Vault: Interview Michael Clarke Duncan

Summary

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The Bert Show (Pionaire Podcasting)

Vault: Interview with Michael Clarke Duncan

Air Date: October 27, 2025

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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.

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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.

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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]

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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.

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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]

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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.

Transcript

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[Radio Host 1]

Bird Show Michael Clark Duncan. He's been in the Green Mile. He was in Apocalypse Now. He was in that movie with Bruce Willis and Chandler from Friends that I can't remember the name of. And he was also in Planet of the Apes and and he joined us on the Burt Show. Michael Clark Duncan Yes. Hey, how are you man? How are you?

[Michael Clark Duncan]

I am all right, man. It's a little bit early for me, but I am fine.

[Radio Host 1]

It is. You know what we were just talking about is are you a single guy? Are you married?

[Michael Clark Duncan]

I'm single.

[Radio Host 1]

You're a Single guy. All right. When you go out on a first date, isn't it automatically assumed that you're gonna pay?

[Michael Clark Duncan]

Always, always. And you know what? I always do anyway.

[Radio Host 1]

Yeah, it just seems that's not even a first date, like the first five.

[Radio Host 2]

But Michael, do you appreciate it when a woman at least offers?

[Michael Clark Duncan]

Even if a woman just offers, that lets me know that she is not selfish.

[Radio Host 2]

Right?

[Radio Host 1]

Yeah. Okay, that makes sense.

[Michael Clark Duncan]

Even if she offers, I'm still not gonna let her pay. But it's just a thought that she's thinking about this.

[Radio Host 1]

Michael Clark Duncan is talking to us. He was in Armageddon. He was the star of the Green Mile along with Tom Hanks and of course is in Planet of the Apes. And you know how big this guy is. He's 6 5.

[Radio Host 3]

What part of LA are you living in? Are you right in Beverly Hills? Bel Air, with all the stars around that way.

[Radio Host 1]

Are you. He's not that down there.

[Michael Clark Duncan]

I'd like to live at, you know, what's that area there in Atlanta?

[Radio Host 1]

Buckhead?

[Michael Clark Duncan]

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.

[Radio Host 1]

They're amazing, aren't they?

[Michael Clark Duncan]

They are really gorgeous up there in that Buckhead area.

[Radio Host 3]

Well, we don't get invited to the parties at those houses.

[Michael Clark Duncan]

Right, because you guys probably live up there.

[Radio Host 1]

We valet at those parties.

[Radio Host 3]

When you say Buckhead to us, we're thinking of like the deck of the $3 cafe. Buying $4 pitcher of beers during two.

[Radio Host 2]

For one happy hours and then splitting the bill.

[Radio Host 3]

Yeah, you're talking about the other side of Buckhead. And where if we wander over there, there's like some sort of sensor that goes off and they immediately sweep us out.

[Michael Clark Duncan]

Well, if they mess with you guys, give me a call.

[Radio Host 1]

Hey, Michael, it wasn't that long ago that you were a bodyguard of big stars in Hollywood, huh?

[Michael Clark Duncan]

Yes, I was bodyguard from Martin Lawrence, Will Smith, LL Cool, Jamie Foxx. I think I did a little bit of everything here in Hollywood before I got mine.

[Radio Host 2]

You must have some great stories.

[Radio Host 1]

Oh, I bet you have great stories of protecting those guys.

[Michael Clark Duncan]

Oh yeah, they're some of my best friends now because they were. They were really nice back then to me and I always treated them, I treated them professionally. Plus I'm sure you problems out of them. But you can get into some little conflicts not with them, but the people that want to, you know, get over as jealous with them like, or try to touch them or something.

[Radio Host 1]

Sure.

[Radio Host 3]

Plus, I'm sure they're all very close friends of yours because you probably have some good blackmail memories that you're holding on to.

[Michael Clark Duncan]

Well, that keeps the money coming in, too.

[Radio Host 1]

Now, who. Who could be the bodyguard for a guy your size?

