You make a big . True Blood premiered on September 7, 2008, and concluded on August 24, 2014, comprising seven seasons and 80 episodes. Following his parents' divorce, Ellis and his mother moved to Alabama. "I would see letters, but never recognize them as a word," he explains. If you want to get married to a man then get married to a man. NEW YORK Actor Nelsan Ellis, best known for his memorable portrayal of Lafayette Reynolds on HBO's "True Blood," has died at the age of 39. . [14] Ellis earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Juilliard in 2004.[15]. Elementaryactor Nelsan Ellis has died. 'Nelsan was a gentle, generous and kind soul. Nelsan Ellis(November 30, 1977 - July 8, 2017) was an Americanactor and playwright. [5], Ellis died at the age of 39 on July 8, 2017, in Woodhull Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. Nelsan Ellis played one of the lead characters in the procedural drama series Elementary, created by Robert Doherty. It just happened.. Nelsan Ellis was an award-winning American film and television actor and playwright, perhaps best known as Lafayette Reynolds on HBO's True Blood (2008).Nelsan was born on November 30, 1977, in Harvey, Illinois, the son of Jackie Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson. Nelsan Ellis, known for his role as Lafayette Reynolds on HBO's "True Blood," has died at age 39, reports Variety The actor died after complications from heart failure. Content is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. Nelsan Ellis, an actor best known for his role as Lafayette Reynolds on the HBO series "True Blood," died on Saturday in Los Angeles. At age 6, he moved to Bessemer, Alabama with his mother. Ellis attended Jess Lanier High School for a year. Rest in Peace. I would love if @HBO could air Lafayette's best episodes of #TrueBlood - Nelsan Ellis more than deserves that honor. "Nelsan was a gentle, generous and kind soul. My heart breaks for his kids and family. Once they get me with the fake eyelashes and the eye makeup, I listen to some Rihanna and I'm there. What America's Richest Ski Town's Handling of COVID-19 Shows. [his thoughts on gay marriage] I support it. His final acting role was in True to the Game, which was released posthumously. When news of True Blood-star Nelsan Ellis' sudden death hit social media feeds last week, . It's easy to tell from his father's quote above just how devastating quitting without help can be. Were drug and alcohol the real cause of Nelsans demise? Ellis also had roles in films like Get on Up, The Help and Little Boxes. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. Moved from Alabama to New York to attend the prestigious acting program at Juilliard. Ellis began his career in early 2000, with a role in a short film. He only lasted until the fifth season of Elementary. He was a wonderful person, a pioneer, and a one of a kind artist. Retired Thornridge High . Part of HuffPost Entertainment. He was born to parents, Jackie Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson who later got divorced. Moved to Dolton, IL, at 14, where he attended Thornridge High School. He was of American nationality and belonged to African-American ethnicity. In the same year, he received the Brink of Fame: Actor award from the NewNowNext Awards. Further, his star sign is Sagittarius. [18] Nelsan Ellis said that it took him a few episodes to find the character. If two women want to get married they should get married. His daughter was still a newborn at the time of his death. My heart breaks for his kids and family," she wrote in an Instagram post. Nelsan Ellis' sudden death has left many of his former True Blood co-stars reeling. [26][27] The Butler received mostly positive reviews from critics, with a 71% rating on the film critic aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes, based on 171 reviews. Ellis died after complications from heart failure on July 8 . Ellis is also survived by his grandmother, his father, and seven siblings. [10] He moved back to Illinois at age 15, where he lived with his maternal aunt. He was a father, a son, a grandson, a brother, a nephew, and a great friend to those that were lucky enough to know him. He is preparing for the Fast & Furious franchise, which I dont think is ever going to end., Look at how cool my little man looks !!! Pop culture is pretty fun, too! It's not hurting me. Just before his death, Ellis had finished working in two films, True to the Game and Roxanne Roxanne, which were released posthumously. Nelsan was born on November 30, 1977, in Harvey, Illinois, the son of