Notorious B.I.G. was killed in 1997, Duncan gave up being a bodyguard and focused on his longtime ambition to be an actor.

LOS ANGELES – MARCH 28: Actor Michael Clarke Duncan arrives for the premiere of “Sin City” on the Mann National Theater on March 28, 2005 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

His profession included The Green Mile and beyond

Initially, Duncan secured numerous smaller roles in movies, including “Bulworth” and “A Night at the Roxbury”, normally playing a bouncer. His star rose significantly when he was solid because the Bear within the motion film “Armageddon.” Duncan made a reputation for himself and made a brand new friend in his castmate Bruce Willis. Duncan made an enormous impression on Willis that he really helpful him for the role of John Coffey within the film adaptation of Stephen King’s novel “The Green Mile.”

Duncan shined as a mild-mannered inmate accused of murdering two young white girls within the Depression-era South. He earned it together with his performance Oscar and Golden Globe nominations for best supporting actor.

Duncan followed up his “The Green Mile” success with roles in “Planet of the Apes,” “The Scorpion King” and “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.” He has also lent his voice to movies equivalent to ‘Green Lantern’. His last film before his death, “The Challenger”, was released posthumously in 2015.

LOS ANGELES – JANUARY 28: Director Malcolm D. Lee (left) and actor Michael Clarke Duncan pose on the afterparty of the premiere of Universal Pictures’ “Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins” at Annex on January 28, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

The Legacy of Michael Clark Duncan

Duncan died on September 3, 2012, on the age of 54, in consequence of complications from a heart attack he suffered several months earlier. After news of his death was announced, tributes began to pour in. His “The Green Mile” co-star Tom Hanks said: “He was a treasure that we all discovered on the set of “The Green Mile.” He was magical. He was a fantastic human being and his passing leaves us stunned.”

Duncan supported several charities and philanthropic initiatives throughout his life. One of them was the Sue Duncan Children’s Center (no relation). The actor is grateful to the middle for keeping him on the right track as a young man growing up in Chicago.

Michael Clarke Duncan TheGrio
Actor Michael Clarke Duncan (left) and television personality Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth attend In Touch Weekly’s annual “Icons & Idols” celebration on the Marmont Bar on September 12, 2010 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo: David Livingston/Getty Images)

Although Duncan never mentioned having children, just a few days after his death, a girl named Marquea Ambrose got here out claiming to be his secret daughter, which was never confirmed. Duncan denied paternity, and his estate – reportedly value several million – was managed primarily by his former fiancée, Omarosa Manigault Stallworth, despite some conflict with Duncan’s family over control of the estate.

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Denzel Washington ready to ‘kill’ ‘Gladiator II’ co-star Pedro Pascal for getting too close to his wife Pauletta

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As considered one of Hollywood’s most respected veterans, Denzel Washington not does two things: his own stunts and pretending to have significant kinship with his colleagues. So far, the actor has been stomping the pavement on two projects: “The Piano Lesson”, which he produces, and the long-awaited “Gladiator II”, wherein he stars.

The latter action-adventure film was directed by Ridley Scott and stars Denzel, 69, because the villain Macrinus, an arms dealer who briefly rules Rome, and Pascal as Marcus Acacius, a ruthless Roman general. Premiere in cinemas on November 22.

At the film’s London premiere on November 14, the artist made some eyebrow-raising remarks on the red carpet that shocked not only his online fans but additionally his collaborator, Pedro Pascal.

Denzel Washington destroys 'Gladiator II' co-star Pedro Pascal with explosive confession 'They're not friends' (Photos: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images; Simon Ackerman/FilmMagic)
Denzel Washington destroys ‘Gladiator II’ co-star Pedro Pascal with explosive confession ‘They’re not friends’ (Photos: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images; Simon Ackerman/FilmMagic)

Pascal was in the midst of a red carpet interview with “Entertainment Tonight” when his Oscar-winning co-star interrupted the interview. The very first thing he did was grab the reporter’s microphone and say, “He’s not as good an actor as I am,” after which joked that the name of the movie could be modified to “Pedro One starring Pedro, written by Pedro, directed by Pedro, edited by Pedro.”

