Shonka Dukureh, an actress and musician who portrayed R&B singer Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton in this year’s Elvis biopic, has died at the age of 44.. Dukureh was found dead by police on ...

Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2022: Photo Gallery. Dukureh played Big Mama Thornton in the Elvis film. Thornton was the first to record the classic “Hound Dog” song later covered by Presley.

In "Big Momma's House," he doesn't play Big Momma. He impersonates her, and before the show was over I was very fond of the old gal. There are two Big Mommas.

Singer Shonka Dukureh played Big Mama Thornton in the biopic 'Elvis.' She was honored to have the role, and prepared for it intentionally.

Shonka Dukureh, who played Big Mama Thornton in the recently released Elvis Presley biopic, was found dead in her apartment in Nashville on July 21. By Chelsea White. and. Tommy McArdle.

Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. Dukureh's first major acting role in "Elvis" The performing artist played her first major film role as Big Mama Thornton, a task she did not take lightly.

Paul Giamatti’s lengthy filmography is filled with treasures, including the broad 2000 comedy “Big Momma’s House.” In the film, Martin Lawrence plays an FBI agent who has to go undercover ...

In terms of plot, "Big Momma's House 2" makes "Kindergarten Cop" look like "The Usual Suspects" by comparison. The movie is so poorly structured that you'll feel at times as if you've been drugged.

Dukureh played Big Mama Thornton in the Elvis film. Thornton was the first to record the classic “Hound Dog” song later covered by Presley.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Shonka Dukureh, who played Big Mama Thornton in this year’s movie about Elvis Presley, was found dead Thursday in a bedroom at her home in Nashville, police said. She was 44.