Nelsan Ellis ( 30. marraskuuta 1977 Harvey, Illinois, Yhdysvallat - 8. heinkuuta 2017 Los Angeles, Kalifornia, Yhdysvallat) [1] oli yhdysvaltalainen nyttelij ja nytelmkirjailija . Quelques jours aprs la mort de Nelsan Ellis, inoubliable Lafayette Reynolds dans True Blood, sa famille a rvl les circonstances de son dcs. Nelsan Ellis' sudden death has left many of his former True Blood co-stars reeling. According to sources, he had two children, but there is nothing much written about his wife and family. Please review our privacy policy here: https://heavy.com/privacy-policy/, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. Just before his death, Ellis had finished working in two films, True to the Game and Roxanne Roxanne, which were released posthumously. He was 39. He only lasted until the fifth season of Elementary. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. The film was based on the life of the racehorse, Secretariat, the winner of the Triple Crown in 1973, and featured John Malkovich and Diane Lane among others. Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois. Ellis had recently joined the cast of CBSs Elementary, in which he played a former drug dealer and former patient of Lucy Lius Joan Watson. Nelsan Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois, United States. Nelsan will be dearly missed by his fans and all of us at HBO.. 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. "Look at how cool my little man looks," Nelsan exclaimed. In 2010, he portrayed Eddie Sweat in the Disney sports drama Secretariat. He had $3 million net worth before death. The play was about the devastation caused by domestic abuse. He was only 39 years old. 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. He stood at 5 10 tall (1.78m). Ellis also had roles in films like Get on Up, The Help and Little Boxes. What America's Richest Ski Town's Handling of COVID-19 Shows. Wrote the play "Ugly" about the devastating effects of domestic abuse after his sister Alice was shot by her husband in 2002. If you want to get married to a man then get married to a man. Nelsan Ellis death. His mothers name was Jackie Ellis and his fathers name was Tommie Lee Thompson. Ellis is survived by his son, Breon, as well as his grandmother, Alex Brown, and his father, Tommie Lee Thompson, reports THR. pic.twitter.com/jcOxLj5fxJ, Crushed today by the loss of my friend and castmate Nelsan Ellis. But if its a regular person asking me, that just says that maybe Im doing a good job. He followed this up with guest roles in Veronica Mars and Without a Trace, both in 2007. Ellis was born in Harvey, Ill. in 1977 before. He also appeared in the moviesThe Butler(2013) and Get on Up(2014). Irishlass240 (corrections by A.R. Edi Gathegi. 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. . The cause of death was complications from heart failure, his manager, Emily Gerson . After his parents divorced, he and his siblings became state wards. Were drug and alcohol the real cause of Nelsans demise? He was a Christian. Or somebody cannot be a Christian and do whatever that entails. It was performed at the school and later won the Martin E. Segal Award from the Lincoln Center. Many made assumptions about his sexuality and personal affairs because of his character on the show. Last week, True Blood actor Nelsan Ellis died at age 39. He was of American nationality and belonged to African-American ethnicity. Nelsan was a gentle, generous and kind soul. Nelsan Ellis, the actor who lit up the screen on HBO's vampire drama "True Blood," has died at age 39. 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 . Ben Gazzara. Publicity Listings It was influenced by his real-life event in 2002, when his sister Alices husband shot her. 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. Nelsan was born in Harvey, Illinois on 30th November 1977. Ellis struggled with alcoholism and was trying to get rid of his drinking problem in the days before his death. Nelsan also appeared in several feature films, including The Express: The Ernie Davis Story (2008), The Soloist (2009), and Secretariat (2010). In addition, Ellis had relocated from Alabama to New York to attend Juilliards prestigious acting program. Hollywood was shocked by the sudden death of Nelsan Ellis this past weekend. Fans and friends of the star offered an outpouring of love and support after news broke of his death over the weekend. He was also part of the renowned series Elementary where he portrayed different characters as a guest. He was a great talent, and his words and presence will be forever missed., HBO also released a statement regarding Nelsans death. 'Nelsan was ashamed of his. Nelsan was a gentle, generous and kind soul. Content is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. It's not hurting me. He was best known for his role as Lafayette Reynolds in the HBOseries True Bloodfrom 2008 to 2014. Moved to Dolton, IL, at 14, where he attended Thornridge High School. 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. Or somebody cannot be a Christian and do whatever that entails. He is also survived by his siblings Lakeeia Thomson, Tommie Lee. Ellis and his siblings became wards of the state, and later were raised in Bessemer, Alabama, by their maternal grandmother. In fact, he had a wife, according to WetPaint. So kee pic.twitter.com/ANxt9JsIq9, Nelsan Ellis (@officialnelsan) April 13, 2017. Nelsan passed away after complications with heart failure. My heart breaks for his kids and family. "Nelsan was a gentle, generous and kind soul. 