The actor Michael Clarke Duncan — Oscar-nominated for playing the death row inmate John Coffey in The Green Mile — has died at the age of fifty four.

After his supporting role in the Stephen King adaptation, he became known as the “gentle giant.” The muscular, six-foot-four actor, began his career as a bodyguard for stars including Will Smith and Jamie Foxx.

He was being treated in hospital in Los Angeles after suffering a heart attack last month.

Michael Clarke Duncan starred in a range of dramas, comic-adaptations and comedies, including Armageddon, Daredevil, Sin City, Planet of the Apes and Talladega Nights.

His deep voice also earned him roles voicing characters in animated films, such as Kung Fu Panda.

His fiancee says an event will be arranged to celebrate his life, at a later date.