Michael Clarke Duncan was honored at a public memorial yesterday ... as fans and friends gathered at the Hall of Liberty in Forest Lawn for a viewing of the actor's body ... followed by a screening of his performance in "The Green Mile."
As we previously reported, a private invitation-only ceremony for the 54-year-old actor will be held today ... led by famed preacher Bishop Charles Blake. Dr. H. Beecher Hicks will be doing the eulogy.
Wiping away her tears, Oamarosa Manigault-Stallworth, joined a host of celebrities today at the funeral of her fiancé Michael Clarke Duncan.
Amongst the high-profile mourners for the big-hearted actor was his Green Mile co-star Tom Hanks and talkshow host Jay Leno.
Despite her attempts Omarosa couldn't hide her distress, sobbing as she arrived holding the hands of two family members for the ceremony at the Hall of Liberty in Hollywood.
Omarosa told CNN as she arrived for the service: 'Doctors said he wouldn't survive after the heart attack for one or two days.'
She then began crying but continued. When asked if she revived him after the heart attack, she said: 'Let's just focus on today and not go back to that day.'
Fans pay tribute to late actor Michael Clarke Duncan during public viewing of casket... followed by a screening of The Green Mile
The former reality TV star added: 'I don't remember him as Michael the actor or entertainer.
'He was the love of my life, he is the love of my life. I'm going to miss him so much.'
Last goodbye: Tom Hanks and Jay Leno were amongst the more well-known mourners
Paying their respects: Actresses Vivica A Fox and Holly Robinson Peete were amongst the guests
At the time of Michael's death Omarosa had been planning their wedding, with the two planning on marrying in December.
Hanks told reporters: 'Mike was in charge of love. He just had a zest and joy.'
The nearly four-hour service was marked by heartfelt speeches, rousing gospel performances and photos of the always-smiling star.
Singers Angie Stone, Kelly Price and Abraham McDonald performed. Other guests included Actresses Vivicia A Fox, Holly Robinson Peete and Loretta Devine.
Michael's physician was also in attendance.
The 54-year-old actor had been hospitalised following a heart attack on July 13 from which he never fully recovered, dying on September 3.
A newly released death certificate lists the cause as respiratory failure, with underlying causes including his heart attack, a severe lack of oxygen to the brain, organ nodules and an irregular quivering heartbeat.
Today's private invitation-only funeral following an open service for his fans yesterday.
The Hall of Liberty at Forest Lawn Memorial Parks and Mortuaries in Los Angeles opened its doors for a public viewing of the Hollywood star's casket, which was showered with flower arrangements.
A newly released death certificate lists the cause as respiratory failure, with underlying causes including his heart attack, a severe lack of oxygen to the brain, organ nodules and an irregular quivering heartbeat.
Today's private invitation-only funeral following an open service for his fans yesterday.
The Hall of Liberty at Forest Lawn Memorial Parks and Mortuaries in Los Angeles opened its doors for a public viewing of the Hollywood star's casket, which was showered with flower arrangements.
Ecclesiastes 9:11I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happens to them all . Ecclesiastes 9:12 No one knows when his time will come. Like fish that are caught in a cruel net or birds caught in a snare, humans are trapped by a disaster when it suddenly strikes them.
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Posted By: DAVID JOHNSON
Tuesday, September 11th 2012 at 12:12AM
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