Shonka Dukureh, the actress who played Big Mama Thornton in Baz Luhrmann’s recent Elvis biopic, has died at 44. Dukureh was found dead in the bedroom of her Nashville apartment Thursday. The Metro Nashville Police Department shared the news in a tweet, writing:
Police told Fox 17 Nashville that one of her children found her unresponsive Thursday morning and ran to a neighbor’s apartment, where the neighbor proceeded to call 911.
Although foul play is not suspected, the medical examiner is still working to determine her cause of death.
Shonka Dukureh Did Not Take Big Mama Thornton Role Lightly
The role of legendary blues singer Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton, the first artist to record “Hound Dog,” was not a role Shonka Dukureh took lightly. Though it was her first film role, she approached it with purpose and respect.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
Known in the Nashville area as a gospel singer, Dukureh showcased her talents on the big screen with her rendition of “Hound Dog” (above). At the time of her death, she was preparing to release her first studio album.
Following the news of her death, Nashville Mayor John Cooper shared his condolences with Dukureh’s family in a tweet.
“My deepest condolences to the family of Shonka Dukureh,” he wrote. “Shonka graduated from Fisk and called Nashville home for many years. Her powerful voice and artistry will live on through her music, and we honor her memory on this sad day.”
