Shonka Dukureh

The actress played Big Mama Thornton in the new Elvis biopic.

You did it." My condolences and prayers to her family." Police told the publication that Dukureh was found dead inside a bedroom in her flat.

The actor Shonka Dukureh, who recently made her big screen debut as Big Mama Thornton in Baz Luhrmann's new film Elvis, had died at the age of 44.

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He wrote: “My deepest condolences to the family of Shonka Dukureh. Shonka graduated from @Fisk1866 and called Nashville home for many years. She said those students reached out after seeing her in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis biopic. Her initial career aspiration was to become a teacher, but her vocal talents saw her turn to performing arts and her role as Big Mama Thornton in the Elvis biopic, released this year, marked her first major film role.

The actress and musician played Big Mama Thornton in the critically-acclaimed movie, which was directed by Baz Luhrmann.

Dukureh, a Fisk Univ graduate, was found dead in the bedroom of her Kothe Way apt that she shared with her 2 young children.— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) July 21, 2022 My deepest condolences to the family of Shonka Dukureh. Shonka graduated from— Mayor John Cooper (@JohnCooper4Nash) @Fisk1866and called Nashville home for many years. Nashville Mayor John Cooper tweeted his condolences to Dukureh's family, saying that she had graduated from Fisk University in the city that she had called home for many years.

Director Baz Luhrmann has said he felt “truly blessed” to have had time with Shonka Dukureh, who starred in his Elvis biopic, before her death aged 44.

“A favorite word of Shonka’s, in daily use, was “blessings,” and I, along with the entire Elvis cast, crew and musical collaborators, feel truly blessed to have had time with her.” “Shonka was just starting to find a larger audience for her tremendous talent, and I got to see her uplift whole crowds of people at Coachella and beyond. Director Baz Luhrmann has said he felt “truly blessed” to have had time with Shonka Dukureh, who starred in his Elvis biopic, before her death aged 44.

The actor who played Big Mama Thornton in this year's film about Elvis Presley has been found dead in a bedroom at her home.

The 59-year-old added that the cast and crew of Elvis were sending their "love and support" to her children and family. Singer and actress Shonka Dukureh, who starred as blues singer Big Mama Thornton in the film Elvis, has been found dead at her home in Nashville, Tennessee. The actor who played Big Mama Thornton in this year's film about Elvis Presley has been found dead in a bedroom at her home.

Dukureh, a Fisk University graduate and Nashville singer, shared the apartment with her two young children, police said. One of the children found her ...

Dukureh, a Fisk University graduate and Nashville singer, shared the apartment with her two young children, police said. One of the children found her unresponsive and went to the apartment of a neighbor, who called 911 shortly before 9:30 a.m., police said. She was 44.

ELVIS director Baz Luhrmann has paid tribute to cast member Shonka Dukureh, who was found dead on Thursday.

A favorite word of Shonka's, in daily use, was "blessings," and I, along with the entire Elvis cast, crew, and musical collaborators, feel truly blessed to have had time with her. She had previously worked with musicians such as Jamie Liddell and The Royal Pharaohs and Nick Cave. And I could totally relate to that. Dukureh was found dead on Thursday, July 21, in a bedroom at her home in Nashville, which she shared with her two young children, the Metro Nashville Police Department confirmed. Whenever she was on set, on stage, or even just in the room, everyone always felt uplifted. Speaking to The Tennessean ahead of the movie's cinematic release, Dukureh said: "Big Mama Thornton] was really raw with what she did and very honest and truthful and [made] music as she felt it.

Tributes poured in for Shonka Dukureh, who played Big Mama Thornton in the recent "Elvis" movie. Director Baz Luhrmann wrote: "A special light went out ...

Dukureh, a Fisk Univ graduate, was found dead in the bedroom of her Kothe Way apt that she shared with her 2 young children.— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) July 21, 2022 “An incredible talent taken from us too soon,” Doja Cat, whose real name is Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, posted on Instagram in a tribute. “From the moment she came into our world, Shonka brought joy, spirit and of course her voice and her music. Whenever she was on set, on stage or even just in the room, everyone always felt uplifted,” Luhrmann added. The movie is widely expected to scoop up accolades during the Hollywood awards season. Nashville Mayor John Cooper tweeted his condolences to Dukureh’s family and said “her powerful voice and artistry will live on through her music, and we honor her memory on this sad day.”

