All Rights Reserved. We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nelsan Ellis. Nelsan Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois, on November 30, 1977, to Tommie Lee Thompson and Jackie Ellis. We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nelsan Ellis, HBO said in a statement. Ellis nasceu em Harvey, Illinois, perto de Chicago. Ellis and his siblings became wards of the state, and later were raised in Bessemer, Alabama, by their maternal grandmother. The play was about the devastation caused by domestic abuse. He was also noted for his guest appearances in several hit TV shows such as Veronica Mars (2007) and Without a Trace (2007). Bio, Son, Who is Emerald Robinson Husband? My heart breaks for his kids and family." Born in . Gossipbiography.com 2023 All Rights Reserved. Remembering Chicago actor Nelsan Ellis, who died July 8. But Ellis made it look so easy. He was best known for his role as Lafayette Reynolds in the HBO series True Blood from 2008 to 2014. That battle ultimately cost the 39-year-old his life. "Nelsan passed away after complications. Ellis won a Satellite Award in 2008 for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his True Blood role. Meanwhile, he won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for True Blood in 2011. The actor was just 39 at the time of his death, but his works on TV series and movies will always be remembered. 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. 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. Nelsan Ellis, the actor who lit up the screen on HBO's vampire drama "True Blood," has died at age 39. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome caused complications, and he died of heart failure in Woodhull Medical Center. News reported that Ellis, who played Lafayette Reynolds on the HBO drama, died at age 39 . Nelsan Ellis was well-known for his portrayal of Lafayette Reynolds in the HBO television series True Blood (20082014). Now celebrities are reacting on Twitter and paying tribute to the late star. [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. He and the rest of the cast won the Satellite Award for Best Ensemble in 2009. So kee pic.twitter.com/ANxt9JsIq9, Nelsan Ellis (@officialnelsan) April 13, 2017. 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. More TV Actor. [22] In 2009, he was nominated for a Scream Award for Best Supporting Actor. Nelsan Ellis played one of the lead characters in the procedural drama series Elementary, created by Robert Doherty. He stood at 5 10 tall (1.78m). Bio, Height, Who is Singer-Dua Lipa Boyfriend? [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. In fact, he had a wife, according to WetPaint. Nelsan Ellis passed away on Saturday July 8th, 2017. Your email address will not be published. Nelsan Ellis (30 de novembro de 1977 - 8 de julho de 2017 [1]) foi um ator e dramaturgo americano, mais conhecido por interpretar Lafayette Reynolds na srie da HBO True Blood. It is his words that remind the audience how important Cecil, and other workers like him are, to our history. Ellis was part of the show for the fifth season between 2016 and 2017. 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. 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). He enrolled at Illinois State University soon after leaving the United States Marine Corps. NEW YORK Actor Nelsan Ellis, best known for playing the character of Lafayette Reynolds on "True Blood," has died at the age of 39. Nelsan Ellis (November 30, 1977 July 8, 2017) was an American actor and playwright. Nelsan passed away after complications with heart failure. #RIPNelsanEllis. If two women want to get married they should get married. The beautiful thing about this country is that I can be a Christian and feel free to do so. He also has two children, a son and a newborn daughter. Nelsan Ellis wife. 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. 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. [his thoughts on gay marriage] I support it. Gene Siskel. pic.twitter.com/jcOxLj5fxJ, Crushed today by the loss of my friend and castmate Nelsan Ellis. [5], Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois,[6] near Chicago, the son of Jackie Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson. If you want to get married to a man then get married to a man. Moved to Dolton, IL, at 14, where he attended Thornridge High School. Just before his death, Ellis had finished working in two films, True to the Game and Roxanne Roxanne, which were released posthumously. 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 always had a passion for acting and playwrighting but joined the US Marines at the age of 17 and called it quits afterward. #RIPNelsanEllis. 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 formerTrue Blood star was just 39 years old. Nelsan was a humble and kind soul who somehow got stuck in the habit of taking alcohol and drugs. 