Shonka Dukureh: Actress who played Big Mama Thornton in ‘Elvis’ biopic, dead at 44
(Shonka Dukureh, Image credit: Facebook)
Shonka Dukureh, the 44-year-old actress and singer who gained notoriety after playing the part of blues singer Big Mama Thornton in the recent ‘Elvis’ biopic, was found dead in her Kothe Way apartment in Nashville on Wednesday, July 20. Nashville Metro Police reported that Dukureh lived in that apartment with her two young children, one of whom found her unresponsive and sought help from a neighbor who dialed 911 at 9:27 a.m.
Local police issued a statement yesterday saying that there was no evidence of foul play in the actress’ death. Authorities also said that Dukureh’s death is currently listed as “unclassified” pending autopsy results from the Medical Examiner’s Office.
ABC News reports that Dukureh, who appeared at Coachella this year where she performed the hit song Vegas with rapper Doja Cat, had earned college degrees in both theatre and education degree. According to her IMBD bio, she graduated from Fisk University with a degree in theater and earned her Master’s from Trevecca Nazarene University.
In an interview last month, she recalled the moment she heard she got the part in Elvis and was being flown to Australia for the shoot.
“I thought it was the best Christmas present I had ever received,” she said.
“I knew to really pay tribute to her, I had to tap into myself, my own self-confidence, my own voice. “I was just so honoured.” ~ ABC News
Nashville Mayor John Cooper released a message in response to the actress’ passing.
“My deepest condolences to the family of Shonka Dukureh,” he said. “Shonka graduated from Fisk University 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.”
(Cover photo: Shonka Dukureh: Actress as Big Mama Thornton, Image credit: Facebook)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today / Follow Richard on Facebook and Twitter
