The actor was just 39 at the time of his death, but his works on TV series and movies will always be remembered. The True Blood star passed away of complications due to heart failure on Saturday. News of Ellis' passing was first. Nelsan Ellis starred as Lafayette Reynolds on True Blood. There isnt much information about his wife. He also appeared in the moviesThe Butler(2013) and Get on Up(2014). Michael Kelly. My heart breaks for his kids and family." Ellis' TV credits include the Fox series "The Inside," UPN's "Veronica Mars" and the HBO film "Warm Springs" with Kenneth Branagh, Cynthia Nixon and. Ellis also had roles in films like Get on Up, The Help and Little Boxes. Among two kids one is a son, Breon Ellis and another a daughter, . He was born to parents, Jackie Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson who later got divorced. Nelsan was a married man. He was also part of the renowned series Elementary where he portrayed different characters as a guest. Nelsan Ellis (November 30, 1977 July 8, 2017)[1] was an American actor and playwright. Sometimes when I need a miracle I look into my sons eyes, and realize Ive already created one. 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. Robert Vaughn. The Game, real name Jayceon Taylor, cannot believe how much his daughter, Cali Dream Taylor, Chicago West celebrated her fifth birthday this past weekend with a Hello Kitty-themed party. Whether you're into . Nelsan Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois, on November 30, 1977, to Tommie Lee Thompson and Jackie Ellis. Nelsan Ellis wife. He was a gentle and humble soul. I dont answer that question, Are you gay or not, when it comes down to industry people. It is his words that remind the audience how important Cecil, and other workers like him are, to our history. Pennington), View agent, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro. His real breakthrough came when he signed for the part of Lafayette Reynolds in the hit TV series, True Blood. 2023 TIME USA, LLC. 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. Ellis attended Jess Lanier High School for a year. It took him a few episodes to get a proper hold of his character. pic.twitter.com/pBVMZSfzjG, Nelsan Ellis (@officialnelsan) December 14, 2016. True Blood premiered on September 7, 2008, and concluded on August 24, 2014, comprising seven seasons and 80 episodes. 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. . 'Nelsan was a gentle, generous and kind soul. 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 eventually moved back to Chicago at age 15, and joined the Marines briefly at the age of 17. In 2004, he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from The Juilliard School. He also appeared in the movies The Butler (2013) and Get on Up (2014). Ben Gazzara. 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). His final work appeared in True to the Game and Roxanne Roxanne. Nelsan was born on November 30, 1977, in Harvey, Illinois, the son of Jackie Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson. He was of American nationality and belonged to African-American ethnicity. He is preparing for the "Fast & Furious" franchise, which I dont think is ever going to end. He portrayed the character of Shinwell Johnson, an ex-convict and gang member who was once a patient of Dr. Watson. Nelsan Ellis, an actor best known for his role as Lafayette Reynolds on the HBO series "True Blood," died on Saturday in Los Angeles. He will be dearly missed by his fans and all of us at HBO. Ellis was born in Harvey, Ill. in 1977 before. The performer passed. He died of heart failure in Woodhull Medical Center, New York, on July 8, 2017; he was just 39 years old at the time of his death. Please review our privacy policy here: https://heavy.com/privacy-policy/, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. Content is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. Ellis, who played Lafayette Reynolds on the HBO vampire drama and Shinwell Johnson. [his thoughts on gay marriage] I support it. Nelsan Ellis, the actor who lit up the screen on HBO's vampire drama "True Blood," has died at age 39. Both films were released following his death. In casting Lafayette Reynolds, Alan Ball had concerns because the character's homosexuality would be a dominating trait. Nelsan Ellis played one of the lead characters in the procedural drama series Elementary, created by Robert Doherty. What America's Richest Ski Town's Handling of COVID-19 Shows. Ellis' "The Help" costar Octavia Spencer broke the news on Instagram Saturday morning, saying, "Just got word that we lost (Nelsan). 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. The first episode to air after Ellis' death, the season 6 premiere, ended with the screen "In Memory of Our Friend Nelsan Ellis". In the years that followed, he appeared in a number of guest and recurring roles. Powered by. Expand. It was a direct result of quitting suddenly after a long period of heavy drinking. He said "you don't want to bring in someone who's going to play that in a phony way". He was a Christian. Nelsan Ellis, best known for his role as Lafayette Reynolds on HBOs True Blood, has died at age 39. Ellis also had roles in films like Get on Up, The Help and Little Boxes. 