Well-known singer and artist named Shonka Dukureh passed away on Thursday. This came after her debut movie Elvis was released on 24th June, 2022.

After the movie was made, Dukureh's rendition of the track Hound Dog, which Thornton released in 1952, became popular online. In one of her interviews, Dukureh said she had previously worked as a class teacher with inner-city youngsters through after-school and summer programs. According to police, there seems to be no fraud involved in her death. After the movie was made, Dukureh's rendition of the track Hound Dog, which Thornton released in 1952, became popular online. In one of her interviews, Dukureh said she had previously worked as a class teacher with inner-city youngsters through after-school and summer programs. According to police, there seems to be no fraud involved in her death.

Doja Cat is among many to mourn the death of musician and Elvis actress Shonka Dukureh, who passed away aged 44.

The last video she shared with her daughter was on June 25, having a little chat about going to the Elvis movie. Shonka was a singer, actor and author. Sending my deepest condolences to her loved ones,” she wrote further.

The Charlotte, North Carolina native was found dead in her Nashville apartment on Thursday, July 21, according to the Metro Nashville Police Department. The ...

Dukureh also appeared onstage with Doja Cat during her set at Coachella to perform the song. In the film she performed the singer’s version of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller’s “Hound Dog,” which the real-life Thornton recorded in 1952. Dukureh was raised in Charlotte and relocated to Nashville to attend Fisk University, where she studied theater.

Gospel and blues singer Shonka Dukureh, who recently appeared in the musical movie, "Elvis," has died at the age of 44.

On July 13, Dukerah posted on Instagram: "Gratefulness is where I live cuz my granny, gmama, momma, family modeled and instilled it in me. "It isn't a posture of less than or crumbs scraping, but one that acknowledges good things aren't a guarantee and when we encounter them thankfulness, gratefulness is the least we can express." July 22 (UPI) -- Gospel and blues singer Shonka Dukureh, who recently appeared in the musical movie, Elvis, has died at the age of 44.

Elvis” actor Shonka Dukureh was found dead Thursday in the Nashville, Tennessee, apartment she shared with her two young children, police said.

And I could totally relate to that” "I, along with the entire Elvis cast, crew and musical collaborators, feel truly blessed to have had time with her. “Whenever she was on set, on stage or even just in the room, everyone always felt uplifted.

Shonka Dukureh, an actress and singer with a starring role in the recently released Elvis biopic, has died. She was 44. According to the Metro Nashville ...

Shonka Dukureh, the gospel singer who played Big Mama Thornton in "Elvis," found dead in Nashville apartment at the age of 44.

"Was a true honor getting to know her and I’m so grateful to her for lending her incredible vocals to ‘Vegas.’ Her amazing performance in Elvis amongst her other artistry will live on. "A favorite word of Shonka’s, in daily use, was 'blessings,' and I, along with the entire Elvis cast, crew and musical collaborators, feel truly blessed to have had time with her. "She’s so soft-spoken," the star said. Whenever she was on set, on stage or even just in the room, everyone always felt uplifted." We send all our love and support to Shonka’s children and family at this time." She’s unbelievable."

Shonka Dukureh, a singer who played Big Mama Thornton in Baz Luhrmann's 'Elvis' music biopic, was found dead in her Nashville apartment at age 44.

“I’m going to be paying tribute to the genre that laid the foundation for music that we’re hearing today,” she said. Along with Dukureh’s work in Elvis, she also collaborated with Doja Cat, appearing in character as Big Mama Thornton in Doja’s “Vegas” music video and performing with her at Coachella. “It’s just been a dream.

"Elvis" actress Shonka Dukureh shared the apartment with her two young children. Police said there were no signs of foul play.

Dukureh, a Fisk University graduate and Nashville singer, shared the apartment with her two young children, police said. She was 44. "Elvis" actress Shonka Dukureh, who played Big Mama Thorton in the film, was found dead Thursday in a bedroom at her apartment in Nashville, police confirmed.

"Elvis" actress Shonka Dukureh, who played Big Mama Thornton in the film, has died. She was 44.

