Shonka Dukureh has died aged 44.
The actress, who stars in the new Elvis Presley film, was found by one of her young children in her Nashville apartment this morning, TMZ have reported.
Dukureh played blues singer Big Mama Thornton in the new Elvis biopic.
Her child is said to have run to a neighbour's house for help and 911 was called.
Police told the publication that Dukureh was found dead inside a bedroom in her flat.
They added that there is no foul play suspected in her death, though investigators will be awaiting autopsy reports before determining a cause of death.
As well as appearing in the biopic, she also starred in Doja Cat's Vegas music video, where she also appeared as Big Mama Thornton.
Her last post to Instagram was three days ago and featured a video of a soul group performing at the 2019 International Black Film Festival .
Dukureh's followers took to the comments to pay their condolences, with one commenting: "I can’t believe it My condolences and prayers to her family."
While another wrote: "Rest In Peace."
A third commented: "Rest Easy, queen."
"ord Jesus I really cannot believe you're gone. What a GIFT you have been to the Body. To us all," another wrote.
One remarked: "She was so good in the movie too."
Another commented: "Love you cuz I thank God you was able to leave a legacy for your babies.... You did it."