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. Ellis began his acting career in the early 2000s, with a role in the short film Lost. Nelsan will be dearly missed by his fans and all of us at HBO.. Would love your thoughts, please comment. Nelsan Ellis ( 30. marraskuuta 1977 Harvey, Illinois, Yhdysvallat - 8. heinkuuta 2017 Los Angeles, Kalifornia, Yhdysvallat) [1] oli yhdysvaltalainen nyttelij ja nytelmkirjailija . Nelson died on July 8, 2017 in New York City, USA, at the age of 39. As per his nationality, he is American and belongs to African-American ethnicity. [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. Had two young children with his wife at the time of his death--a son Breon Ellis and newborn daughter. Sometimes when I need a miracle I look into my sons eyes, and realize Ive already created one. Wrote the play "Ugly" about the devastating effects of domestic abuse after his sister Alice was shot by her husband in 2002. Required fields are marked *. Further, his star sign is Sagittarius. Aos seis anos, aps o divrcio de seus pais, Ellis e sua me mudaram-se para o Alabama. 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'. 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 . Or somebody cannot be a Christian and do whatever that entails. Nelsan Ellis, an American actor, andplaywright was famous for his role in the series, True Blood, aired by HBO. In 2008, Ellis was offered a role which later established his credentials as an actor. Nelsan was ashamed of his addiction and thus was reluctant to talk about. 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. In 2009, he was nominated for a Scream Award for Best Supporting Actor. It's not hurting me. More People From Illinois. Nelsan Ellis true blood. Nelsan Ellis, best known for his role as Lafayette Reynolds on HBOs True Blood, has died at age 39. Served in the United States Marine Corps but quit shortly after enlisting. Irishlass240 (corrections by A.R. We basically all went to high school together and were the theater kids and the speech club kids. [31][32][33] His family released a statement on July 10, 2017, saying that he had an ongoing struggle with drug and alcohol abuse. Ellis won a 2008 Satellite Award from the International Press Academy for best supporting actor in a television series for his role as Lafayette Reynolds in HBO's True Blood. He was born in Harvey, Illinois to parents, Jackie Ellis and 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. Ellis is also survived by his grandmother, his father, and seven siblings. Rest in Peace. 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. Magazines, Or create a free account to access more articles. He was also part of the renowned series Elementary where he portrayed different characters as a guest. The performer passed. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use Privacy Policy. Ellis attended Jess Lanier High School for a year. Remembering the inspiring life of Nelsan Ellis, @JuilliardSchool alum and 2004 Lincoln Center Martin E. Segal Awardee. The family of Nelsan Ellis has released a statement offering more information about the actors sudden death. The cause of death is thought to be an ongoing battle with drug and alcohol abuse. The most intriguing thing about him is his strength and his stillness. Were drug and alcohol the real cause of Nelsans demise? His notable works in TV Series include Elementary, The Inside and so on. Many made assumptions about his sexuality and personal affairs because of his character on the show. He joined the United States Marines at the age of 17. Nelsan was born on November 30, 1977, in Harvey, Illinois, the son of Jackie Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson. "You quit your job because you don't want to play a gay part? The news was confirmed by his manager, Emily Gerson Saines. He had $3 million net worth before death. ", "Nelsan Ellis on True Blood's Season of the Witches, Lafayette's Mohawk, and Dodging the Marines", "National Tournament Results National Forensic Association", "Actor brings extended life to 'True Blood' character", "Nelsan Ellis (Lafayette) Talks 'True Blood,' Gay Marriage, Tyler Perry", "HBO Renews True Blood for Seventh Season", "2008 13th Annual SATELLITE Awards Nominees", "Secretariat is simply Seabiscuit reconfigured for the Tea Party set", "Nelsan Ellis Joins the James Brown Biopic Get on Up", "True Blood star Nelsan Ellis dies aged 39", "True Blood Star Nelsan Ellis Dies at 39", "Nelsan Ellis' Family Shares Circumstances of 'True Blood' Actor's Death", "Nelsan Ellis struggled with addiction before death", "Nelsan Ellis' Family Shares Details About 'True Blood' Star's Cause of Death", "Nelsan Ellis' Family Shares Circumstances of 'True Blood' Actor's Death???? He was born to parents, Jackie Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson who later got divorced. The actor spent four days in Woodhull Hospital before he died. HBO released the following statement after hearing of Ellis passing. Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois. He was a great talent, and his words and presence will be forever missed., HBO also released a statement regarding Nelsans death. It was performed at the school and later won the Martin E. Segal Award from the Lincoln Center. Nelsan Ellis is dead. Actor Nelsan Ellis has died at age 39. He played Margin Luther King, Jr., in Lee Daniels's 2013 film The Butler. The show premiered on September 7, 2008, and ended on August 24, 2014. The makers were most concerned with his characters homosexuality. His family relocated to Bessemer, Alabama, when he was six years old, and then to Dolton, Illinois, when he was fourteen, where he attended Thornridge High School. Nelsan Ellis died of congestive heart failure. 