[Radio Host 2]

I know.

[Michael Clark Duncan]

You know what? That's a good point, because I don't have one yet.

[Radio Host 1]

I wouldn't think. I mean, who's gonna take that job?

[Michael Clark Duncan]

You know what? It's. Because I know what entails to be a bodyguard, and I wouldn't want to put anybody through that. But I didn't want to put anybody constantly following me around and doing this and doing that.

[Radio Host 2]

Holding an umbrella for you like Puff Daddy.

[Radio Host 1]

Yeah.

[Radio Host 3]

Especially if you never go out of your house. Cause that would get kind of boring for the guy.

[Michael Clark Duncan]

Yeah, well, you know, he'd be making some easy money off me.

[Radio Host 3]

He'll wake up in the morning. Hey, Michael, you want to go somewhere today?

[Michael Clark Duncan]

Come on. Sorry, I'm. You talked downstairs in the limo. I'll call you.

[Radio Host 2]

You talk to. What's his name? Texas Ranger. What's that?

[Radio Host 1]

Chuck Norris.

[Radio Host 2]

Chuck Norris. You talk to people like that who are just, you know, someone who's been in the martial arts for years, and people are constantly trying to mess with him because they, you know, they want to see if they can kick his ass. You know, it's like this.

[Michael Clark Duncan]

And you know what? That is the stupidest thing, because then they wind up really hurt.

[Radio Host 1]

Sure they do.

[Radio Host 2]

People do that to you because you don't.

[Michael Clark Duncan]

Oh, yeah, all the time. But you know what you do? I laugh. Yeah, I laugh and I let it go. Because in the long run, that's what they want you to do. And in the long run, that's what a lawyer or something, their 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.

[Radio Host 2]

Michael just says, quiet, little man.

[Michael Clark Duncan]

Yeah, I am. Sometimes I get riled up, but most of the time I'm quiet.

[Radio Host 1]

When's the last time you got into a fist fight?

[Michael Clark Duncan]

Oh, man, sixth grade.

[Radio Host 1]

Is that right? Is that right?

[Michael Clark Duncan]

I've worked at several clubs, but every time a guy wanted a confrontation, I would talk him down.

[Radio Host 1]

Yeah, I bet.

[Michael Clark Duncan]

Because it wasn't that serious for us to go there. Even if a guy took a swing at me, I'd just grab and say, come on, man, you don't want to do this.

[Radio Host 3]

Well, I'm thinking probably the way I'm envisioning the way that you talk to the average man. Would be similar to you talking to the mouse in Green Mile. You pick him up in the palm of your hands.

[Michael Clark Duncan]

Very soft.

[Radio Host 3]

Yeah, you pet him a little.

[Michael Clark Duncan]

And that way you keep their energy down. If you go over there and you're getting aggressive, then you're gonna make them.

[Radio Host 1]

More sure you are.

[Michael Clark Duncan]

Just like I am in Planet of Apes. I'm kind of, you know, the even keel. Did you guys see it?

[Radio Host 1]

I haven't seen it yet. A couple of people in here have, but it's getting mixed reviews, I'd say.

[Michael Clark Duncan]

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.

[Radio Host 1]

Well, the reviews are not about the primates. I mean, all the reviews for the Apes are great. So you're.

[Michael Clark Duncan]

What are the reviews about?

[Radio Host 1]

Probably the storyline, the, you know, the alternative ending you can't help but compare to the original. And there are going to be some people that say you can never remake a classic like that. And there are others that are going to be saying, you know what, it's something new, it's a better version, or it's not a better version. At least they're open minded to it.

[Radio Host 2]

Michael, how long did it take for you to get that makeup on? Because the makeup is outstanding and it really, I mean, the primates in the film are really great.

[Michael Clark Duncan]

They really do anywhere from three and a half to two, three hours a day.

[Radio Host 1]

Kidding.

