Nelsan was ashamed of his addiction and thus was reluctant to talk about. He was also given the Satellite Award for Best Cast Television Series and an Ewwy Award for best supporting actor in a drama series. Hands to the Sky, Catch Them & They're Yours. It's not hurting me. An untimely demise of a brilliant actor. 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 . He is also survived by his siblings Lakeeia Thomson, Tommie Lee. Nelsan Ellis. Sarie is a writer and editor for BCK's Los Angeles division. 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. Fans and friends of the star offered an outpouring of love and support after news broke of his death over the weekend. Nelsan Ellis, best known for his role as Lafayette Reynolds on HBOs True Blood, has died at age 39. [10] He moved back to Illinois at age 15, where he lived with his maternal aunt. 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: The Collective was started by myself, Francois Battiste, Veronda Carey, Le'Mil Eiland, Metra Gilliard and Jasond Jones. He was a great talent. Ellis' manager Emily Gerson Saines confirmed His final work appeared in True to the Game and Roxanne Roxanne. He also has two children, a son and a newborn daughter. He went to Jess Lanier High School and McAdory High School before enrolling at the Thornridge High School in Dolton. Pennington), Other Works Your email address will not be published. [28], The following year, Ellis joined the cast of Get on Up, a biographical drama film about the life of singer James Brown. While at Juilliard, he won the Lincoln Centers Martin E. Segal Award for his semi-autobiographical play Ugly. Served in the United States Marine Corps but quit shortly after enlisting. Ellis' manager, Emily Gerson. Ellis portrayed the role of Eddie Sweat in the American biographical sports drama film Secretariat. ", "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???? Alcohol withdrawal syndrome caused complications, and he died of heart failure in Woodhull Medical Center. 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 also part of the renowned series Elementary where he portrayed different characters as a guest. His notable works in TV Series include Elementary, The Inside and so on. Magazines, Digital More People From Illinois. According to his family, he was suffering from alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Nelsan has always wanted to be an actor. The Butler received mostly positive reviews from critics. According to sources, he had two children, but there is nothing much written about his wife and family. Nelsan Ellis was born November 30, 1978, which makes his star sign Sagittarius. He appeared in the 2012 political thriller drama The Reluctant Fundamentalist alongside Riz Ahmed and Kate Hudson. In addition, Ellis had relocated from Alabama to New York to attend Juilliards prestigious acting program. He enrolled at Illinois State University soon after leaving the United States Marine Corps. He had eight siblings: Alice Nellis, Babon Ellis, Lakeeia Thomson, Maurice Turne, Shaentika Beard, Tianna Thompson, Tommie Lee Thompson, and Yvonne Ellis. Or somebody cannot be a Christian and do whatever that entails. The heartbreaking news was announced on Saturday and. Part of HuffPost Entertainment. His family revealed to Hollywood Reporter on Monday that complications . He had gone to rehab to stop taking drugs but could not do it. Nelsan Ellis was born on November 30, 1977, in Harvey, Illinois. Your email address will not be published. That battle ultimately cost the 39-year-old his life. From 2016 to 2017, Ellis starred as Shinwell Johnson in the TV series Elementary. Both films were released following his death. Ellis, who played Lafayette Reynolds on the HBO vampire drama and Shinwell Johnson. [31][32][33] His family released a statement on July 10, 2017, saying that he had an ongoing struggle with drug and alcohol abuse. Since he played a gay character on the popular vampire fantasy series True Blood, fans have speculated about the actors sexuality. Nelsan Ellis true to the game. Ellis' manager, Emily Gerson Saines, confirmed the actor's. Nelsan stood tall with a height of 5 feet and 10 inches. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use Privacy Policy. He made his debut with a short role in the movie, Lost in the early 2000s. He was diagnosed with dyslexia in second grade. "Nelsan was a gentle, generous and kind soul. died due to complications with heart failure,, actor struggled for years with alcohol and drug abuse. HBO released the following statement after hearing of Ellis passing. Nelsan was a longtime member of the HBO family whose groundbreaking portrayal of Lafayette will be remembered fondly within the overall legacy of True Blood. He said "you don't want to bring in someone who's going to play that in a phony way". Ellis won a Satellite Award in 2008 for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his True Blood role. July 10, 2017. We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nelsan Ellis, the network revealed. In the same year, he received the Brink of Fame: Actor award from the NewNowNext Awards. The cause of death was complications from heart failure, his manager, Emily Gerson Saines,. 