Michael Clarke Duncan, who died in a Los Angeles hospital Monday at age 54, played many roles in his life—on screen and off. His sheer physicality could be intimidating—that is, until he flashed that super-sized smile.

He played bodyguards and murderers, kingpins and nice guys. His large, husky voice brought gravitas to cartoon characters and heavies, action films and comedies.

In real life, he was a bodyguard, too—to rapper Notorious B.I.G. But he could also turn on the charm as an award-show presenter, reality show-participant and fiance of reality show starlet Rev. Omarosa Manigault.