Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Rest In Peace Brother (Bear!)

This week, the great character actor Michael Clarke Duncan will be laid to rest at the far-too-young age of 54.

As an actor I respected and enjoyed, I couldn't let him go without just posting a brief tribute.  M.C.D. was an imposing figure, but he was also said to be a sweetheart and it was very rare to see him not smiling and exuding joy and positivity!

But this is a Disney blog.  Why post a tribute to another actor on a Disney specific site?  Good question.

I could say because Duncan burst on the scene with his standout role in Armageddon produced by Touchstone Pictures, a division of this small entertainment company you may have heard of called Walt Disney Motion Pictures.

 
Interestingly enough, he played "Bear" the gentle-giant godfather to Liv Tyler.  

He followed up Armageddon with hits like The Whole Nine Yards and his Oscar nominated turn in The Green Mile.

Duncan's voice was instantly recognizable and unforgettable.  It may have been his most sought after characteristic, beyond his Titan-like physique.  He did voice acting for Disney on shows like The Proud Family, Kim Possible, George of the Jungle 2 (hey a guys gotta earn), and Air Buddies.

But perhaps his greatest Disney credit was his cameo on The Suite Life of Zack & Cody!

Okay, not really, although he did appear on the show!  Duncan's booming voice and growl filled the role of Tug, the gruff but lovable leader of the bears in Disney's animated feature Brother Bear.
He would reprise the role in the direct-to-video sequel, Brother Bear 2.

While I couldn't find a decent clip of the movie, I did find this test footage featuring his voice work.

I felt it important to post one last goodbye to a member of the Disney family!  Another great performer has left us too soon.

Farewell Michael.  See you on the other side! 



 
Michael Clarke Duncan
Dec. 10, 1957 - Sept. 3, 2012

                                                            Welcome home, Michael! 


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