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. Whether you're into . Nelsan Ellis: The Collective was started by myself, Francois Battiste, Veronda Carey, Le'Mil Eiland, Metra Gilliard and Jasond Jones. He was best known for his role as Lafayette Reynolds in the HBO series True Blood from 2008 to 2014. The True Blood star passed away of complications due to heart failure on Saturday. Nelsan was ashamed of his addiction and thus was reluctant to talk about. Nelsan Ellis began his journey in the show business in 2002, with a role in a short film named Lost. 'Nelsan was a gentle, generous and kind soul. From 2005 to 2006, he played the recurring role of Carter Howard in the television series The Inside. Born in Harvey, IL. [5], Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois,[6] near Chicago, the son of Jackie Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson. Part of HuffPost Entertainment. 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. He was best known for playing the flamboyant short order cook, Lafayette, in the TV series, True Blood. Birthday: November 30, 1977 (Sagittarius), siblings: Alice Nellis, Babon Ellis, Lakeeia Thomson, Maurice Turne, Shaentika Beard, Tianna Thompson, Tommie Lee Thompson, Yvonne Ellis, education: Jess Lanier High School, McAdory High School, Thornridge High School, Juilliard School, Columbia College Chicago, https://www.today.com/popculture/true-blood-co-stars-remember-actor-nelsan-ellis-t113601, https://www.flickr.com/photos/spazzbot/5002364519/in/photolist-8mG64D-8mKcVC-8mG5PR-8C6w81-8C3qAB-8C3qG8-6W4JV8-6W8Mcq-8C6vMu, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoRuEULiQgY, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ayd6ZEZeyKc, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yshqgfO8_HY, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPBYY2m7g1M, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4MWqjkawRU. She also shares stories on Medium that are meant to encourage thought and discussion. [his thoughts on gay marriage] I support it. [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. Your email address will not be published. The Butler received mostly positive reviews from critics. In a 2010 interview with Vibe, Ellis described how the character was likable. Magazines, Or create a free account to access more articles. . Nelsan Ellis age. Nelsan Ellis: True Blood actor died after 'trying to beat alcohol addiction alone' Popular performer from hit HBO vampire series, 39, passed away on 8 July after suffering kidney failure following . Stephen Moyer, Anna Paquin, Deborah Ann Woll, Joe Manganiello, Kristin Bauer van Straten, and more shared. Nelsan Ellis(November 30, 1977 - July 8, 2017) was an Americanactor and playwright. Since he played a gay character on the popular vampire fantasy series True Blood, fans have speculated about the actors sexuality. He also appeared in the movies The Butler (2013) and Get on Up (2014). You have reached your limit of 4 free articles. Is Richard Jefferson Married? In addition, following his parents divorce, Nelsan and his mother relocated to Alabama. "My heart breaks for his kids and family," the . #RIPNelsanEllis. He was a wonderful person, a pioneer, and a one of a kind artist. | #RIPNelsanEllis. Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois. May his soul rest in peace. That battle ultimately cost the 39-year-old his life. HBO confirmed his death but did not specify the. 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. Over the weekend it was reported that . When news of True Blood-star Nelsan Ellis' sudden death hit social media feeds last week, . There isnt much information about his wife. Ellis is also survived by his grandmother, his father, and seven siblings. He said "you don't want to bring in someone who's going to play that in a phony way". Powered by. And his words and presence will be forever missed, Saines said in a statement, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He was a gentle and humble soul. Served in the United States Marine Corps but quit shortly after enlisting. He didn't "meet" a book until he was a first-grader in a small-town Alabama classroom. 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 (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. 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. He was diagnosed with dyslexia in second grade. The makers were most concerned with his characters homosexuality. He is preparing for the "Fast & Furious" franchise, which I dont think is ever going to end. He had gone to rehab to stop taking drugs but could not do it. He died because of the alcohol withdrawal syndrome with his blood pressure plunged, and his heart raced out of control. 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. His family revealed to Hollywood Reporter on Monday that complications . Your email address will not be published. pic.twitter.com/pBVMZSfzjG, Nelsan Ellis (@officialnelsan) December 14, 2016. He was a great talent. Jason LaVeris/Getty Images. | 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. I felt like an alien, and I struggled the first couple of years. Reuters/Eric Thayer . It took him a few episodes to get a proper hold of his character. Nelsan and the printed page didn't hit it off. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use Privacy Policy. His daughter was still a newborn at the time of his death. He made his debut with a short role in the movie, Lost in the early 2000s. Nelsan Ellis 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. Whos Wife? Ellis was part of the show between 2005 and 2006, appearing in twelve episodes. Ellis was a proud papa to his one son, Breon Ellis. More People From Illinois. died due to complications with heart failure,, actor struggled for years with alcohol and drug abuse. We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nelsan Ellis. He graduated from Julliard School with a degree in Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2004. Bio, Son, Who is Emerald Robinson Husband? He is preparing for the "Fast & Furious" franchise, which I dont think is ever going to end. They hope his story can possibly help others dealing with the same addictions. In 2005, he starred in the television film Warm Springs. Ex-Girlfriend, Who is Former Player-Scott Frost Wife? He joined the United States Marinesat the age of 17. May his soul rest in peace. He was a very proud father, which was clear in his social media posts. He was just 39 years old. He was approached by the makers of True Blood, an American dark fantasy horror television series, to play the role of Lafayette Reynolds. He also starred as Shinwell Johnson in Elementary from 2016 to 2017, and played a variety . He died due to complications from heart failure, Variety reported. But it transformed who I am as an actor and a person.. 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 . Michael Kelly. For corporations that want to focus on education for underserved kids, be sure to support the . He even appeared in Elementary before his death. [14] Ellis earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Juilliard in 2004.[15]. Earlier today, E! Nelsan has passed away after complications with heart failure, the actors manager, Emily Gerson Saines, told The Hollywood Reporter. The family of Nelsan Ellis has released a statement offering more information about the actors sudden death. Further, his star sign is Sagittarius. Nelsan Ellis died of congestive heart failure. His mother's name was Jackie Ellis and his father's name was Tommie Lee Thompson. He will be dearly missed by his fans and all of us at HBO. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. He and the rest of the cast won the Satellite Award for Best Ensemble in 2009. My heart breaks for his kids and family," she wrote in an Instagram post. @OfficialNelsan I'm devastated by his untimely death. Despite coming from a broken family, Ellis excelled in school. It's not hurting me. The first episode to air after Ellis' death, the season 6 premiere, ended with the screen "In Memory of Our Friend Nelsan Ellis". The beautiful thing about this country is that I can be a Christian and feel free to do so. Nelsan was ashamed of his. I dont answer that question, Are you gay or not, when it comes down to industry people. 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. Now Nelsan Ellis, the actor who plays Kent's gay lover on the show, is speaking up -- and he's not happy. Remembering the inspiring life of Nelsan Ellis, @JuilliardSchool alum and 2004 Lincoln Center Martin E. Segal Awardee. Nelsan Ellis (19772017) was an American actor and playwright. #brillIantactor #trueblood # . [5], Ellis died at the age of 39 on July 8, 2017, in Woodhull Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. Nelsan Ellis true to the game. Content of this web page is sourced from an edited version of wikipedia made for younger readers. 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, 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. Meanwhile, he won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for True Blood in 2011. The actor, best known for starring on "True Blood" and "Elementary," died at age 39. Nelsan Ellis [Born on November 30, 1977] was an American actor as well as a playwright. Nelsan will be dearly missed by his fans and all of us at HBO.. He had eight siblings: Alice Nellis, Babon Ellis, Lakeeia Thomson, Maurice Turne, Shaentika Beard, Tianna Thompson, Tommie Lee Thompson, and Yvonne Ellis. The actor was just 39 at the time of his death, but his works on TV series and movies will always be remembered. He played Margin Luther King, Jr., in Lee Danielss 2013 film The Butler. Making his debut on the series' premiere episode, "Strange Love", in the series' first season, Nelsan plays the role of a medium and cook working at Merlotte's Bar and Grill in the small town of . 2023 TIME USA, LLC. 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 . 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Nelsan was ashamed of his addiction and thus was reluctant to talk about it during his life, the statement reads. He died on July 8, 2017, in Los Angeles due to heart failure. [28], The following year, Ellis joined the cast of Get on Up, a biographical drama film about the life of singer James Brown. Elementary actor Nelsan Ellis has died. Nelsan Ellis, an American actor, andplaywright was famous for his role in the series, True Blood, aired by HBO. In 1997 he graduated from Thornridge High 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). [3] His character dies near the end of Season 5. Pennington), View agent, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro. Nelsan Ellis was born on November 30, 1977, in Harvey, Illinois. Look at how cool my little man looks, Nelsan exclaimed. His main source of income was acting and playwriting. [9], In Alabama, Ellis attended Jess Lanier High School for a year and transferred to McAdory High School. His final work appeared in True to the Game and Roxanne Roxanne. Deputy Director of News & Analytics, HuffPost. 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. 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Degree from Juilliard in 2004. [ 15 ] industry people in Lee 2013!, that just says that maybe Im doing a good job looks, & quot ; the between 2005 2006. His sister Alices husband shot her followed this Up with guest roles in films like on! Acting program failure, variety reported from Thornridge High School for a year and transferred to McAdory School! In 2011 of my friend and castmate nelsan Ellis was born in Harvey,.... Film the Butler ( 2013 ) and get on Up, the actors death... This Up with guest roles in Veronica Mars and Without a Trace, both 2007!