Elvis actress Shonka Dukureh has passed away aged 44

Shonka Dukureh, who recently drew praise for her role as blues singer Big Mama Thornton in Baz Luhrmann's Elvis Presley biopic, has died.

The 44-year-old was reportedly found dead on Thursday 21 July by one of her young children in the bedroom of her Nashville apartment.

Metro Nashville Police Department released a statement via Twitter today that read: "BREAKING: No foul play is evident in today's death of actress Shonka Dukureh, 44, who portrayed Big Mama Thornton in this year's Elvis movie.

"Dukureh, a Fisk Univ graduate, was found dead in the bedroom of her Kothe Way apt that she shared with her 2 young children."

Dukureh was renowned as a gospel singer in her hometown of Nashville and taught local kids.

Her role in Elvis was initially set to be off-screen, but she was later asked to appear in front of the camera.

Big Mama Thornton had a huge impact on the young Elvis, who made her song 'Hound Dog' world famous with his 1956 cover.