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 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. [16] Production on the series began later that fall.[17]. Ellis' manager, Emily Gerson Saines, confirmed the actor's. Ellis' manager Emily Gerson Saines confirmed Once they get me with the fake eyelashes and the eye makeup, I listen to some Rihanna and I'm there. "Nelsan was a gentle, generous and kind soul. 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). Nelsan Ellis starred as Lafayette Reynolds on True Blood. [23] In 2011, he won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his performance in True Blood. Retired Thornridge High . 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. He is also survived by his siblings Lakeeia Thomson, Tommie Lee. Nelsan was ashamed of his addiction and thus was reluctant to talk about. 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. Ellis also had roles in films like Get on Up, The Help and Little Boxes. Ellis portrayed the role of Eddie Sweat in the American biographical sports drama film Secretariat. Nelsan was ashamed of his addiction and thus was reluctant to talk about it during his life, the statement reads. 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 of American nationality and belonged to African-American ethnicity. Your email address will not be published. Whos Wife? 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. Ellis also had roles in films like Get on Up, The Help and Little Boxes. 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. Nelsan was ashamed of his. (2005, October - November) Appeared in the Charles Fuller play A Soldier's Story at the Second Stage Theatre, off-Broadway, New York, New York. The actor's . In addition, following his parents divorce, Nelsan and his mother relocated to Alabama. He studied at Illinois State University before getting his BFA at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City. Born in Harvey, IL. 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. Edi Gathegi. He was also part of the renowned series Elementary where he portrayed different characters as a guest. In the same year, he received the Brink of Fame: Actor award from the NewNowNext Awards. He is preparing for the "Fast & Furious" franchise, which I dont think is ever going to end. . It took him a few episodes to get a proper hold of his character. 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. How much is the Net Worth of Nelsan Ellis? Ellis began his career in early 2000, with a role in a short film. Paul Kasey. He was best known for playing the flamboyant short order cook, Lafayette, in the TV series, True Blood. pic.twitter.com/uvlCIrnWQQ. [18] Nelsan Ellis said that it took him a few episodes to find the character. Nelsan Ellis ' appearance in The Butler isn't long, but it's impactful. True Blood has seven seasons and eighty episodes. Nelsan was born in Harvey, Illinois on 30 th November 1977. Michael Kelly. [29] Get on Up was met with positive reviews from critics. Nelsan Ellis (November 30, 1977 July 8, 2017)[1] was an American actor and playwright. We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nelsan Ellis, the network revealed. You have reached your limit of 4 free articles. He will be missed. Nelsan died of complications from alcohol withdrawal on 8th July 2017, aged 39. For corporations that want to focus on education for underserved kids, be sure to support the . Deputy Director of News & Analytics, HuffPost. [34][35][36] Ellis was survived by his son, Breon Ellis. His family revealed to Hollywood Reporter on Monday that complications . [14] Ellis earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Juilliard in 2004.[15]. The first episode to air after Ellis' death, the season 6 premiere, ended with the screen "In Memory of Our Friend Nelsan Ellis". May his soul rest in peace. He also shared this photo of his son back in December. He had a net worth of about $3 million at the time of his death. Nelsan Ellis attends the premiere of "Get on Up" in New York, July 21, 2014. Nelsan Ellis elementary. Elementaryactor Nelsan Ellis has died. He was also given the Satellite Award for Best Cast Television Series and an Ewwy Award for best supporting actor in a drama series. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our, Digital Nelsan was a gentle, generous and kind soul. [10] He moved back to Illinois at age 15, where he lived with his maternal aunt. He had eight siblings: Alice Nellis, Babon Ellis, Lakeeia Thomson, Maurice Turne, Shaentika Beard, Tianna Thompson, Tommie Lee Thompson, and Yvonne Ellis. He then attended McAdory High School. He was only 39 years old. Nelsan will be dearly missed by his fans and all of us at HBO.. He was a gentle and humble soul. [18] He told The Philadelphia Inquirer: I have more makeup on than any of the females in the cast. It just happened.. Ellis won the "Brink of Fame: Actor" award at the 2009 NewNowNext Awards.Tragically, Ellis died at the age of 39 on July 8, 2017, in Los Angeles, California, after complications from heart failure. And his words and presence will be forever missed, Saines said in a statement, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The pilot was shot in the early summer of 2007 and was officially ordered to series in August. Official Sites. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. [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? [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. Ellis died after complications from heart failure on July 8 . | (2010). He is preparing for the "Fast & Furious" franchise, which I dont think is ever going to end. Nelsan Ellis Cause of Death: How Did the True Blood Actor Die? Among two kids one is a son, Breon Ellis and another a daughter, . Nelsan Ellis, an actor best known for his role as Lafayette Reynolds on the HBO series "True Blood," died on Saturday in Los Angeles. Nelsan Ellis (19772017) was an American actor and playwright. According to sources, he had two children, but there is nothing much written about his wife and family. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Look at how cool my little man looks, Nelsan exclaimed. He had eight siblings: Alice Nellis, Babon Ellis, Lakeeia Thomson, Maurice Turne, Shaentika Beard, Tianna Thompson, Tommie Lee Thompson, and Yvonne Ellis. In the same year, Ellis won the Brink of Fame award for up-and-coming actors at the NewNowNext Awards. He only lasted until the fifth season of Elementary. He said "you don't want to bring in someone who's going to play that in a phony way". Nelsan Ellis was born on November 30, 1977, in Harvey, Illinois, the USA to the father, Tommie Lee Thompson, and mother, Jackie Ellis. There isnt much information about his wife. [9], In Alabama, Ellis attended Jess Lanier High School for a year and transferred to McAdory High School. 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. Nelsan and the printed page didn't hit it off. 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. L'acteur est mort en tentant de se . Their maternal grandmother raised them all in Bessemer, Alabama. Ellis is survived by his son, Breon, as well as his grandmother, Alex Brown, and his father, Tommie Lee Thompson, reports THR. But when a casting director or an agent asks me that question it takes on a deeper thing that says, I cant believe youre doing this unless you are that,' Ellis told Vibe. Young Nelsan almost ended up an educational discard. Ellis was notoriously private when it came to his personal life. The beautiful thing about this country is that I can be a Christian and feel free to do so. The former True Blood star was just 39 years old. He went to Jess Lanier High School and McAdory High School before enrolling at the Thornridge High School in Dolton. He had been reluctant to talk to anyone about his addiction because of his sense of shame. Nelsan Ellis age. pic.twitter.com/pBVMZSfzjG, Nelsan Ellis (@officialnelsan) December 14, 2016. He is also survived by his siblings Lakeeia Thomson, Tommie Lee. He won the Martin E. Segal Award for his semi-autobiographical play Ugly. Earlier today, E! He will be dearly missed by his fans and all of us at HBO. #brillIantactor #trueblood #getonup #thesoloist #thehelp," she posted on Twitter and . Nelsan, however, was a loving father who posted a picture of his son, Breon Ellis, having fun on his ATV in April. 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. Moved to Bessemer, AL, with his family at age six. Over the weekend it was reported that . It was a direct result of quitting suddenly after a long period of heavy drinking. He even appeared in Elementary before his death. Hands to the Sky, Catch Them & They're Yours. He also starred as Shinwell Johnson in Elementary from 2016 to 2017, and played a variety . We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nelsan Ellis. 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. 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. Nelsan Ellis [Born on November 30, 1977] was an American actor as well as a playwright. Fans and friends of the star offered an outpouring of love and support after news broke of his death over the weekend. Ellis was a naturalized nationality of the United States of America of African ethnicity. He was 39. His daughter was still a newborn at the time of his death. 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 . Please review our privacy policy here: https://heavy.com/privacy-policy/, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. The critics loved the death, and the reviews were off the charts. From 2016 to 2017, Ellis starred as Shinwell Johnson in the TV series Elementary. His mother's name was Jackie Ellis and his father's name was Tommie Lee Thompson. Nelsan was a gentle, generous and kind soul. Ellis' manager, Emily Gerson. Ben Gazzara. Nelsan was born on November 30, 1977, in Harvey, Illinois, the son of Jackie Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson. 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.

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