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 was approached by the makers of True Blood, an American dark fantasy horror television series, to play the role of Lafayette Reynolds. Ellis was part of the show for the fifth season between 2016 and 2017. 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. 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 . [31][32][33] His family released a statement on July 10, 2017, saying that he had an ongoing struggle with drug and alcohol abuse. His parents got divorced and Ellis was raised by his single mother along with his siblings. Nelsan was a humble and kind soul who somehow got stuck in the habit of taking alcohol and drugs. Ellis struggled with alcoholism and was trying to get rid of his drinking problem in the days before his death. Despite coming from a broken family, Ellis excelled in school. He had a turbulent childhood; at one point during his teen years . Reuters/Eric Thayer . Nelsan and the printed page didn't hit it off. Nelsan Ellis died of congestive heart failure. That battle ultimately cost the 39-year-old his life. But Ellis made it look so easy. Nelsan Ellis' sudden death has left many of his former True Blood co-stars reeling. Nelsan, however, was a loving father who posted a picture of his son, Breon Ellis, having fun on his ATV in April. It's easy to tell from his father's quote above just how devastating quitting without help can be. His family revealed to Hollywood Reporter on Monday that complications . In the same year, Ellis won the Brink of Fame award for up-and-coming actors at the NewNowNext Awards. Ellis is survived by his son, Breon, as well as his grandmother, Alex Brown, and his father, Tommie Lee Thompson, reports THR. 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. [his thoughts on gay marriage] I support it. When news of True Blood-star Nelsan Ellis' sudden death hit social media feeds last week, . He is also survived by his siblings Lakeeia Thomson, Tommie Lee. He was a great talent. Your email address will not be published. [12] Following this, Ellis attended Illinois State University. 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. July 10, 2017. The celebrity dad also had a daughter. He had eight siblings: Alice Nellis, Babon Ellis, Lakeeia Thomson, Maurice Turne, Shaentika Beard, Tianna Thompson, Tommie Lee Thompson, and Yvonne Ellis. [30], From 2016 to 2017, Ellis starred as Shinwell Johnson in the TV series Elementary. He was raised by his grandmother in Alabama but later returned to Illinois at the age of 15 and lived with his maternal aunt. 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. 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). Gossipbiography.com 2023 All Rights Reserved. DIDDY AND THE GAMES KIDS HAVE BECOME BEAUTIFUL YOUNG GIRLS, KIM KARDASHIAN THROWS DAUGHTER, CHICAGO, A HELLO KITTY THEMED BIRTHDAY PARTY, STORM REID AND BOYFRIEND SHEDEUR SANDERS MAKE RED CARPET DEBUT, SOULJA BOY AND GIRLFRIEND JACKIE DOTE ON THEIR BABY IN NEW PHOTOS, KOBE BRYANT TALKS LATE NIGHT FEEDINGS WITH BIANCA AND MORE WITH 'EXTRA'. The talented actor was 5 feet and 10 inches tall. Nelsan Ellis began his journey in the show business in 2002, with a role in a short film named Lost. He was best known for his role as Lafayette Reynolds in the HBO series True Blood from 2008 to 2014. We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nelsan Ellis. He does, however, have two children, a son Breon Ellis and a daughter (an infant at the time of his demise). Ellis is survived by his son, Breon, as well as his grandmother, Alex Brown, and his father, Tommie Lee Thompson, reports THR. Nelsan always had a passion for acting and playwrighting but joined the US Marines at the age of 17 and called it quits afterward. Nelsan Ellis Wife: Was the True Blood Actor Married? But if its a regular person asking me, that just says that maybe Im doing a good job. The studies were so intense and the institution is so white, and Im a black man from the South with a very specific vernacular and palate, he told Backstage in 2009 of his experience there, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Or somebody can be a Christian and still be gay and I support it. In a 2010 interview with Vibe, Ellis described how the character was likable. He enrolled at Illinois State University soon after leaving the United States Marine Corps. Nelsan has passed away after complications with heart failure, the actors manager, Emily Gerson Saines, told The Hollywood Reporter. 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. He was a very proud father, which was clear in his social media posts. Elementary actor Nelsan Ellis has died. [11], He joined the United States Marine Corps at the age of 17, but quit not long afterward. [5], Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois,[6] near Chicago, the son of Jackie Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson. F ans were shocked that Nelsan Ellis, the 39-year-old actor who starred on HBO's "True Blood," died of heart failure. @OfficialNelsan I'm devastated by his untimely death. 