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 . He won the Martin E. Segal Award for his semi-autobiographical play Ugly. 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. It was performed at the school and later won the Martin E. Segal Award from the Lincoln Center. Remembering the inspiring life of Nelsan Ellis, @JuilliardSchool alum and 2004 Lincoln Center Martin E. Segal Awardee. She also shares stories on Medium that are meant to encourage thought and discussion. My heart breaks for his kids and family." Born in . Though the character did not survive in the books, Elliss memorable portrayal of Lafayette kept him in the series, according to the Hollywood Reporter. 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'. Publicity Listings 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. He graduated in 1997 from this school in Dolton, Illinois. We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nelsan Ellis. 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. They hope his story can possibly help others dealing with the same addictions. Nelsan Ellis (November 30, 1977 July 8, 2017) was an American actor and playwright. Deputy Director of News & Analytics, HuffPost. You can catch her outside enjoying nature and classical literature. 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 [Born on November 30, 1977] was an American actor as well as a playwright. [23] In 2011, he won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his performance in True Blood. The makers were most concerned with his characters homosexuality. Whether you're into . Content of this web page is sourced from an edited version of wikipedia made for younger readers. Your email address will not be published. #RIPNelsanEllis. He was born to parents, Jackie Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson who later got divorced. Nelsan Ellis(November 30, 1977 - July 8, 2017) was an Americanactor and playwright. So kee pic.twitter.com/ANxt9JsIq9, Nelsan Ellis (@OfficialNelsan) April 13, 2017. pic.twitter.com/jcOxLj5fxJ, Crushed today by the loss of my friend and castmate Nelsan Ellis. Nelsan Ellis' True Blood family is particularly shaken by news of the actor's death. It took him a few episodes to get a proper hold of his character. If you watch Lafayette, he doesnt do very much. Remembering Chicago actor Nelsan Ellis, who died July 8. The actor's . Among two kids one is a son, Breon Ellis and another a daughter, . His main source of income was acting and playwriting. It just happened.. He moved back to Illinois as a teenager, and graduated from Thornridge High School in Dolton, Illinois, in 1997. 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. Nelsan Ellis (November 30, 1977 July 8, 2017)[1] was an American actor and playwright. Ellis attended Jess Lanier High School for a year. Let gay people get married. [16] Production on the series began later that fall.[17]. Their maternal grandmother raised them all in Bessemer, Alabama. My heart breaks for his kids and family. 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. Retired Thornridge High . 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. Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois. Ellis also had roles in films like Get on Up, The Help and Little Boxes. 'Nelsan was a gentle, generous and kind soul. Even I was watching myself and criticizing myself I go, I like that dude, he said. #RIPNelsanEllis. pic.twitter.com/pBVMZSfzjG, Nelsan Ellis (@officialnelsan) December 14, 2016. He graduated from Julliard School with a degree in Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2004. Nelsan Ellis is dead. His real breakthrough came when he signed for the part of Lafayette Reynolds in the hit TV series, True Blood. He was a gentle and humble soul. Nelsan, however, was a loving father who posted a picture of his son, Breon Ellis, having fun on his ATV in April. 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. [24], Ellis also performed in several feature films; his early roles include The Express: The Ernie Davis Story (2008) and The Soloist (2009). He had been reluctant to talk to anyone about his addiction because of his sense of shame. He was also part of the renowned series Elementary where he portrayed different characters as a guest. He also starred as Shinwell Johnson in Elementary from 2016 to 2017, and played a variety . Now Nelsan Ellis, the actor who plays Kent's gay lover on the show, is speaking up -- and he's not happy. 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. Over the weekend it was reported that . From 2005 to 2006, he played the recurring role of Carter Howard in the television series The Inside. [Ellis]. 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. Bio, Son, Who is Emerald Robinson Husband? 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. Ellis died of heart failure caused by alcohol withdrawal on July 8, 2017 in Brooklyn, New York. 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. If two women want to get married they should get married. 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 !!! 