[Michael Clark Duncan]

No, it was, it was, it was something that you. That you knew was part of the movie, right? So they told you, hey, this is, you're gonna play an ape. So you're gonna go through this process. And actually we had a test, a test run to see how long. And the test run took like four and a half hours. And they said, well, on the day when we start filming, it'll get, you know, shorter and shorter. And the first day it was pretty good. It was like 3 hours and 45 minutes. Then we got it down to 3:30. Then finally we got it down to 3 hours.

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[Radio Host 1]

First of all, I want you to introduce you to our favorite listener. This is Ms. Peach.

[Ms. Peach (Listener)]

Good morning.

[Michael Clark Duncan]

How you doing?

[Ms. Peach (Listener)]

I'm doing fine.

[Michael Clark Duncan]

Good morning. Turn him up.

[Ms. Peach (Listener)]

I can't hardly hear him.

[Michael Clark Duncan]

You're just taking it easy like me.

[Radio Host 1]

I can't turn him up any more than that.

[Ms. Peach (Listener)]

Okay.

[Radio Host 1]

Okay.

[Ms. Peach (Listener)]

I just wanted to tell you, Michael, that a couple years ago when you were up for the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, 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.

[Michael Clark Duncan]

Oh, man, you know what?

[Ms. Peach (Listener)]

That. And I just love you. I have got the biggest crush on you.

[Michael Clark Duncan]

I just love you. Because Michael Caine is a, as you guys know, is a very talented actor. But to hear somebody say that, that really just makes me feel good.

[Radio Host 1]

Oh, come on. Michael Caine's been in every movie ever made in Hollywood. He's in my wedding video, for crying out.

[Ms. Peach (Listener)]

I'm making doubt. I mean, he just got cheated, sugar.

[Michael Clark Duncan]

Oh, thank you, Ms. Peach. I appreciate that.

[Ms. Peach (Listener)]

And I tell you what, anytime you want to come to Georgia, you are more than welcome.

[Michael Clark Duncan]

Thank you very much.

[Ms. Peach (Listener)]

And I am an old George girl from way back.

[Radio Host 2]

Yeah, Ms. Peach.

[Radio Host 1]

Thanks, Ms. Peach.

[Ms. Peach (Listener)]

Bye, y'.

[Radio Host 1]

All.

[Ms. Peach (Listener)]

Love you.

[Radio Host 1]

Hey, I know you got to go, so we'll just say, hey, continued success with Planet of the Apes, man.

[Michael Clark Duncan]

Thank you guys so much. And I love Atlanta.

[Radio Host 1]

And we love you.

[Michael Clark Duncan]

Everybody go see Planet Apes because it's a really good movie.

[Radio Host 2]

We love you.

[Michael Clark Duncan]

Only two guys.

[Radio Host 3]

Only if you promise to come hang out with us when you come to Atlanta.

[Michael Clark Duncan]

I promise. I got your address and everything right here.

[Radio Host 1]

All right.

[Michael Clark Duncan]

All right.

[Radio Host 3]

Here.

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[Jeff Bridges]

Morning, Zoe. Got donuts.

[Radio Host 2]

Jeff Bridges, why are you still living above our garage?

[Jeff Bridges]

Well, I dig the mattress, and I want to be in a T Mobile commercial like you. Teach me, Suldanna.

[Radio Host 2]

Oh, no, I'm not really prepared. I couldn't possibly AT T Mobile get the new iPhone 17 Pro on them. It's designed to be the most powerful iPhone yet. And has the ultimate pro camera system system.

[Jeff Bridges]

Wow, impressive. Let me try. T Mobile is the best place to get iPhone 17 Pro because they've got the best network. Nice.

[Radio Host 2]

Jeffrey, you heard them.

[Jeff Bridges]

T Mobile is the best place to.

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Get the new iPhone 17 Pro on.

[Michael Clark Duncan]

Us with eligible traded in any condition.

[Jeff Bridges]

So what are we having for lunch?

[Radio Host 2]

Dude, my work here is done.

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