Michael Duncan’s life celebrated in images, song, speeches

Michael Clarke Duncan. AP FILE PHOTO

LOS ANGELES — Tom Hanks, Jay Leno, Holly Robinson Peete and Loretta Devine are among those who helped celebrate the life of Michael Clarke Duncan at a memorial service.

The nearly four-hour service was marked by heartfelt speeches, rousing gospel performances and photos of the always-smiling star.

Duncan was 54 when he died September 3, having never fully recovered from a heart attack in July. His physician was among the speakers at Monday’s service at Forest Lawn Memorial Parks and Mortuaries in Los Angeles.

Singers Angie Stone, Kelly Price and Abraham McDonald lent their voices to the private funeral.

Duncan’s fiancee, the Reverend Omarosa O. Manigault, called Duncan “my best friend.” The two had planned to wed in December.