An untimely demise of a brilliant actor. Nelsan Ellis(November 30, 1977 - July 8, 2017) was an Americanactor and playwright. My heart breaks for his kids and family," she wrote in an Instagram post. Nelsan Ellis, Remembered: After Nelsan Ellis's death, his family released a statement explaining: "Nelsan was ashamed of his addiction and thus was reluctant to talk about it during his life. 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. It just happened.. 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. Ellis portrayed the role of Eddie Sweat in the American biographical sports drama film Secretariat. Nelsan was a long-time member of the HBO family whose groundbreaking portrayal of Lafayette will be remembered fondly with the overall legacy of True Blood. He was a great talent. He was 39. Deputy Director of News & Analytics, HuffPost. Ellis was the "odd one" of eight children in a family that was barrel-scraping poor. "Look at how cool my little man looks," Nelsan exclaimed. He had $3 million net worth before death. Nelsan Ellis was born November 30, 1978, which makes his star sign Sagittarius. He died as a result of complications with heart failure. Ellis is also survived by his grandmother, his father, and seven siblings. 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. He was also noted for his guest appearances in several hit TV shows such as Veronica Mars (2007) and Without a Trace (2007). NEW YORK Actor Nelsan Ellis, best known for playing the character of Lafayette Reynolds on "True Blood," has died at the age of 39. [14] Ellis earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Juilliard in 2004.[15]. Reuters/Eric Thayer . Ellis, best known for playing the lovable short-order cook Lafayette on HBOs True Blood, died due to complications with heart failure, his manager, Emily Gerson Saines, first confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter on Saturday. 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. Ellis, best known for playing the lovable short-order cook Lafayette on HBO's "True Blood," died due to "complications with heart failure," his manager, Emily Gerson Saines, first confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter on Saturday. While at Juilliard, he won the Lincoln Centers Martin E. Segal Award for his semi-autobiographical play Ugly. The family of Nelsan Ellis has released a statement offering more information about the actor's sudden death. 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. In 2009, he was nominated for a Scream Award for Best Supporting Actor. Ellis attended Juilliard and, while there, wrote a semi-autobiographical play titled Ugly that was performed at the school and later won the Lincoln Center's Martin E. Segal Award. Whos Wife? Apart from his TV series, Nelsans most acclaimed role was in the movie, The Butler where he brilliantly played the role as Martin Luther King Jr. Were drug and alcohol the real cause of Nelsans demise? 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 was a very proud father, which was clear in his social media posts. Ellis, who played Lafayette Reynolds on the HBO vampire drama and Shinwell Johnson. Paul Kasey. Actor Nelsan Ellis, who played the inimitable Lafayette Reynolds on HBO's True Blood, died of heart failure on Saturday at only 39 years old. He had a net worth of about $3 million at the time of his death. Look at how cool my little man looks !!! Nelsan Ellis kids. Nelsan has passed away after complications with heart failure, the actors manager, Emily Gerson Saines, told The Hollywood Reporter. [30], From 2016 to 2017, Ellis starred as Shinwell Johnson in the TV series Elementary. What America's Richest Ski Town's Handling of COVID-19 Shows. 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. At age 6, he moved to Bessemer, Alabama with his mother. Nelsan Ellis passed away suddenly at the age of 39 over the weekend and his family has decided to speak out about the circumstances surrounding his death. 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. Nelsan was ashamed of his addiction and thus was reluctant to talk about it during his life, the statement reads. He was of American nationality and belonged to African-American ethnicity. As per his nationality, he is American and belongs to African-American ethnicity. Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois. Nelsan Ellis was born on November 30, 1977, in Harvey, Illinois, the USA to the father, Tommie Lee Thompson, and mother, Jackie Ellis. His childhood was marked by extreme poverty. Or somebody cannot be a Christian and do whatever that entails. He is preparing for the "Fast & Furious" franchise, which I dont think is ever going to end. In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Ellis's family - via his manager Emily Gerson Saines - said they were prompted to share the details of the 39-year-old's death in hopes of helping others. He died due to complications from heart failure, Variety reported. He was also an alumnus of the Illinois State University. Nelsan Ellis attends the premiere of "Get on Up" in New York, July 21, 2014. F ans were shocked that Nelsan Ellis, the 39-year-old actor who starred on HBO's "True Blood," died of heart failure. Elliss character was lauded for breaking stereotypes of gay men. 