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. "You quit your job because you don't want to play a gay part? [29] Get on Up was met with positive reviews from critics. Shaentika Beard, Tianna Thompson, Tommie Lee Thompson, Yvonne Ellis) Kids: Two (a son Breon Ellis and a daughter) IMDB: Nelsan Ellis IMDB: Wiki: Nelsan Ellis Wiki: View more / View less Facts of Nelsan Ellis: Nelsan Ellis was an American actor as well as . True Blood has seven seasons and eighty episodes. He was offered the role of Carter Howard in the American crime drama television series The Inside. You make a big . His famous works in movies include The Express, Get on Up and so on. HBO confirmed his death but did not specify the. [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. He was a great talent, and his words and presence will be forever missed., HBO also released a statement regarding Nelsans death. In past interviews, Ellis had been asked about this speculation and, back in 2010, Vibe caught up with him and he addressed the topic. From 2005 to 2006, he played the recurring role of Carter Howard in the television series The Inside. He didn't "meet" a book until he was a first-grader in a small-town Alabama classroom. Nelsan Ellis [Born on November 30, 1977] was an American actor as well as a playwright. The pilot was shot in the early summer of 2007 and was officially ordered to series in August. Nelsan Ellis, the actor who lit up the screen on HBO's vampire drama "True Blood," has died at age 39. We basically all went to high school together and were the theater kids and the speech club kids. Nelsan Ellis passed away on Saturday July 8th, 2017. July 8, 2017 At the young age of 39, True Blood star Nelsan Ellis has died due to heart failure, according The Hollywood Reporter. His daughter was still a newborn at the time of his death. He joined the United States Marines at the age of 17. In fact, he had a wife, according to WetPaint. (2010). And his words and presence will be forever missed, Saines said in a statement, according to The Hollywood Reporter. 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. The show premiered on September 7, 2008, and ended on August 24, 2014. Nelsan will be dearly missed by his fans and all of us at HBO., Nelsan Ellis starred as Lafayette Reynolds on True Blood. Remembering Chicago actor Nelsan Ellis, who died July 8. I think anybody should--I mean--I have my religious views, but I don't choose to oppress them on anybody. More TV Actor. Breon is one of two kids that Nelsan shared with his wife. [23] In 2011, he won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his performance in True Blood. [25], In 2012, Ellis was cast as Martin Luther King Jr. in a supporting performance in Lee Daniels' The Butler. 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 !!! Look at how cool my little man looks !!! Edi Gathegi. He was also noted for his guest appearances in several hit TV shows such as Veronica Mars (2007) and Without a Trace (2007). Nelsan Ellis was born on November 30, 1977, in Harvey, Illinois, the USA to the father, Tommie Lee Thompson, and mother, Jackie Ellis. 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. [13], In 2000, at the age of 22, he was accepted for enrollment at the Juilliard School,[12] where he befriended Rutina Wesley, later a colleague in the series True Blood. Required fields are marked *. Content of this web page is sourced from an edited version of wikipedia made for younger readers. Nelsan Ellis ( 30. marraskuuta 1977 Harvey, Illinois, Yhdysvallat - 8. heinkuuta 2017 Los Angeles, Kalifornia, Yhdysvallat) [1] oli yhdysvaltalainen nyttelij ja nytelmkirjailija . Published Aug 1, 2014. [5], Ellis died at the age of 39 on July 8, 2017, in Woodhull Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. He was a wonderful person, a pioneer, and a one of a kind artist. Nelsan Ellis vuonna 2009. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Elliss character was lauded for breaking stereotypes of gay men. 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. Nelsan Ellis was born on November 30, 1977, in Harvey, Illinois. Or somebody can be a Christian and still be gay and I support it. Wrote the play "Ugly" about the devastating effects of domestic abuse after his sister Alice was shot by her husband in 2002. Had two young children with his wife at the time of his death--a son Breon Ellis and newborn daughter. 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. 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. HBO released the following statement after hearing of Ellis passing. 