”Manigault is grateful for all of your prayers and asks for privacy at this time. Celebrations of his life, both private and public, will be announced at a later date."

After more than a month of battling the lingering effects of his sudden heart attack, Michael Clarke Duncan passed away this afternoon. Details are still extremely fuzzy on what exactly happened, but the beloved actor’s fiancée Omarosa Manigault reportedly returned to his hospital room after a brief absence to find him expired.The sad news was confirmed by the late star’s representative to TMZ in a statement that both asks for privacy and promises public moments of grieving. You can take a look at the official release below…Unlike many other actors with physically imposing body shapes, Clarke Duncan was always able to convey a certain softness and nuance in his roles. He could be far more than scary. Whether emotionally affecting inor funny in, he had the ability to connect with audiences and maximize every moment of screen time. He was wonderful at his job, and by all accounts, a nice and decent human being.In the days and weeks ahead, there will be autopsies and questions to find out why a fifty-four-year-old man was cut down in the prime of his life. The actor had recently lost weight and was said to be in the best shape of his entire life. Whether his size played a role is unclear, but regardless of what happened, it won’t change the profound loss those closest to him are no doubt feeling.Cinema Blend’s deepest sympathies go out to Clarke Duncan’s fiancée Omarosa, his entire family and all those who knew him well. His big smile and touching performances will be fondly remembered for decades to come.