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Shonka Dukureh, 44, the actress who performed Massive Mama Thornton in Baz Luhrmann‘s extremely acclaimed biopic Elvis, was discovered lifeless in her Nashville residence on Thursday, July 21. Now, greater than a month after her surprising and tragic passing, Us Weekly studies that her official explanation for demise is “hypertensive and atherosclerotic heart problems.” The publication, which studies it obtained the coroner’s report, says that the way of demise was “pure,” echoing earlier claims made by the Metro Nashville PD.
“No foul play is clear in at the moment’s demise of actress Shonka Dukureh, 44, who portrayed Massive Mama Thornton on this yr’s Elvis film,” they tweeted. “Dukureh, a Fisk Univ graduate, was discovered lifeless within the bed room of her Kothe Approach apt that she shared together with her two younger kids.” A explanation for demise remains to be pending. Right here’s what to know concerning the gifted actress.
BREAKING: No foul play is clear in at the moment’s demise of actress Shonka Dukureh, 44, who portrayed Massive Mama Thornton on this yr’s Elvis film. Dukureh, a Fisk Univ graduate, was discovered lifeless within the bed room of her Kothe Approach apt that she shared together with her 2 younger kids.
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) July 21, 2022
She’s a mom of two.
Per The Tennessean, Shonka was discovered unresponsive on the ground by one in every of her two younger kids, who went to a neighbor to get assist. Little or no is thought about her youngsters, however she did take to Instagram on March 16 to share that she has a son who loves music. “We gone name dis one A Spring Break Unique ~ my infants favourite trip,” she captioned the video, which confirmed Shonka with a masked younger boy, who was jamming on a turntable.
“My first born totally enjoys frequenting Guitar Middle to discover all of the occurring devices and equipment. He occurred upon a really cool turntable setup and let me vibe witem a sec. Grateful to Be His Mother.”
She solely has one main movie position.
Shonka’s high-profile position as R&B singer and songwriter Willie Mae “Massive Mama” Thornton would show to be her first and solely main appearing position. Apart from working with director Baz, she additionally appeared in her breakout position alongside Austin Butler, Tom Hanks, and Olivia DeJonge, amongst others.
“I used to be very conscious and wanting to actually be intentional about ensuring I used to be paying respect, respecting her, respecting her legacy, respecting her spirit, respecting every little thing about what she dropped at music, and understanding that I’m capable of do it as a result of she’s completed it and laid that basis,” she stated of taking part in Massive Mama Thornton, per The Tennessean.
She’s additionally a gospel singer.
The multitalented girl is often known as a gospel singer. Nashville Mayor John Cooper lamented the lack of her immense skills in a tweet on Thursday. “Her highly effective voice and artistry will reside on by means of her music, and we honor her reminiscence on this unhappy day,” he wrote.
Shonka reportedly had an album within the works, in accordance with her official web site. She was impressed by her position in Elvis, the location stated, and the album “is a tribute to the blues music style in celebration of these fierce unsung pioneering artists and musicians who paved the way in which for the rock’n roll music revolution.”
Her voice is featured on the film’s soundtrack.
Performing the legendary tune “Hound Canine,” Shonka’s highly effective voice might be heard on the Elvis movie soundtrack. Massive Mama Thornton recorded the Jerry Leiber, and Mike Stoller hit again in 1952 — years earlier than Elvis would additional popularize it in 1956.
She has a graduate diploma.
The Tennessean studies that Shonka was extremely educated, in addition to extremely completed. The actress reportedly acquired a bachelor’s diploma from Nashville’s Fisk College in theater. She moreover earned a grasp’s diploma in training from Trevecca Nazarene College.