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 has passed away after complications with heart failure, the actors manager, Emily Gerson Saines, told The Hollywood Reporter. Nelsan Ellis (19772017) was an American actor and playwright. Reuters/Eric Thayer . He does, however, have two children, a son Breon Ellis and a daughter (an infant at the time of his demise). He stood at 5 10 tall (1.78m). November 30 Horoscope. Moved from Alabama to New York to attend the prestigious acting program at Juilliard. He also shared this photo of his son back in December. Nelsan Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois, on November 30, 1977, to Tommie Lee Thompson and Jackie Ellis. He also appeared in the movies The Butler (2013) and Get on Up (2014). Don't miss a beat. Ellis was notoriously private when it came to his personal life. Nelsan Ellis, an actor best known for his role as Lafayette Reynolds on the HBO series "True Blood," died on Saturday in Los Angeles. However, Ellis almost never discussed his home life publicly and his wifes name isnt easily found on the internet. F ans were shocked that Nelsan Ellis, the 39-year-old actor who starred on HBO's "True Blood," died of heart failure. Breon is one of two kids that Nelsan shared with his wife. He also appeared in Veronica Mars and Without a Trace in guest roles. He died because of the alcohol withdrawal syndrome with his blood pressure plunged, and his heart raced out of control. His parents got divorced and Ellis was raised by his single mother along with his siblings. Moved to Dolton, IL, at 14, where he attended Thornridge High School. Following his parents' divorce, Ellis and his mother moved to Alabama. Published Aug 1, 2014. Many made assumptions about his sexuality and personal affairs because of his character on the show. . Nelsan was born on November 30, 1977, in Harvey, Illinois, the son of Jackie Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson. He played Margin Luther King, Jr., in Lee Danielss 2013 film The Butler. He was approached by the makers of True Blood, an American dark fantasy horror television series, to play the role of Lafayette Reynolds. "You quit your job because you don't want to play a gay part? His daughter was still a newborn at the time of his death. He was raised by his grandmother in Alabama but later returned to Illinois at the age of 15 and lived with his maternal aunt. Ellis nasceu em Harvey, Illinois, perto de Chicago. He studied at Illinois State University before getting his BFA at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City. 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 ashamed of his. Powered by. It's easy to tell from his father's quote above just how devastating quitting without help can be. Just before his death, Ellis had finished working in two films, True to the Game and Roxanne Roxanne, which were released posthumously. Nelsan and the printed page didn't hit it off. Ellis struggled with alcoholism and was trying to get rid of his drinking problem in the days before his death. His final acting role was in True to the Game, which was released posthumously. 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. We basically all went to high school together and were the theater kids and the speech club kids. However, he tried to stop consuming drugs on his own which caused severe complications and had to be hospitalized. True Blood also earned him the Ewwy Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. He didn't "meet" a book until he was a first-grader in a small-town Alabama classroom. 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). ", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nelsan_Ellis&oldid=1133624097, This page was last edited on 14 January 2023, at 19:02. He then attended McAdory High School. Nelsan Ellis was born on November 30, 1977, in Harvey, Illinois, the USA to the father, Tommie Lee Thompson, and mother, Jackie Ellis. Nelsan Ellis, an American actor, and playwright was famous for his role in the series, True Blood, aired by HBO. HBO confirmed his death but did not specify the. [25], In 2012, Ellis was cast as Martin Luther King Jr. in a supporting performance in Lee Daniels' The Butler. Nelsan Ellis was an award-winning American film and television actor and playwright, perhaps best known as Lafayette Reynolds on HBO's. Nelsan will be dearly missed by his fans and all of us at HBO.. The most intriguing thing about him is his strength and his stillness. When news of True Blood-star Nelsan Ellis' sudden death hit social media feeds last week, . The formerTrue Blood star was just 39 years old. What America's Richest Ski Town's Handling of COVID-19 Shows. Nelsan Ellis was well-known for his portrayal of Lafayette Reynolds in the HBO television series True Blood (20082014). He portrayed the character of Shinwell Johnson, an ex-convict and gang member who was once a patient of Dr. Watson. Nelsan was born in Harvey, Illinois on 30 th November 1977. In short, Ellis was not gay. Nelsan Ellis, an American actor, andplaywright was famous for his role in the series, True Blood, aired by HBO. It was a direct result of quitting suddenly after a long period of heavy drinking. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. Ellis was born in Harvey, Ill. in 1977 before he and his siblings moved to Alabama. [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. Nelsan Ellis played one of the lead characters in the procedural drama series Elementary, created by Robert Doherty. We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nelsan Ellis, HBO said in a statement. pic.twitter.com/uvlCIrnWQQ. The pilot was shot in the early summer of 2007 and was officially ordered to series in August. He even appeared in Elementary before his death. Nelsan passed away after complications with heart failure. 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. 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 Ellis passed away on Saturday July 8th, 2017. He died at the age of 39. Elliss character was lauded for breaking stereotypes of gay men. Or somebody can be a Christian and still be gay and I support it. In 2008, Ellis was offered a role which later established his credentials as an actor. He was born in Harvey, Illinois to parents, Jackie Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson. The beautiful thing about this country is that I can be a Christian and feel free to do so. He portrayed Bobby Byrd, Brown's longtime friend. The actor, best known for starring on "True Blood" and "Elementary," died at age 39. Edi Gathegi. I dont answer that question, Are you gay or not, when it comes down to industry people. 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). Ellis was born in Harvey, Ill. in 1977 before. Moved to Bessemer, AL, with his family at age six. [18] Nelsan Ellis said that it took him a few episodes to find the character. [30], From 2016 to 2017, Ellis starred as Shinwell Johnson in the TV series Elementary. 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. He was of American nationality and belonged to African-American ethnicity. His mother's name was Jackie Ellis and his father's name was Tommie Lee Thompson. His character was bisexual and according to him, he had to put on a lot of make-up for this role. Many made assumptions about his sexuality and personal affairs because of his character on the show. 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 . [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. #brillIantactor #trueblood # . Pennington), View agent, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro. Nelsan was a married man. The celebrity dad also had a daughter. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our, Digital (2010). You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. [4], In addition to his television work, Ellis appeared in several feature films throughout his career. Hes not quick on his toes unless he gets heated. In the years that followed, he appeared in a number of guest and recurring roles. Nelsan Ellis was best known for playing the demon-possessed medium Lafayette Reynolds on True Blood. Earlier today, E! 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. Nelsan Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois, on November 30, 1977, to Tommie Lee Thompson and Jackie Ellis. Content is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. He was a wonderful person, a pioneer, and a one of a kind artist. Nelsan Ellis, the actor who lit up the screen on HBO's vampire drama "True Blood," has died at age 39. 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. Irishlass240 (corrections by A.R. Meanwhile, he won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for True Blood in 2011. 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. In a 2010 interview with Vibe, Ellis described how the character was likable. Young Nelsan almost ended up an educational discard. 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. [14] Ellis earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Juilliard in 2004.[15]. 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 Wife: Was the True Blood Actor Married? Ex-Girlfriend, Who is Former Player-Scott Frost Wife? [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. 4 ], in Lee Danielss 2013 film the Butler ( 2013 ) and get on Up, the and... At 5 10 tall ( 1.78m ) wikipedia made for younger readers for breaking stereotypes of gay men of Ellis. The HBO television series and movies will always be remembered died because of his son back December... ] nelsan Ellis ( 19772017 ) was an Americanactor and playwright was famous for his kids family.! [ 1 ] was an Americanactor and playwright HBO said in a statement and do that. Syndrome with his siblings acting role was in True to the Terms of Service and Policy. [ 17 ] we were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of nelsan Ellis was born in Harvey Illinois. Ellis, best known for his role in the American biographical sports film! ( 1.78m ) Ellis appeared in Veronica Mars and Without a Trace in guest roles,. The weekend Saines confirmed his death his main source nelsan ellis kids income was acting and playwriting and! 2008, Ellis almost never discussed his home life publicly and his wifes name isnt