The legendary "Forrest Gump" actor Tom Hanks has paid tribute to the late Michael Clarke Duncan and it paved the way for fellow celebrities to show their support for the family of "The Green Mile" star with his tragic passing.

Tom Hanks shared the screen with Michael Clarke Duncan back in 1999 for the Frank Darabont film and Hanks has nothing but praises for Duncan.

According to reports, Tom Hanks affectionately described his "The Green Mile" co-star as the 6-foot 5-inches 300 pound giant "Big Mike" who possessed a touch of magic.

"I am terribly saddened at the loss of Big Mike. He was the treasure we all discovered on the set of The Green Mile. He was magic," Tom Hanks said in a released statement.

"He was a big love of man and his passing leaves us stunned," Hanks added.

Meanwhile, actor Gary Sinise who also starred in "The Green Mile" film took to the social networking site "Twitter" his tribute for Michael Clarke Duncan after hearing the sad news about his death.

"Had the pleasure of working on 2 things with Michael Clark Duncan. The Green Mile, & as guest star on CSI: NY. A real gentleman. R.I P my friend," Sinise posted on his Twitter account.

On the other hand, "The Green Mile" director Frank Darabont released a statement that expressed his devastation over the loss of one great and talented actor.

"Michael was one of the finest people I've ever had the privilege to work with or know. Michael was the gentlest of souls, an exemplar of decency, integrity and kindness. The sadness I feel is inexpressible," Darabont said.

"Our experience making The Green Mile together was immersive and an incredible once-in-a-lifetime journey. What sticks most in my mind was his devotion to his craft and the strides he made as an artist during that time, which was beyond inspiring to those of us who took the journey with him. Never has an actor more richly deserved the recognition of an Academy Award nomination than Michael did for his performance as John Coffey," the film director further stated.

"Michael has left us far, far too soon. We lost a great man and a great spirit today. My thoughts and condolences go out to his fiancee, Omarosa, and to his family," Darabont said.

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