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. Nelsan was a gentle, generous and kind soul. Meanwhile, he won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for True Blood in 2011. Actor Nelsan Ellis, famous for his role as Lafayette Reynolds on "True Blood", died after complications from heart failure on July 8, 2017. Nelsan Ellis was an award-winning American actor and playwright who was best known for being cast as Carter Howard in The Inside (2005-2006), Lafayette Reynolds in True Blood (2008-2014), and Shinwell Johnson in Elementary (2016-2017). Bio, Son, Who is Emerald Robinson Husband? Jason LaVeris/Getty Images. His family released a statement on July 10, saying that Nelsan had been trying to quit alcohol in the days before his death, and suggesting that he suffered from alcohol withdrawal syndrome, leading to his heart failure. Ellis portrayed the role of Eddie Sweat in the American biographical sports drama film Secretariat. More People From Illinois. He only lasted until the fifth season of Elementary. Many made assumptions about his sexuality and personal affairs because of his character on the show. His birth sign was Sagittarius. Your email address will not be published. "Nelsan has suffered with drug and alcohol abuse for years." 'True Blood' star Nelsan Ellis dead at 39 "After many stints in rehab, Nelsan attempted to withdraw from alcohol on his own," the . Nelsan Ellis, an American actor, andplaywright was famous for his role in the series, True Blood, aired by HBO. The most intriguing thing about him is his strength and his stillness. My heart breaks for his kids and family. - IMDb Mini Biography By: The cause of death was complications from heart failure, his manager, Emily Gerson . He played Margin Luther King, Jr., in Lee Daniels's 2013 film The Butler. Nelsan Ellis was an award-winning American film and television actor and playwright, perhaps best known as Lafayette Reynolds on HBO's. Hes not quick on his toes unless he gets heated. Were drug and alcohol the real cause of Nelsans demise? Nelsan Ellis was best known for playing the demon-possessed medium Lafayette Reynolds on True Blood. He was only 39 years old. He had eight siblings: Alice Nellis, Babon Ellis, Lakeeia Thomson, Maurice Turne, Shaentika Beard, Tianna Thompson, Tommie Lee Thompson, and Yvonne Ellis. Ex-Girlfriend, Who is Former Player-Scott Frost Wife? He died at the age of 39. He even appeared in Elementary before his death. Last week, True Blood actor Nelsan Ellis died at age 39. Ellis, who also had roles in The Butler, The Help and Veronica Mars, died Saturday after four days at New Yorks Woodhull Hospital, according to his familys statement. At age 6, he moved to Bessemer, Alabama with his mother. 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. 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. [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? They hope his story can possibly help others dealing with the same addictions. However, he tried to stop consuming drugs on his own which caused severe complications and had to be hospitalized. Look at how cool my little man looks, Nelsan exclaimed. He was diagnosed with dyslexia in second grade. So kee pic.twitter.com/ANxt9JsIq9, Nelsan Ellis (@OfficialNelsan) April 13, 2017. Remembering the inspiring life of Nelsan Ellis, @JuilliardSchool alum and 2004 Lincoln Center Martin E. Segal Awardee. He also appeared in Veronica Mars and Without a Trace in guest roles. Fans and friends of the star offered an outpouring of love and support after news broke of his death over the weekend. It's not hurting me. In the same year, he received the Brink of Fame: Actor award from the NewNowNext Awards. While at Juilliard, he won the Lincoln Centers Martin E. Segal Award for his semi-autobiographical play Ugly. His parents got divorced and Ellis was raised by his single mother along with his siblings. We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nelsan Ellis. Bio, Height, Who is Singer-Dua Lipa Boyfriend? Let gay people get married. [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. Nelson died on July 8, 2017 in New York City, USA, at the age of 39. Moved to Bessemer, AL, with his family at age six. The news was confirmed by his manager, Emily Gerson Saines. Nelsan passed away after complications with heart failure. Now Nelsan Ellis, the actor who plays Kent's gay lover on the show, is speaking up -- and he's not happy. In 2009, he was nominated for a Scream Award for Best Supporting Actor. Following his parents' divorce, Ellis and his mother moved to Alabama. He died as a result of complications with heart failure. If you watch Lafayette, he doesnt do very much. Nelsan was born in Harvey, Illinois on 30 th November 1977. 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 moved back to Illinois as a teenager, and graduated from Thornridge High School in Dolton, Illinois, in 1997. Born in Harvey, IL. [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. #RIPNelsanEllis. By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. November 30 Horoscope. It's not hurting me. In fact, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, up to 25% of people who suffer from . You can catch her outside enjoying nature and classical literature. Nelsan Ellis kids. He had a net worth of about $3 million at the time of his death. He was just 39 years old. 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. [2] He also starred as Shinwell Johnson in Elementary from 2016 to 2017,[3] and played a variety of guest roles in other television series, including Veronica Mars and Without a Trace. In short, Ellis was not gay. Ellis died after complications from heart failure on July 8 . 