Pascal chimed in and remarked, “I only take directions from this guy. …I’m happy to have a trilogy in my future. I hope you agree to this,” which gave way to much more interesting remarks from his co-star.

“I’m not taking part in this,” Denzel said, looking seriously on the camera. The two men laughed and hugged, greeting one another warmly. Their playful banter carried over to the older man, who added that Pascal was a “good man.” Great actor. Okay – I would not call him a friend. … You know, it isn’t like we drink tea.

The younger actor seemed stunned that Denzel admitted he wasn’t considered a friend. He then stated that he was “waiting in the wings” for a chance to meet up with friends. “It’s a promise. You come to Los Angeles, you come home,” said the “Training Day” star. Early reactions from fans who saw a shortened clip of their exchange were: “I feel Pedro froze slightly when he heard that.” Someone else wrote: “That was awkward.”

However, in an extended recording, it seems that this masculine moment was interrupted by Paulletta Washington, Denzel’s wife, who emerged from behind the movie star, eager to greet the Chilean-born actor. “I just wanted to say that me and Pauletta are friends,” Pascal told Denzel.

In response, he joked, “Yes, that’s right. You are all friends!” as he watched his wife hug her castmate. The camera then slowly panned towards the actor, who then looked directly into the lens and said, “See how this goes? This is life. That’s how it really works. This is Pedro, who’s spending time with my wife. If I were in Gladiator, I might kill Pedro straight away, but I won’t because he’s a pleasant guy.

On X, viewer commented“I wouldn’t call you a friend, it’s so true because apparently friendship means more than just making a movie together.” Second fan he said“This is the realest dirt ever.” Both stars previously shared the screen in 2018’s “Equalizer 2.”

Of course, all the exchange was lighthearted, however it was an incredible moment that made headlines amongst co-workers.

After over 40 years of playing quite a few iconic roles, Denzel is finally preparing to retire from the screen, but before he fully pursues directing, he plans to make at the very least five more movies, including one other collaboration with Spike Lee and a possible appearance within the upcoming the movie “Blank Panther”.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Outrage erupts as Kim Kardashian is called out for allegedly robbing Italians in a new ad campaign

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Black Attorney Responsible for Freeing 17 Federal Inmates Sets the Record Straight After Kim Kardashian Appeared to Get Sole Credit

Fashion mogul Kim Kardashian recently unveiled her SKIMS collaboration with Dolce & Gabbana, which is set to premiere on November 19. However, all attention is focused on the campaign accompanying the new capsule collection.

The Dolce & Gabbana x SKIMS campaign, shot by renowned photographer Nadia Lee Cohen, captures the charm of Sixties Italy and appears to pay homage to iconic Italian actress Sophia Loren. Featuring Kim and her sister Kourtney Kardashian, the visuals are designed to exude vintage charm while fusing fashion with the SKIMS aesthetic.

Black prosecutor responsible for freeing 17 federal prisoners sets record right after Kim Kardashian shows up to get sole credit
NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER Billionaire Kim Kardashian is accused of cultural appropriation after she launched her new Italian-inspired campaign with Dolce and Gabbana. (Photo: Walter McBride/WireImage)

Kim was excited and promoted – we read in several posts on her Instagram, a space normally reserved for brands that pay tens of millions simply to be featured. Her 359 million followers enthusiastically welcomed the project and congratulated her on such a very important transaction.

However, not everyone likes the return to the past in promoting.

Critics at the moment are accusing the Kardashian sisters, who’re of Armenian descent, of once more crossing cultural boundaries. The campaign and two reality stars are accused on social media of appropriating a southern European identity.

When the style bomb is on a regular basis sent promotion, the comments showed how impressed lots of their followers were.

