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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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This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit

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Lauren Sánchez has apparently gained a popularity for her fashion hits and misses as social media users began following her every move.

Billionaire Jeff Bezos’ current fiancée stepped into the highlight long before she met the Amazon co-founder, after years spent as co-host of “Good Day LA,” a reporter for “Extra” and host of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and he even starred in a number of movies like “Ted 2.”

She faced criticism for posting a sultry selfie in November in a negligee-inspired gown by designer Laura Basca. In October, the 54-year-old again faced backlash when she showed off her latex Halloween costume as Catwoman.

Now, weeks after being deemed “cheap” and tasteless, the founder of Black Ops Aviation has turn out to be a subject of discussion.

Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez shows off a “winter white” look, weeks after critics slammed her busty latex outfit. (Photos: @laurenwsanchez/Instagram, Theimagedirect.com via Page Six)

On December 5, Sánchez and the business mogul attended The New York Times’ DealBook event in New York City. For the occasion, she wore a white Alexander McQueen suit and a white lace corset. The beaming bride-to-be sent two mirror selfies of her outfit, which she signed: “winter white.”

One follower particularly was stunned by the whole look he ejaculated that she was “very attractive and beautiful, gorgeous and stunning, charming and fantastic young lady, sexy, charming, charming and elegant” in the photos that Sánchez took.

Two other people swooned over the photos and wrote: “So chic and elegant!” and “You look great.” But as you would possibly expect from online viewers, not everyone was impressed.

When Page six published paparazzi photos from the trip, the critic commented: “It’s 30 degrees in New York and she gets out of the limo in a white Miami smock, her bra visible to everyone. No taste. Nothing. A cashmere turtleneck, flannel trousers and a wool jacket can be classy.

Someone else sharply asked: “Who can be the first to tell her that she looks tacky and not elegant and refined? Does she even know what sophistication means? A 3rd person noted: “She looks more like she’s wearing a bathrobe.”

Another person wrote in a comment from a licensed pilot: “White means…” possibly referring to rumors that Sánchez and Bezos are scheduled to exchange vows over Christmas. At least one person doubted the couple would have the opportunity to say “I do.” This person said: “This will be the longest engagement ever. They will NEVER get married and we all know why!!!!”

Sánchez told the “Today” show hosts that she was in the process of planning the big day last month. She didn’t comment on speculation about exchanging Christmas vows.

Renewed interest and scrutiny of Sánchez has increased as the pair have been spotted in various locations in recent months. The couple reportedly began dating in 2018. Their engagement was announced five years later, in May 2023. Their upcoming wedding can be a second journey for each of them.

Sánchez was previously married to celebrity agent Patric Whitesell, with whom she has two children. She can be the mother of a son, whom she shares with Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. Bezos was married to the mother of his three children, Mackenzie Scott, for 25 years once they divorced in 2019.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape

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India Shawn is a contemporary muse with a chilled nature, crafting love stories and heartfelt tales in smooth, charming songs. With over a decade of experience in the music industry as a singer-songwriter, Shawn has incredible strength. She was born in Los Angeles, and her musical roots reach throughout the country. Beginning her profession in her hometown, Shawn eventually found herself in Atlanta, where she immersed herself in the city’s deep-rooted R&B scene, further shaping her artistry.

“I transferred to ATL, I was in 10th grade, and that’s when my music journey really started,” Shawn told Andscape. “I met people who were trying to get by, so I ended up recording and learned what songwriting was really early on.”

Before releasing her debut EP in 2012, Shawn wrote songs and collaborated with artists similar to Chris Brown, El DeBarge, Keri Hilson and Monica. In 2013, she gained much more notoriety when Solange Knowles published her song “I’m Alive” on the Saint Heron compilationmarking her as an artist value watching.

Following the release of the single “There Must Be a God” from the Andscape soundtrack, she caught up with Shawn to learn more about the muse behind the vibes.


Singer India Shawn grew up singing in church with her family. “I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” she said.

India Shawn

Name:
India Shawn

Hometown:

Los Angeles

Artistic soundscape

Airy, soft, telling a story, multidimensional, soft, mysterious, atmospheric

The oldest musical memory

Shawn’s soulful sound is deeply rooted in her upbringing, with influences drawn from her childhood memories and the musical culture of her church. “I sing with my sister all the time, and I also grew up singing behind my mom in church. She was the leader of praise and worship. So I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” Shawn said. “I had these little solos in church, and I believe what made me consider in it was that after the service people got here as much as me with tears of their eyes and said, ‘You really moved me while you sang.’ “These early moments of connection with music and audiences laid the foundation for conveying depth and sensitivity through her music.

Influences

For Shawn, music, especially R&B, has all the time held a special place in her life. “Me and my sister are harmonizing in the living room, just picking some of our favorite songs, including for me Mariah Carey, Babyface, Boyz II Men and (and) Brandy,” she said of her early music memories.

Creative process

Shawn often draws inspiration from real-life experiences and relationships that influence her music. She weaves this into the authenticity and atmosphere of her songs, but she didn’t immediately recognize where her inspiration got here from. “It’s funny that it took me so long to make that connection, but I realized that I was telling my whole story and presenting my business through my music,” she said. “It took me two albums to realize, wait a minute, I’m giving people a lot to understand here… these aren’t just songs. This is truly the life I live.”

Challenges and development

As Shawn’s profession grows, so do his moments of appreciation and reflection. “I literally just thought about a very gradual progression of my career. It’s like step by step, but there are more breakthrough moments. My first tour, which was so beautiful, I just knew I could pack a room and people knew my lyrics and sang my songs to me. Those moments that make the waiting not in vain.”

Shawn has plenty of recommendation for up-and-coming singer-songwriters. Her biggest sacrifice? Collaboration is essential. “I think (cooperation) is really why I’m still here. So find your people… you’ll know when it feels right, you’ll have that freedom and fluidity, and you’ll be able to really create things and create without having to think too much.” He also shares the importance of patience. “Just be patient during the journey. This has been a theme throughout my profession. Let it develop. I feel like more things come from being in that flow and being present reasonably than forcing all of it.

Current project

There should be a God”, the lead single from Andscape , now streaming on Hulu, also serves as a teaser for Shawn’s solo album. “(This song) is such a manifestation of God’s love,” she said. “I think when you find yourself in a place of waiting, you can feel very hopeless. So when you see glimpses of God’s love again, or the fact that you know there is a higher power, there is a source that is thinking about you, has you in mind, has a perfect plan for you, it’s just like the clouds parting. And this is the moment, I understand. I understand that I had to go through all this to get here. And that’s exactly what I felt in the studio that day.”

Sheila Matthews is a digital producer at Andscape and a proud HBCU graduate. She believes “Return of the Mack” must have won a Grammy, and her Twitter mentions are open to all debate.

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence

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With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is anticipated to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.

Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.

From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.

In case you missed it, take a take a look at 17 of the very best celebrity beauty moments from the week below.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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