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. He was a gentle and humble man. ", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nelsan_Ellis&oldid=1133624097, This page was last edited on 14 January 2023, at 19:02. Ellis was a proud papa to his one son, Breon Ellis. He was approached by the makers of True Blood, an American dark fantasy horror television series, to play the role of Lafayette Reynolds. True Blood 's Nelsan Ellis, who died at the age of 39, is being remembered by friends and former co-stars. Irishlass240 (corrections by A.R. Nelsan Ellis was born on November 30, 1977, in Harvey, Illinois. Actor Nelsan Ellis has died at age 39. In addition, following his parents divorce, Nelsan and his mother relocated to Alabama. He also appeared in the movies The Butler (2013) and Get on Up (2014). Nelsan Ellis, an American actor, and playwright was famous for his role in the series, True Blood, aired by HBO. He played Margin Luther King, Jr., in Lee Daniels's 2013 film The Butler. In 2010, he portrayed Eddie Sweat in the Disney sports drama Secretariat. Hes not quick on his toes unless he gets heated. Nelsan Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois, on November 30, 1977, to Tommie Lee Thompson and Jackie Ellis. "Nelsan passed away after complications. News of Ellis' passing was first. He had been reluctant to talk to anyone about his addiction because of his sense of shame. Breon is one of two kids that Nelsan shared with his wife. He had eight siblings: Alice Nellis, Babon Ellis, Lakeeia Thomson, Maurice Turne, Shaentika Beard, Tianna Thompson, Tommie Lee Thompson, and Yvonne Ellis. Many made assumptions about his sexuality and personal affairs because of his character on the show. He portrayed the character of Shinwell Johnson, an ex-convict and gang member who was once a patient of Dr. Watson. He and the rest of the cast won the Satellite Award for Best Ensemble in 2009. The actor's . Nelsan Ellis' True Blood family is particularly shaken by news of the actor's death. #brillIantactor #trueblood # . [23] In 2011, he won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his performance in True Blood. It was influenced by his real-life event in 2002, when his sister Alices husband shot her. If two women want to get married they should get married. 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. The show premiered on September 7, 2008, and ended on August 24, 2014. [28], The following year, Ellis joined the cast of Get on Up, a biographical drama film about the life of singer James Brown. From 2016 to 2017, Ellis starred as Shinwell Johnson in the TV series Elementary. Hands to the Sky, Catch Them & They're Yours. He joined the United States Marinesat the age of 17. He was best known for his role as Lafayette Reynolds in the HBO series True Blood from 2008 to 2014. How much is the Net Worth of Nelsan Ellis? May his soul rest in peace. Nelsan was ashamed of his addiction and thus was reluctant to talk about. [22] In 2009, he was nominated for a Scream Award for Best Supporting Actor. Your culture and entertainment cheat-sheet. Retired Thornridge High . Nelsan passed away after complications with heart failure. [4], In addition to his television work, Ellis appeared in several feature films throughout his career. #RIPNelsanEllis. [37], Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actor Series, Miniseries or Television Film, Satellite Award for Best Cast Television Series, Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series, NewNowNext Award for Brink of Fame: Actor, "Nelsan Ellis' Family Shares Circumstances Of 'True Blood' Actor's Death Update", "Why Elementary Went With That Shocking Death", "Actor Nelsan Ellis' final role in upcoming film 'True to the Game' (trailer)", "True Blood actor Nelsan Ellis died due to alcohol-withdrawal complications", "Chicagoan Nelsan Ellis starred in True Blood; dies at 39", "Nelsan Ellis Cause of Death: How Did the 'True Blood' ActorDie? He went to Jess Lanier High School and McAdory High School before enrolling at the Thornridge High School in Dolton. "I would see letters, but never recognize them as a word," he explains. Magazines, Digital Nelsan Ellis wife. pic.twitter.com/jcOxLj5fxJ, Crushed today by the loss of my friend and castmate Nelsan Ellis. Moved to Bessemer, AL, with his family at age six. Let gay people get married. Content is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. 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. 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). He portrayed Eddie Sweat in the Disney sports drama Secretariat (2010), was Martin Luther King Jr. in Lee Daniels' The Butler (2013), and was Bobby Byrd in the 2014 James Brown biopic Get on Up. [16] Production on the series began later that fall.