"Rest in Peace Shonka -- an incredible talent taken from us too soon," Doja Cat wrote in an Instagram story. Luhrmann concluded, "A favorite word of Shonka's, in daily use, was 'blessings,' and I, along with the entire 'Elvis' cast, crew and musical collaborators, feel truly blessed to have had time with her. "Shonka was just starting to find a larger audience for her tremendous talent, and I got to see her uplift whole crowds of people at Coachella and beyond."

On July 21, 'Elvis' actress and singer Shonka Dukureh was found dead in her home, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department said. She was 44.

Dukureh recently played Big Mama Thornton in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis biopic in her big-screen debut — her performance of “Hound Dog” in the film went viral online. “Her amazing performance in Elvis amongst her other artistry will live on.” Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, Dukureh earned a bachelor’s degree in theater from Fisk University and a master’s degree in education from Trevecca Nazarene. She went on to become an elementary-school teacher and theater actress, radio station WPLN-FM reported.

Ms. Dukureh impressed in her Hollywood debut, with one castmate calling her performance “a spiritual experience.”

Olivia DeJonge, who played Priscilla Presley in the film, told Entertainment Weekly that watching Ms. Dukureh “was a spiritual experience.” Ms. Dukureh, who was from Nashville “by way of Charlotte, N.C.,” originally planned to become a teacher and held a master’s degree in education from Trevecca Nazarene University, according to her website. Her cover of “Hound Dog” especially captivated audiences. “Elvis,” the biopic of Elvis Presley that starred Austin Butler and Tom Hanks, was Ms. Dukureh’s first major acting role. The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department confirmed the death but did not provide a cause, saying only that no foul play was evident. Ms. Dukureh’s performance as Big Mama Thornton, her Hollywood debut, was described by one castmate as “a spiritual experience.”

The musician played Big Mama Thornton in Baz Luhrmann's Elvis.

Our hearts go out to Shonka Dukureh's children and everybody else who has lost a loved one in this tragic event. In addition to appearing in the movie she also appeared in Doja Cat's music video for "Vegas," a song from the movie's soundtrack. The children ran to a neighbor for help and the police were called.

The actress, R&B singer was found in her Nashville apartment months after her breakout role.

We send all our love and support to Shonka’s children and family at this time.” Luhrmann shared a note on Instagram, saying “A favorite word of Shonka’s, in daily use, was ‘blessings,’ and I, along with the entire Elvis cast, crew and musical collaborators, feel truly blessed to have had time with her. Dukureh had recently achieved notoriety in her portrayal of Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton in Baz Luhrmann’s “ Elvis,” but her career was filled with years of performing in various capacities.

The actor and singer, who plays Big Mama Thornton in the new film, passed away in Nashville.

He continued, "A favorite word of Shonka’s, in daily use, was 'blessings,' and I, along with the entire Elvis cast, crew and musical collaborators, feel truly blessed to have had time with her. The mayor of Nashville, John Cooper, gave a statement to Fox17, saying, "My deepest condolences to the family of Shonka Dukureh. Shonka graduated from Fisk and called Nashville home for many years. The Elvis actor was a well-known gospel singer in Nashville and used to teach second grade.

Shonka Dukureh, the singer and actor who portrayed Big Mama Thornton in Baz Luhrmann's recent "Elvis" biopic, was found dead on Thursday. She was 44.

Shonka was just starting to find a larger audience for her tremendous talent, and I got to see her uplift whole crowds of people at Coachella and beyond.” We send all our love and support to Shonka’s children and family at this time.” “Today we lost a gentle soul. “A special light went out today and all of the Elvis movie family are heartbroken by the loss of Shonka Dukureh. From the moment she came into our world, Shonka brought joy, spirit and of course her voice and her music,” Luhrmann wrote. “Gratefulness is where I live cuz my granny, gmama, momma, family modeled and instilled it in me,” she wrote. Before pursuing music full-time, Dukureh worked as a teacher in the Nashville public school system.

Shonka Dukureh, who portrays Big Mama Thornton in Baz Luhrmann's "Elvis" biopic, was found dead in her Nashville apartment Thursday. She was 44.

Thornton was the first artist to record “Hound Dog” before Elvis Presley covered it. According to police, one of Dukureh’s children found her dead Thursday in the bedroom of her Nashville apartment, Deadline reported. In Nashville, Dukureh is a well-known gospel singer.