Jackie Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson. The former True Blood star was just 39 years old. He even appeared in Elementary before his death. Recalled by many as talented and underrated, Ellis became a True Blood fan-favorite for his portrayal of the scene-stealing, gay short order cook at Merlottes Bar in the fictional Louisiana town. He graduated in 1997 from this school in Dolton, Illinois. Nelsan Ellis was an award-winning American film and television actor and playwright, perhaps best known as Lafayette Reynolds on HBO's True Blood (2008). The most intriguing thing about him is his strength and his stillness. Nelsan was a gentle, generous and kind soul. Wrote the play "Ugly" about the devastating effects of domestic abuse after his sister Alice was shot by her husband in 2002. The critics loved the death, and the reviews were off the charts. Nelsan Ellis. ORIGINAL STORY: Nelsan Ellis, the actor who played Lafayette on HBO vampire series True Blood for its entire seven-season run, died Saturday at the age of 39. Nelsan Ellis, the actor who charmed fans as the sassy Lafayette Reynolds in HBO's True Blood, has died, according to his manager 'Nelsan has passed away after complications with heart. Back in April, Ellis tweeted the following photo of his little man. It was one of very few that he shared with fans on social media. Jul 18, 2017 at 6:03 pm. [11], He joined the United States Marine Corps at the age of 17, but quit not long afterward. In the days prior to his death, Ellis was attempting to withdraw from alcohol on his own; he was hospitalized due to serious complications from alcohol withdrawal syndrome, which resulted in his death. Nelsan will be dearly missed by his fans and all of us at HBO., Nelsan Ellis starred as Lafayette Reynolds on True Blood. He also shared this photo of his son back in December. Nelsan Ellis, the actor who starred on HBO's True Blood as the fan favorite Lafayette Reynolds, struggled with drug and alcohol abuse for years. News reported that Ellis, who played Lafayette Reynolds on the HBO drama, died at age 39 . Nelsan Ellis ' appearance in The Butler isn't long, but it's impactful. Nelsan Ellis was married to a woman despite constant rumors that he was gay. (2010). Nelsan Ellis Cause of Death: How Did the True Blood Actor Die? Nelsan, however, was a loving father who posted a picture of his son, Breon Ellis, having fun on his ATV in April. Wrote the play "Ugly" about the devastating effects of domestic abuse after his sister Alice was shot by her husband in 2002. His childhood was marked by extreme poverty. Ellis portrayed the role of Eddie Sweat in the American biographical sports drama film Secretariat. The play was about the devastation caused by domestic abuse. He had gone to rehab to stop taking drugs but could not do it. Nelsan Ellis talks Get On Up, researching James Brown and Bobby Byrd's relationship, singing, dancing, playing piano, the end of True Blood and more. Your email address will not be published. "You quit your job because you don't want to play a gay part? "Look at how cool my little man looks," Nelsan exclaimed. - IMDb Mini Biography By: You can catch her outside enjoying nature and classical literature. Nelsan Ellis (19772017) was an American actor and playwright. pic.twitter.com/If17csduHz. Don't miss a beat. He also appeared in the moviesThe Butler(2013) and Get on Up(2014). Ellis began his acting career in the early 2000s, with a role in the short film Lost. He will be dearly missed by his fans and all of us at HBO. Following his parents' divorce, Ellis and his mother moved to Alabama. In 1997 he graduated from Thornridge High School in Dolton, Illinois. Nelsan was a married man. Ellis won the Satellite Award from the International Press Academy in the best supporting actor category in 2008, and a year later, he won the NewNowNext Award. pic.twitter.com/uvlCIrnWQQ. | Actor Nelsan Ellis arrives at the premiere of HBO's "True Blood" Season 3 at The Cinerama Dome on June 8, 2010 in Hollywood, California. Hes not quick on his toes unless he gets heated. The actor's . By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use Privacy Policy. (2005, October - November) Appeared in the Charles Fuller play A Soldier's Story at the Second Stage Theatre, off-Broadway, New York, New York. Nelsan Ellis passed away on Saturday July 8th, 2017. He is preparing for the "Fast & Furious" franchise, which I dont think is ever going to end. His family, however, believes that in death he would want his life to serve as a cautionary tale in an attempt to help others., Nelsan Ellis' family