‘He was magic’ – Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks is "terribly saddened" by the death of Michael Clarke Duncan.

Hanks’ Green Mile co-star passed away suddenly in a Los Angeles hospital at the age of 54 on Monday (3 September) and Hanks was one of the many stars who rushed to pay tribute to the actor.

He said: "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."

Duncan’s death comes just two months after he suffered a heart attack and many of his fellow celebrities have taken to Twitter to praise him and mourn his passing.

Rosario Dawson wrote: "Oh no! Michael Clark Duncan was such a lovely sweetheart! Too young!" while Octavia Spencer added: "RIP Michael Clarke Duncan!"

Olivia Munn shared her personal memories of the actor, writing: "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 (sic)."

Duncan — who had worked as a bodyguard for celebrities including Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Jamie Foxx, LL Cool J, and Notorious B.I.G before finding fame — recently starred in Bones spin-off TV show The Finder and Bones actor David Boreanaz also took to Twitter to remember his friend.

He wrote: "R.I.P. my friend MCD. I will miss you."

Former American Idol contestant Jordin Sparks praised Duncan for his kindness, writing "RIP Michael Clarke Duncan. Thank you for being so kind to me & for sharing your talent with the world. You will be truly missed (sic)."

Meanwhile, Sherri Shepherd reached out to the actor’s fiancee Omarosa Manigault.

She wrote: "My heart and prayers go out to you @Omarosa … I remember you telling me how happy you & Michael Clarke Duncan were – so sorry (sic)."