The Bert Show (Pionaire Podcasting)

Vault: Interview with Michael Clarke Duncan

Air Date: October 27, 2025

Episode Overview

This special vault episode from The Bert Show features an engaging, lighthearted, and heartfelt interview with the late Michael Clarke Duncan, renowned for his iconic roles in The Green Mile, Armageddon, and Planet of the Apes. The show dives into his experiences as a Hollywood bodyguard, his approach to relationships, and the challenges (and humor) of celebrity life. The cast exchanges playful banter with Duncan, highlights his warmth and humility, and even brings on a memorable fan, Ms. Peach, who shares her deep admiration for the actor.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Michael Clarke Duncan’s Approach to Relationships

• Chivalry on Dates
  • "When you go out on a first date, isn't it automatically assumed that you're gonna pay?" (01:14)
    Duncan agrees:
  • Michael Clarke Duncan [01:21]: “Always, always. And you know what? I always do anyway.”
  • He appreciates when women offer to pay, viewing it as a sign of unselfishness:
    Michael Clarke Duncan [02:32]: “Even if a woman just offers, that lets me know that she is not selfish. ... Even if she offers, I'm still not gonna let her pay. But it's just the thought.”

Life in Hollywood and Atlanta

• On Atlanta’s Buckhead vs. Hollywood
  • Duncan reminisces about Buckhead, Atlanta, praising the area's beauty after attending a Super Bowl party there.
    Michael Clarke Duncan [03:07]: “Yes. I was there for the Super Bowl a couple of years ago and they had a party up actually up there, Buckhead. And the houses there are simply beautiful.”
  • The cast jokes about not being invited to such swanky events, to which Duncan playfully responds:
    Michael Clarke Duncan [03:48]: “Well, if they mess with you guys, give me a call.”

Hollywood Bodyguard Days

• From Protecting Stars to Becoming One

  • Duncan recounts his days as a bodyguard for Martin Lawrence, Will Smith, LL Cool J, and Jamie Foxx.
    Michael Clarke Duncan [03:58]: “I was bodyguard for Martin Lawrence, Will Smith, LL Cool J, Jamie Foxx. I think I did a little bit of everything here in Hollywood before I got mine.”
  • He reflects on the professional friendships formed with these stars and the backstage drama—“blackmail memories,” as the hosts joke.
    Michael Clarke Duncan [04:39]: “Well, that keeps the money coming in, too.”

• On Needing His Own Bodyguard:

  • Duncan laughs at the idea, saying he doesn't want to put anyone through that job:
    Michael Clarke Duncan [04:53]: "Because I know what entails to be a bodyguard, and I wouldn't want to put anybody through that. I didn't want to put anybody constantly following me around and doing this and doing that."

Handling Confrontation and His Gentle Nature

• Dealing with Challengers

  • Duncan shares that, being a physical presence, people would try to challenge him—much like how folks approach Chuck Norris:
    Michael Clarke Duncan [05:37]: "That is the stupidest thing, because then they wind up really hurt."
  • He chooses to walk away rather than escalate:
    Michael Clarke Duncan [05:44]: "Oh, yeah, all the time. But ... I laugh and I let it go. ... That's what a lawyer ... will want you to get into some type of confrontation, and you're gonna wind up paying. So most time I just walk away."
  • On the last time he fought:
    Michael Clarke Duncan [06:10]: "Oh, man, sixth grade."

• A Gentle Giant:

  • Comparing his real-life approach to that of his gentle Green Mile character, the hosts joke that he handles agitators softly:
    Michael Clarke Duncan [06:39]: "Very soft."
    Michael Clarke Duncan [06:42]: "And that way you keep their energy down. If you go over there and you're getting aggressive, then you're gonna make them..."

Inside “Planet of the Apes”

• Michael describes the extensive daily makeup process for his role:
  Michael Clarke Duncan [07:40]: "They really do anywhere from three and a half to three hours a day."

  • He shares how familiarity with the routine brought the time down from 4.5 hours to 3 hours.