releases a statement in an effort to help others who may be struggling with addiction https://t.co/qpjX1Id17c pic.twitter.com/x3UOpQTNEE. [Ellis]. Following his parents' divorce, Ellis and his mother moved to Alabama. So kee pic.twitter.com/ANxt9JsIq9, Nelsan Ellis (@officialnelsan) April 13, 2017. I think in this country, anybody can do whatever they want to do as long as it's not hurting anybody else or violating the laws of society. [25], In 2012, Ellis was cast as Martin Luther King Jr. in a supporting performance in Lee Daniels' The Butler. An untimely demise of a brilliant actor. Ellis died of heart failure caused by alcohol withdrawal on July 8, 2017 in Brooklyn, New York. Sometimes when I need a miracle I look into my sons eyes, and realize Ive already created one. Similarly, in 2008, he received a Satellite Award from the International Press Academy for best supporting actor in HBOs True Blood as Lafayette Reynolds. Remembering the inspiring life of Nelsan Ellis, @JuilliardSchool alum and 2004 Lincoln Center Martin E. Segal Awardee. He staged the play while a student at Julliard, and received the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts' Martin E. Segal Award for his efforts. Nelsan Ellis Wife: Was the True Blood Actor Married? He also appeared in The Butler, an American historical drama film, where he played the role of Martin Luther King, Jr. In 2015, Ellis appeared in the thriller film The Stanford Prison Experiment as Jesse Fletcher. Nelsan was born on November 30, 1977, in Harvey, Illinois, the son of Jackie Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson. Gene Siskel. Elliss co-stars and others reacted to his death over the weekend with photos and memories. Your email address will not be published. Look at how cool my little man looks !!! In fact, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, up to 25% of people who suffer from . [7][8] When Ellis and his siblings were young, their mother, a single parent after her divorce, broke down after the death of her brother. On Monday, Saines shared a statement with THR and later with HuffPost from Ellis family, revealing that the actor struggled for years with alcohol and drug abuse, and suffered multiple health complications during his withdrawal from alcohol. "My heart breaks for his kids and family," the . Ellis is survived by his son, Breon, as well as his grandmother, Alex Brown, and his father, Tommie Lee Thompson, reports THR. Nelsan Ellis (November 30, 1977 - July 8, 2017) was an award-winning American film and television actor and playwright who played the role of Lafayette Reynolds on the HBO original series True Blood. He was a father, a son, a grandson, a brother, a nephew, and a great friend to those that were lucky enough to know him. Nelsan Ellis, the actor who lit up the screen on HBO's vampire drama "True Blood," has died at age 39. [20][21] In 2008, Ellis received a Satellite Award from the International Press Academy for best supporting actor in a television series for his role as Lafayette Reynolds. His famous works in movies include The Express, Get on Up and so on. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. He was a gentle and humble soul. 'Nelsan was ashamed of his. She also shares stories on Medium that are meant to encourage thought and discussion. Initially his character was killed at the beginning of the second chapter; however, the popularity of the character forced the makers to revive him and he went on to become a regular in the show. He joined the United States Marines at the age of 17. Nelsan Ellis was best known for playing the demon-possessed medium Lafayette Reynolds on True Blood. Ellis' "The Help" costar Octavia Spencer broke the news on Instagram Saturday morning, saying, "Just got word that we lost (Nelsan). [24], Ellis also performed in several feature films; his early roles include The Express: The Ernie Davis Story (2008) and The Soloist (2009). Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois. Last week, True Blood actor Nelsan Ellis died at age 39. July 10, 2017. Hes just in that Southern way sort of sauntering along, being who he is, which is something I never intended. In the same year, Ellis won the Brink of Fame award for up-and-coming actors at the NewNowNext Awards. In the years that followed, he appeared in a number of guest and recurring roles. Ellis was notoriously private when it came to his personal life. He achieved critical acclaim for his portrayal of Lafayette Reynolds in the HBO television series True Blood (20082014), for which he won a Satellite Award from the International Press Academy, among other accolades. Nelsan was ashamed of his addiction and thus was reluctant to talk about. Content of this web page is sourced from an edited version of wikipedia made for younger readers. F ans were shocked that Nelsan Ellis, the 39-year-old actor who starred on HBO's "True Blood," died of heart failure. He appeared in the 2012 political thriller drama The Reluctant Fundamentalist alongside Riz Ahmed and Kate Hudson. Among two kids one is a son, Breon Ellis and another a daughter, . Magazines, Or create a free account to access more articles. Nelsan Ellis (November 30, 1977 - July 8, 2017) was an American actor and playwright.He achieved critical acclaim for his portrayal of Lafayette Reynolds in the HBO television series True Blood (2008-2014), for which he won a Satellite Award from the International Press Academy, among other accolades. Nelsan Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois, on November 30, 1977, to Tommie Lee Thompson and Jackie Ellis. Nelsan Ellis was born on November 30, 1977, in Harvey, Illinois. Pennington), Other Works Nelsan has always wanted to be an actor. The first episode to air after Ellis' death, the season 6 premiere, ended with the screen "In Memory of Our Friend Nelsan Ellis". It was influenced by his real-life event in 2002, when his sister Alices husband shot her. Nelsan Ellis, most famous for his long-running role as Lafayette Reynolds, the most fabulous queer line cook on the planet, on HBO's True Blood, has died at the age of 39. His parents got divorced and Ellis was raised by his single mother along with his siblings. Ex-Girlfriend, Who is Former Player-Scott Frost Wife? Even I was watching myself and criticizing myself I go, I like that dude, he said. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our, Digital https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/nelsan-ellis-15209.php, 20th Century Film & Theater Personalities, 21st Century Film & Theater Personalities, 20th Century American Film & Theater Personalities, 21st Century American Film & Theater Personalities. His parents got divorced and Ellis was raised by his single mother along with his siblings. Nelsan Ellis - Ellis became an instant favorite in the popular series True Blood, playing chef Lafayette Reynolds at Merlotte's. His character was known for his flamboyant outfits and sassy . Reuters/Eric Thayer . Magazines, Digital We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nelsan Ellis. His real breakthrough came when he signed for the part of Lafayette Reynolds in the hit TV series, True Blood. Robert Vaughn. You have reached your limit of 4 free articles. It was performed at the school and later won the Martin E. Segal Award from the Lincoln Center. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Ellis character was of a short order cook who is also a drug dealer. In 2008, Ellis was offered a role which later established his credentials as an actor. Ellis was part of the show between 2005 and 2006, appearing in twelve episodes. He was married and had two children: a son Breon Ellis and a daughter who was just an infant at the time of Ellis untimely death. HBO released the following statement after hearing of Ellis passing. In The Butler, Ellis plays Martin Luther King Jr. All Rights Reserved. He was a father, a son, a grandson, a brother, a nephew, and a great friend to those that were lucky enough to know him. However, Ellis almost never discussed his home life publicly and his wifes name isnt easily found on the internet. Ellis was a proud papa to his one son, Breon Ellis. He was a gentle and humble man. At the age of 22, he enrolled at the Juilliard School, where he met Rutina Wesley, who would later work with him on the HBO series True Blood. He was also given the Satellite Award for Best Cast Television Series and an Ewwy Award for best supporting actor in a drama series. He had $3 million net worth before death. Nelsan was a longtime member of the HBO family whose groundbreaking portrayal of Lafayette will be remembered fondly within the overall legacy of True Blood. He had been reluctant to talk to anyone about his addiction because of his sense of shame. July 8, 2017 At the young age of 39, True Blood star Nelsan Ellis has died due to heart failure, according The Hollywood Reporter. He died as a result of complications with heart failure. Ellis' manager, Emily Gerson Saines, confirmed the actor's. The actor Nelsan Ellis, best known for his portrayal of Lafayette Reynolds on HBO's series True Blood, has died at the age of 39. 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