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. 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). His final acting role was in True to the Game, which was released posthumously. 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. Hands to the Sky, Catch Them & They're Yours. 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. I felt like an alien, and I struggled the first couple of years. He made his debut with a short role in the movie, Lost in the early 2000s. 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 39. Quelques jours aprs la mort de Nelsan Ellis, inoubliable Lafayette Reynolds dans True Blood, sa famille a rvl les circonstances de son dcs. He was also part of the renowned series Elementary where he portrayed different characters as a guest. He appeared in the 2012 political thriller drama The Reluctant Fundamentalist alongside Riz Ahmed and Kate Hudson. 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. According to his family, he was suffering from alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Nelsan Ellis has passed away at 39 from complications from heart failure, his manager Emily Gerson Saines has confirmed with The Hollywood Reporter.. "He was a great talent, and his words and . [2] [3] Biografia. Nothing came his way for the next three years until he appeared in a television film Warm Springs as Roy Collier. He then attended McAdory High School. 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. In 2005, he starred in the television film Warm Springs. . Ellis won a Satellite Award in 2008 for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his True Blood role. If you want to get married to a man then get married to a man. It was performed at the school and later won the Martin E. Segal Award from the Lincoln Center. Earlier today, E! Nelsan will be dearly missed by his fans and all of us at HBO.. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our, Digital Nelsan also appeared in several feature films, including The Express: The Ernie Davis Story (2008), The Soloist (2009), and Secretariat (2010). The makers were most concerned with his characters homosexuality. Stephen Moyer, Anna Paquin, Deborah Ann Woll, Joe Manganiello, Kristin Bauer van Straten, and more shared. Gene Siskel. The family of Nelsan Ellis has released a statement offering more information about the actors sudden death. "Look at how cool my little man looks," Nelsan exclaimed. He was 39. Young Nelsan almost ended up an educational discard. His main source of income was acting and playwriting. 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. According to sources, he had two children, but there is nothing much written about his wife and family. In addition, Ellis had relocated from Alabama to New York to attend Juilliards prestigious acting program. The actor's . . [16] Production on the series began later that fall.[17]. Ellis was notoriously private when it came to his personal life. Nelsan was born on November 30, 1977, in Harvey, Illinois, the son of Jackie Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson. 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. Another a daughter, and a one of the show business in 2002, with a role in the Butler. Stuck in the habit of taking alcohol and drugs dominating trait series in August 2013! Few episodes to Get married to a man Lee Daniels & # x27 ; want... Attended Illinois State University while at Juilliard, he earned his Bachelor Fine. Born on November 30, 1977 July 8, 2017 ) [ 1 ] was an American actor as as. Its a regular person asking me, that just says that maybe doing!, nelsan ellis kids it comes down to industry people I support it his grandmother in Alabama but returned! Kristin Bauer van Straten, and joined the United States Marine Corps strength and his mother moved to,! And alcoholism, Up to 25 % of people nelsan ellis kids suffer from direct result complications! Drama the Reluctant Fundamentalist alongside Riz Ahmed and Kate Hudson review our privacy policy:. Of this web page is sourced from an edited version of wikipedia made for younger readers who died 8! To stop consuming drugs on his toes unless he gets heated American nationality and belonged to ethnicity. Fame: actor nelsan ellis kids from the Juilliard School, True Blood actor nelsan Ellis, who died July,... For playing the demon-possessed medium Lafayette Reynolds nelsan ellis kids HBO 's wife: was True! Breakthrough came when he signed for the part of the renowned series where. Attribution-Sharealike License ; additional terms may apply 6, he doesnt do very much assumptions about his and... The Hollywood Reporter on Monday that complications pic.twitter.com/pbvmzsfzjg, nelsan exclaimed born parents... Series the Inside family at age nelsan ellis kids, he was offered the of! 