[17]. Bio, Height, Who is Singer-Dua Lipa Boyfriend? Pennington), View agent, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro. Or somebody can be a Christian and still be gay and I support it. [24], Ellis also performed in several feature films; his early roles include The Express: The Ernie Davis Story (2008) and The Soloist (2009). He elevated his Lafayette on HBO's "True Blood" into a character comparable to Belize in Tony Kushner's "Angels in America." Nelsan Ellis, known affectionately by many for his role as Lafayette Reynolds on HBO 's True Blood, has died after complications from heart failure at age 39. He was 39. Nelsan Ellis Wife: Was the True Blood Actor Married? Bio,Age, Marty Lagina Bio, Net Worth 2023 & Age, Wife, Nele Lindemann Bio, Net Worth 2023, Age, Height, Silkk The Shocker Bio, Net Worth 2023, Age, 09sharkboy Bio, Net Worth 2023, Age, Height, 21 Savage Bio, Net Worth 2023, Age, Height, 2J Bio, Net Worth 2023, Age, Height, Parents, Eight (Alice Nellis, Babon Ellis, Lakeeia Thomson, Maurice Turne, Shaentika Beard, Tianna Thompson, Tommie Lee Thompson, Yvonne Ellis). 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 on July 8, 2017, in Los Angeles due to heart failure. That battle ultimately cost the 39-year-old his life. 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 is dead. He won the Martin E. Segal Award for his semi-autobiographical play Ugly. Had two young children with his wife at the time of his death--a son Breon Ellis and newborn daughter. Nelsan was a long-time member of the HBO family whose groundbreaking portrayal of Lafayette will be remembered fondly within the overall legacy of True Blood. The formerTrue Blood star was just 39 years old. Jason LaVeris/Getty Images. 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. Meanwhile, he won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for True Blood in 2011. However, Ellis almost never discussed his home life publicly and his wifes name isnt easily found on the internet. 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. However, he tried to stop consuming drugs on his own which caused severe complications and had to be hospitalized. We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nelsan Ellis, the network revealed. He had eight siblings: Alice Nellis, Babon Ellis, Lakeeia Thomson, Maurice Turne, Shaentika Beard, Tianna Thompson, Tommie Lee Thompson, and Yvonne Ellis. 'Nelsan was a gentle, generous and kind soul. He also appeared in Veronica Mars and Without a Trace in guest roles. L'acteur est mort en tentant de se . He was a great talent, and his words and presence will be forever missed., HBO also released a statement regarding Nelsans death. [19] Ellis has said that he based many of Lafayette's mannerisms on his mother and his sister, and that the costuming also helped him to get into character. In mid-2007, Ellis was cast as Lafayette Reynolds in the pilot for True Blood, as a short-order cook at Merlotte's Bar & Grill, a drug dealer, a member of Jason Stackhouse's road crew, and Tara Thornton's cousin. Gossipbiography.com 2023 All Rights Reserved. Nelsan Ellis Cause of Death: How Did the True Blood Actor Die? They hope his story can possibly help others dealing with the same addictions. 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. [1], "'True Blood' Star Nelsan Ellis Dies at 39", http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/true-blood-star-nelsan-ellis-dies-at-39-1019540, https://wiki.kidzsearch.com/w/index.php?title=Nelsan_Ellis&oldid=5100746. His family revealed to Hollywood Reporter on Monday that complications . His final acting role was in True to the Game, which was released posthumously. Ellis was notoriously private when it came to his personal life. [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. [18] Nelsan Ellis said that it took him a few episodes to find the character. Your email address will not be published. It's not hurting me. The beautiful thing about this country is that I can be a Christian and feel free to do so. His character was bisexual and according to him, he had to put on a lot of make-up for this role. Rest in Peace. Nelsan Ellis played one of the lead characters in the procedural drama series Elementary, created by Robert Doherty. In 1997 he graduated from Thornridge High School in Dolton, Illinois. The cause of death was complications from heart failure, his manager, Emily Gerson Saines,. He even appeared in Elementary before his death. He was offered the role of Carter Howard in the American crime drama television series The Inside. My heart breaks for his kids and family. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use Privacy Policy. @OfficialNelsan I'm devastated by his untimely death. So kee pic.twitter.com/ANxt9JsIq9, Nelsan Ellis (@OfficialNelsan) April 13, 2017. She also shares stories on Medium that are meant to encourage thought and discussion. 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. Was lauded for breaking stereotypes of gay men he was nominated for a Scream Award for Supporting! He gets heated True to the Game, which I dont think is ever going end! Addition, following his parents divorce, nelsan and his mother relocated to Alabama 2016 to 2017 Ellis. But never recognize Them as a result of complications with heart failure Harvey, Illinois,!, Crushed today by the loss of my friend and castmate nelsan Ellis born! Proud father, and his words and presence will be forever missed., HBO also a. His character was lauded for breaking stereotypes of gay men Scream Award for Best Ensemble in,! 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