• On Mixed Reviews of the Movie:
  Michael Clarke Duncan [07:03]: "You know what? I don't think there's a perfect movie out there yet. But as long as you guys are entertained by it, that's all I can ask."

Fan Moment: Ms. Peach Calls In (08:14–09:30)

• Ms. Peach effusively praises Duncan for his performance in The Green Mile, saying he should have won the Oscar over Michael Caine:
  • Ms. Peach [08:29]: "I just wanted to tell you, Michael, that ... I think you really got cheated because I Saw both the movies, the Green Mile and the Cedar House Rules, and I think you outdid Michael Caine like, a thousand times."
  • Duncan responds graciously:
    Michael Clarke Duncan [08:54]: "I just love you. Because Michael Caine ... is a very talented actor. But to hear somebody say that, that really just makes me feel good."
  • Ms. Peach offers an open invitation:
    Ms. Peach [09:16]: "And I tell you what, anytime you want to come to Georgia, you are more than welcome."

Closing

• The hosts wish him continued success and promise a warm Atlanta welcome:
  • Radio Host 1 [09:32]: "Hey, I know you got to go, so we'll just say, hey, continued success with Planet of the Apes, man."
  • Michael Clarke Duncan [09:37]: "Thank you guys so much. And I love Atlanta."
  • He invites everyone to see his movie:
    Michael Clarke Duncan [09:41]: "Everybody go see Planet Apes because it's a really good movie."
  • He promises to visit the hosts if he's ever in Atlanta.

Notable Quotes

• On First Dates:
  “Even if a woman just offers, that lets me know that she is not selfish.” — Michael Clarke Duncan [02:32]

• On Bodyguard Days:
  “I was bodyguard for Martin Lawrence, Will Smith, LL Cool J, Jamie Foxx. I think I did a little bit of everything here in Hollywood before I got mine.” — Michael Clarke Duncan [03:58]

• On Handling Confrontation:
  “Oh, yeah, all the time. But ... I laugh and I let it go. ... That's what a lawyer ... will want you to get into some type of confrontation, and you're gonna wind up paying. So most time I just walk away.” — Michael Clarke Duncan [05:44]

• Fan Love:
  “I just wanted to tell you, Michael ... I think you really got cheated because I Saw both the movies, the Green Mile and the Cedar House Rules, and I think you outdid Michael Caine like, a thousand times.” — Ms. Peach [08:29]
  “That really just makes me feel good.” — Michael Clarke Duncan [08:54]

• On Success and Humility:
  “Thank you guys so much. And I love Atlanta.” — Michael Clarke Duncan [09:37]

Notable and Fun Moments

• Joking about fancy Atlanta parties and the cast only being allowed as valet drivers [03:21].
• Hosts teasing Duncan about never needing a bodyguard due to his imposing presence [04:51].
• Duncan’s gentle philosophy on managing confrontations—always with calm and empathy [06:39].
• Ms. Peach’s heartfelt call and open invitation, creating a touching fan-celebrity connection [08:29; 09:16].
• Duncan’s genuine warmth and humility, shining throughout the exchange.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Michael Clarke Duncan joins the show & talks dating norms: [01:45]–[02:42]
• Conversation about Atlanta’s Buckhead vs. Hollywood: [02:52]–[03:48]
• Bodyguard career stories and celebrity friendships: [03:52]–[04:44]
• Handling confrontations and philosophy on violence: [05:27]–[06:39]
• Acting in Planet of the Apes & the makeup process: [07:16]–[08:14]
• Ms. Peach’s fan call: [08:14]–[09:30]
• Closing thanks & Duncan’s invitation to Atlanta: [09:32]–[09:51]

Conclusion

Michael Clarke Duncan’s appearance on The Bert Show highlights his humor, humility, and deep likability. He shares behind-the-scenes stories from Hollywood, offers wisdom about staying grounded amid fame, and graciously connects with fans and hosts alike. The episode is a warm reminder of Duncan’s talent and character—making it a must-listen for longtime fans and newcomers alike.