Tragedy has struck Hollywood.
In response to the Nashville Metropolitan Police Division, Shonka Dukureh — a singer and actress who performs a key position within the new Elvis bioptic — was discovered lifeless on Thursday morning.
She was 44 years outdated.
Dukureh portrays Large Mama Thornton in Baz Luhrmann’s new film, reverse Austin Butler, who takes on the legendary title character.
The movie marks her official appearing debut, though Dukureh additionally makes an look (additionally as Large Mama Thornton) within the music video for Doja Cat’s music “Vegas” from the film’s soundtrack.
Authorities say she was discovered unconscious within the bed room of her Tennessee residence by considered one of her two youngsters.
This youngster then ran to a neighbor’s condominium, and the neighbor known as 911 at 9:27 a.m.
No foul play is suspected.
Nevertheless, authorities are awaiting post-mortem outcomes from the Davidson County Medical Examiner’s Workplace for an official explanation for demise.
“My deepest condolences to the household of Shonka Dukureh. Shonka graduated from Fisk and known as Nashville residence for a few years,” Nashville Mayor John Cooper mentioned in an announcement by way of Fox17.
“Her highly effective voice and artistry will reside on by her music, and we honor her reminiscence on this unhappy day.”
Dukureh was a well-liked gospel singer within the Nashville space.
She mirrored on her first large display screen position in an interview shared to her Instagram web page simply final week.
“Gratefulness is the place I reside cuz my granny, gmama, momma, household modeled and instilled it in me,” she captioned the footage.
“It isn’t a posture of lower than or crumbs scraping, however one which acknowledges good issues aren’t a assure and once we encounter them thankfulness, gratefulness is the least we are able to categorical.”
In an April interview with Shadow and Act in April, the singer — who additionally taught second grade for a few years — opened up about getting the chance to not solely have her desires play out as a film star… however on stage, as properly.
“It’s been superb and I’m wanting ahead to doing it another time,” she mentioned this spring.
“It’s simply been a dream.
“I didn’t even understand it was a dream [of mine] till I actually obtained there and skilled every little thing, but it surely has actually been an opportunity of a lifetime, this life-altering expertise.”
Co-star Olivia DeJonge, who performed Priscilla Presley in Elvis, instructed Leisure Weekly that “a star was basically born” when Dukureh carried out for the cameras.
DeJonge mentioned she noticed “one thing in her type of break away. It was simply, it was insane to look at.”
Dukureh reposted the clip and replied as follows:
“Grateful to not solely hear her phrases, however the lovely sentiments of all of the solid current in addition to Baz.
“If [you’re] sitting someplace questioning when, if, of us will get you, simply carry on retaining on, the correct of us will.”
Could Shonka Dukureh relaxation in peace.