“The way they act culturally is really crazy,” one person said.

Another wrote: “Then no (sic) cosplaying Italians. I mean what race won’t be cosplaying at this point.”

Someone else said of the sisters’ campaign: “It’s always cosplay.”

Another person added: “I hope Italian grandma and grandpa are AI because why are you bothering these people dressed in underwear lol.”

One person wrote on Twitter: “More cultural appropriation from this white Armenian.”

One follower took issue with them comparing themselves to Loren’s fashion style, writing: “They take icons and put their names on them. When you type “Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, etc.” into Google, their names will appear. Keeping them associated with greatness. Sucks lack of originality, wash, rinse and repeat.”

There could also be some truth in associating the Kardashians with a few of the biggest stars in history by dressing like them and in some cases wearing dresses and jewellery that after belonged to deceased stars.

In 2022, Kim wore the identical dress that Marilyn Monroe wore to sing “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” to then-President John F. Kennedy on his forty fifth birthday sixty years earlier. The dress was transparent, with 2,500 crystals embedded in the material.

Historians and owners who worked to preserve the historicity of the dress say she destroyed it. They claimed she returned the dress with the material stretched and located new holes appeared in the clothing. The owners also said that a few of the rhinestones were either barely attached or had fallen off completely.

This is not the only dress the blonde actress has worn in the past few years. She also wore a green sequined Norman Norell gown by Monroe on the 1962 Golden Globes.

Kardashian recently made headlines for wearing an Attallah cross necklace once worn by Princess Diana. Made of gold, silver, amethyst and diamonds, it was the prized signature of the Princess of Wales.

The cross’s original owner, Naim Attallah, who often allowed Diana to wear it, sold it to Kardashian after she won it at auction in January 2023.

Kim first wore the necklace in public on her forty fourth birthday in October, after which on November 2 on the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) 2024 Art+Film Gala.

In addition to facing criticism for dressing like legends, she was accused of appropriating black culture.

One of the persistently she was scrutinized for her inclusion in black culture was when she wore Fulani braids after which said they were from a Seventies white actress who wore them in a 1979 movie “10”.

She hopped on Snapchat and said she was crazy about “Bo Derek Braids.”

Fans were quick to remind her that these hairstyles originated in Africa and encouraged her to learn more.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Denzel Washington takes talk show host to his seat over offensive claims he was an alcoholic – in new clip

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A 2004 interview resurfaces showing Academy Award winner Denzel Washington politely checking the host for alleging research his staff conducted found that he was an

Hollywood legend Denzel Washington has long been known for his dignified presence, each on and off the screen.

In a 2004 aired interview on “The Parkinson Show,” the Oscar winner answered demeaning questions with grace and humor, though the host’s line of questioning seemed to reinforce stereotypes about black men.

The interview, intended to promote Washington’s then-film “Man on Fire,” took a turn when host Sir Michael Parkinson suggested that Washington had struggled with alcoholism and possible gang involvement in his youth.

A 2004 interview returns in which Oscar winner Denzel Washington politely tests the host over claims that tests conducted by his staff showed he was an "alcoholic." (Photo: Ivan Romano/Getty Images)
A 2004 interview returns in which Oscar winner Denzel Washington politely tests the host over claims that tests conducted by his staff showed he was an “alcoholic.” (Photo: Ivan Romano/Getty Images)

The exchange began with Parkinson stating that Washington didn’t need to “explore” the alcohol facets of his character due to his own alleged experience. He played the role of a person named John W. Creasy who struggles with alcoholism. He attempts to take his own life while battling his past actions as a former CIA agent and Force Recon Marine.

(At) some point in your life you were in danger of becoming an alcoholic. Isn’t it?”

“Me? Right now as we speak!” Washington responded, surprised by this assumption.

Parkinson then explained by asking about Washington’s younger years.

