Buzzmakers: Michael C. Duncan Dies & KStew Emerges

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What had ET readers buzzing this week?

1. Michael Clarke Duncan Dies

Actor Michael Clarke Duncan has died, ET has learned.

The Green Mile star's fiancee, Reverend Omarosa Manigault, has confirmed that the actor passed away in Los Angeles September 3 at the age of 54.

This news comes after Duncan's hospitalization following a "myocardial infarction" suffered on July 13 from which he never fully recovered.

According to Manigault's rep, "[she] is grateful for all of your prayers and asks for privacy at this time. Celebrations of [Duncan's] life, both private and public, will be announced at a later date."

A close friend tells ET that Manigault is "devastated" over the loss.

The Golden Globe and Oscar-nominated actor was born in Chicago and moved to Los Angeles in 1990, supporting himself as a bodyguard while pursuing an acting career.

His first roles closely resembled his day job, playing either guards or bouncers in films such as Back in Business, A Night at the Roxbury, The Players Club and Bulworth.

Soon he landed more meaty roles, playing Bear in Armageddon and finally portraying John Coffey in his breakout film The Green Mile (adapted from the Stephen King novel) for which he was nominated for both a Golden Globe and an Academy Award.

Roger Ebert described Duncan's performance in the 1999 drama as "both acting and being."

2. Kristen Stewart Hits First Post-Scandal Red Carpet

On the Road's premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival marked Kristen Stewart's first red carpet appearance Thursday since splitting with Robert Pattinson, and the actress graciously addressed the press with co-star Garrett Hedlund by her side.

"I do kind of black out a little when I show up at places like this, and I've felt so welcomed," Stewart said when asked how this red carpet compares to the others she's been on. Then, bringing the attention back to her project, the actress continued, "I'm so proud of the movie ... Everyone who cares about this book has been waiting forever to see it, so I think that's the most important thing."

Supporting cast member Kirsten Dunst added to Stewart's praises, saying, "It feels like you're reading the novel."

In the movie, based on Jack Kerouac's existential, Beat Generation classic, Stewart plays Marylou, who has some particularly risque scenes in the film with Garret Hedlund's character, Dean Moriarty.

"She's fearless when it comes to this and that can be a rarity," Hedlund said of his co-star, who wore a Zuhair Murad dress to the event.

On the Road, also starring Amy Adams, Viggo Mortensen and Steve Buscemi, opens December 21.

3. Amy Poehler & Will Arnett Announce Separation

After nine years of marriage, Amy Poehler and Will Arnett are calling it quits.

A rep for the couple confirmed to ET that they are separating. A source tells Us Weekly, "It's very amicable."

Arnett and Poehler wed in 2003 and have two sons: Archie, 3, and Abel 2.

The two stars have played opposite each other in such projects as Arrested Development, Blades of Glory, Horton Hears a Who! and Monsters vs. Aliens.

This marks Arnett's second marriage breakup, as he divorced Penelope Ann Miller in 1995 after being wed for one year.

4. Exclusive: Britney Cringes at 'Circus' Audition

As next week's premiere of the new season of Simon Cowell's The X Factor fast approaches, we've got an exclusive sneak peek at Britney Spears showing her tough-love approach to judging when a contestant shows up with flowers for the pop star before butchering her catchy hit Circus.

In another exclusive clip, Britney drips with sarcasm when responding to a middle-aged X Factor hopeful who displays a bizarre backup dancer routine. "I want to know who let you onstage?" the singer asks. "I feel uncomfortable with you even staring at me." After the contestant takes several personal jabs at various judges, she then turns to the panel and asks, "Is he serious?"

Watch the video to also see some biting banter between Simon and fellow judge Demi Lovato, whom Simon has referred to as an "obnoxious brat." The exchange ends with Lovato telling the X Factor creator that if she had a pig she would name him Simon.

The X Factor debuts during a two-night premiere September 12-13 at 8 p.m. on FOX.

5. Michelle Obama on Raising Modern Girls in the W.H.

The Democratic National Convention kicked off last Monday in Charlotte, North Carolina, and ET had the opportunity to sit down with First Lady Michelle Obama to discuss life on the campaign trail this time around and the challenging task of raising modern teen (and pre-teen) daughters in the White House.

Back-to-school just so happened to align with the Obama's appearances at the DNC this week, therefore Sasha, 11, and Malia, 14, will be missing in action, save for their dad's big speech on Thursday. Until then, Barack will be holding down the fort in Washington D.C.

"This is one of the rare times that I am not there during the first week of school," Mrs. Obama admits, "but the president is there…I'm going to be waiting to hear about that first day and how it felt when [Malia] walked into the high school."

As the girls are growing up in the age of the Internet, the first lady shares the words of advice she imparts on her daughters.

"Know who you're around and know who you can trust and understand that you're never alone," is a lesson the mom of two tells us she can't stress enough. "Everything you say and do these days is subject to public scrutiny."

While these dangers are very real, Mrs. Obama says she trusts Sasha and Malia implicitly with their technology.

"They text, they have friends, have cell phones... We're talking about [the importance of privacy] all the time."

Watch the video for more including the first lady's take on dressing for her husband's events, plus more from special GOP convention guests Kal Penn and Will.i.am.