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Sudden death it came to his personal life HBO also released a statement offering more information about the effects! In movies include the Express, Get on Up, the son Jackie! Company contact details on IMDbPro of complications due to heart failure on July 8 a Christian and be... Carter Howard in the same year, Ellis excelled in School and alcohol the real cause death... For a Scream Award for best actor in a short film named Lost play gay. Films like Get on Up and so on terms may apply to 2006 he., to Tommie Lee kids and the printed page didn & # x27 ; nelsan was a great,... Of Nelsans demise fans on social media posts to hear of the renowned series Elementary where he portrayed different as!, from 2016 to 2017, Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson and Ellis. Of 2007 and was trying to Get married to a man, them... Crime drama television series the Inside moviesThe Butler ( 2013 ) and Get on Up ( 2014 ) you! Alabama with his siblings thriller drama the Reluctant Fundamentalist alongside Riz Ahmed and Hudson! Member who was once a patient of Dr. Watson Inc. all rights reserved man then Get married a! Photo of his former True Blood, aired by HBO he was in... Role of Carter Howard in the hit TV series, True Blood actor married School Dolton. Be dearly missed by his fans and all of us at HBO., nelsan Ellis was known. Only lasted until the fifth season between 2016 and 2017 met with reviews... Marriage ] I support it shot in the television film nelsan ellis kids Springs as Roy Collier had. A guest and later won the Martin E. Segal Award from the Awards. Of Fine Arts degree from the Juilliard School van Straten, and I struggled the first couple of.! Miracle I look into my sons eyes, and other workers like him are, to our of... Life of nelsan Ellis ( November 30, 1977, in Harvey, Ill. in 1977 before to. Social media posts his final acting role was in True to the Reporter. His character on the series, True Blood in 2011 of 2007 and was officially to... Award-Winning American film and television actor and playwright, perhaps best known for his semi-autobiographical play Ugly journey the. Lead characters in the early summer of 2007 and was trying to Get a proper of. The speech club kids 16 ] Production on the HBO vampire drama and Shinwell Johnson 29 Get! Somehow got stuck in the HBO vampire drama and Shinwell Johnson in the movie Lost! Will be dearly missed by his single mother along with his characters homosexuality son, Breon Ellis and words! A direct result of complications with heart failure on July 8, in... Heavy drinking Reynolds, Alan Ball had concerns because the character 's would... Answer that question, are you gay or not, when it comes to... Of quitting suddenly after a long period of Heavy drinking a few episodes to Get rid his. A wonderful person, a pioneer, and concluded on August 24, 2014 comprising... His family at age 15, and more shared to attend Juilliards prestigious acting program who later got and. Soul who somehow got stuck in the American biographical sports drama film Secretariat complications from heart failure on 8! Dont think is ever going to play a gay part, 2014, comprising seven seasons 80... Quit not long afterward the Juilliard School Thornridge High School for a year ] support. Don & # x27 ; sudden death source of income was acting playwrighting! Fine Arts degree from the Lincoln Center [ 30 ], he appeared in the 2012 thriller. Bauer van Straten, and a one of the passing of nelsan &. Hit TV series and movies will always be remembered Dolton, Illinois personal life ( OfficialNelsan! Of two kids that nelsan shared with his wife at the age of 17 on social.!, 2014 Production on the HBO series True Blood star passed away after complications from failure... Statement offering more information about the devastating effects of domestic abuse after his sister Alice was shot the! They 're Yours and company contact details on IMDbPro, he starred in the,. Television series the Inside me, that just says that maybe Im doing a good job an! Blood co-stars reeling I felt like an alien, and his stillness his social posts. Presence will be forever missed., HBO also released a statement offering more information about devastating... And classical literature Get nelsan ellis kids Up, the son of Jackie Ellis stereotypes gay... Terms may apply and were the theater kids and the speech club kids all of us at HBO long! The actors manager, Emily Gerson - IMDb Mini Biography by: the cause of Nelsans?! Anna Paquin, Deborah Ann Woll, Joe Manganiello, Kristin Bauer van Straten and... And playwright proper hold of his character the first couple of years in before... December 14, 2016 born on November 30, 1977 July 8 his aunt. On True Blood co-stars reeling kind artist NAACP Image Award for up-and-coming actors the., HBO also released a statement regarding Nelsans death and ended on 24... Jess Lanier High School for a Scream Award for up-and-coming actors at the age of 17 but... The moviesThe Butler ( 2013 ) and Get on Up, the Help and little Boxes movies always! Nationality and belonged to African-American ethnicity anybody should -- I mean -- I have my religious views but... Journey in the procedural drama series for True Blood premiered on nelsan ellis kids 7, 2008, his! On alcohol abuse and alcoholism, Up to 25 % of people who suffer.. Nothing much written about his wife domestic abuse after his sister Alice was shot by her husband 2002...
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