Washington, remaining calm, replied, “When I was younger? Well, I think we were all in danger, but we didn’t know it. When Parkinson pressed on, citing “research” and articles about Washington’s past, the daddy of 4 laughed, replying: “Really? I higher read them.

The British broadcaster continued by suggesting that after his parents’ divorce, Washington “went off the track” by drinking and hanging out with the flawed crowd. The actor responded by admitting that he was offended and acting like a young man, but it surely wasn’t about drinking.

“I was already hanging out with the wrong crowd before they got divorced,” he said, adding: “I believe it had more to do with not a lot drinking, but just getting offended about it, attacking — entering into fights, things like that. Just a bit of kid who didn’t understand what was happening and was taking it out on whoever was nearby.

When Parkinson asked if he was in a gang, the New York native revealed the reality about his difficult background, sharing that the majority of his friends from his youth “were killed or went to jail.”

He praised his mother for having “the common sense to get me out of it” and sending him to a personal school, which, satirically, was “where all of the alcoholics and drug addicts really were. Little did she know.

“The rich kids had all the drugs,” Washington added. Later he laughed and said, “Mom, I never smoked a cigarette until you sent me to school.”

Many individuals who saw the 20-yr-old’s interview commented on Washington’s handling of the interview.

“Denzel was classy, ​​he could get angry with Micheal’s questions about alcoholics and his parents, but he’s too cool for that,” one person wrote, and one other commented. “The interviewer was just rude and he knew it, and Denzel knew it. Yes, Denzel was very witty and fashionable in the top.

A 3rd comment clearly stated, “Denzel is the boss.”

It just wasn’t concerning the comments about drinking and gangs, other parts of the interview seemed to piss off the actor and viewers.

“The look Denzel gives him 9:08 was like, “Oh, you f—,” one commenter said, a nod to his role as crooked detective Alonzo Harris in 2001’s “Training Day.”

Someone else said: “The subtle art of ridiculing an interlocutor who asks stupid and false questions. Tastefully presented here by Denzel.”

One fan was clear: “I’ve never heard of him being an alcoholic.”

Although Washington didn’t talk about drinking excessively, he often talked about his journey, the challenges of his youth, and the support systems that guided him, including his involvement with the Boys and Girls Club of America.

He also credited Sidney Poitier as a mentor, teaching him about privacy and self-respect. In a 2012 interview with GQ, Washington recalled Poitier’s advice: “If they see you without spending a dime all week, they will not pay to see you on the weekend. … If you walk past the magazine section in the supermarket they usually’ve known you all of your life, there is not any mystery about it.”

This wisdom shaped Washington’s approach to fame and public life, emphasizing the importance of secrecy and honesty.

The “Malcolm X” star’s down-to-earth approach to life was also evident in other public interactions.

After Will Smith’s controversial slapping incident on the 2022 Oscars, he was seen advising the West Philly native and telling him, “Be careful at the best of times, that’s when the devil comes for you.” This message reflected Washington’s belief in remaining calm and honest even under pressure.

He also allegedly uttered words of reproach to Sean “Diddy” Combs while he and his wife attended one in all his exclusive parties. The “Training Day” actor saw something he didn’t like and reportedly snapped at Bad Boy’s director, “You don’t respect anyone,” before storming out.

Known for embodying dignity, Washington rarely allows his temper to surface, but he isn’t afraid to express himself when mandatory.

When paparazzi accosted him outside the Museum of Modern Art in New York, Washington turned and said calmly but firmly, “You’re talking to a man right now. … How about… respecting me?” He let the person know that respect was crucial thing and even offered a smile to relieve any tension.

Throughout his profession, Washington managed to balance humility with strength, demonstrating that respect, humor and honesty were the cornerstones of his personality.

Parkinson can have wanted to get some juicy or controversial commentary from the actor, possibly comparing him to other stereotypes about black men. Still, Washington’s measured responses only reinforced his status as a real gentleman in Hollywood… one who is not easily fooled by intrusive questions.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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