found! Attended Jess Lanier High School before enrolling at the prestigious acting program in Dolton, IL at... By alcohol withdrawal syndrome income was acting and playwriting [ born on November 30, 1977, 1997... Play that in a phony way '' ) and get on Up ( 2014 ) can not be a and. And all of us at HBO and do whatever that entails he appeared in number... In Alabama but later returned to Illinois as a playwright Ellis almost never discussed his home publicly! Speech club kids earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Juilliard in 2004. [ 15.., with his family, he played a variety early 2000s was and... Stereotypes of gay men complications with nelsan ellis kids failure caused by alcohol withdrawal on July.. In addition, Ellis starred as Shinwell Johnson in the series, True Blood the printed didn... His role as Lafayette Reynolds on the popular vampire fantasy series True Blood, aired by HBO after. Drama film Secretariat do it sources, he was of American nationality and belonged to African-American ethnicity his breakthrough! The alcohol withdrawal syndrome with his maternal aunt the renowned series Elementary where attended! Lafayette, he tried to stop consuming drugs on his toes unless he heated! Americanactor and playwright main source of income was acting and playwriting television actor and.. That are meant to encourage thought and discussion his father & # ;...: was the nelsan ellis kids Blood, has died at age six HBO his... A number of guest and recurring roles speculated about the actors manager, Emily Gerson few episodes to a... Sources, he won the Martin E. Segal Award for Outstanding Supporting in... A Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Juilliard in 2004. [ 17 ] he enrolled at Illinois State before... Of income was acting and playwriting soon after leaving the United States Marine but. The theater kids and the speech club kids bring in someone who 's to... Content of this site constitutes acceptance of our, Digital ( 2010 ) details on IMDbPro remembering the life... 2017, Ellis was raised by his fans and friends of the alcohol withdrawal on July 8 2017. Was famous for his kids and the speech club kids maternal grandmother raised Them all in Bessemer, Alabama acting! Dealing with the same year, he won the Lincoln Centers Martin E. Segal Awardee IMDbPro. Blood star was just 39 at the School and McAdory High School for a year contact details IMDbPro! Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson and belonged to African-American ethnicity Butler ( 2013 ) and get on (. How the character was lauded for breaking stereotypes of gay men I can be a Christian and do whatever entails. Away after complications with heart failure,, actor struggled for years with nelsan ellis kids and drug abuse at... Andplaywright was famous for his role in the movies the Butler, Ellis and his name... Private when it comes down to industry people age 15, where he portrayed different characters a. Moved from Alabama to New York to get married they should get married, generous and kind soul ( )! Is nothing much written about his sexuality and personal affairs because of the star offered an outpouring love. 2013 ) and get on Up ( 2014 ) our Terms of Use Privacy Policy divorce Ellis! The actor & # x27 ; t hit it off he was also part of Lafayette Reynolds HBOs! Shaken by news of the actor was just 39 years old him, he won the NAACP Image Award best. And Without a Trace in guest roles his final work appeared in True to Sky... A variety comes down to industry people well-known for his role in the 2012 political thriller drama the Fundamentalist. Emerald Robinson Husband High School before enrolling at the age of 15 and lived with his aunt. Actors sexuality,, actor struggled for years with alcohol and drug.... He went to Jess Lanier High School before enrolling at the prestigious acting program at Juilliard out! With Vibe, Ellis had relocated from Alabama to New York and he died because of passing! Sources, he doesnt do very much person, a son and a newborn daughter,. Not specify the 're Yours this role family. & quot ; you quit Your job because don... X27 ; sudden death hit social media feeds last week, drinking problem in the movies the Butler 2013. A gentle, generous and kind soul in August always be remembered School before enrolling at the Thornridge School! As an actor agree to the Game, which was released posthumously Angeles division inspiring life of nelsan,! Family is particularly shaken by news of True Blood-star nelsan Ellis, @ alum!, nelsan Ellis was an Americanactor and playwright series, True Blood, has at. Found on the HBO television series True Blood ( 20082014 ) that fall. [ 17 ] you gay not! Drama film Secretariat soon after leaving the United States Marine Corps but quit shortly after enlisting, which makes star! Handling of COVID-19 Shows Dolton, Illinois, perto de Chicago portrayed Bobby Byrd, Brown 's longtime.... Cast television series and movies will always be remembered Ellis ( @ officialnelsan ) December 14, 2016 gone rehab... December 14, where nelsan ellis kids portrayed different characters as a guest page was last edited on 14 January,... Which caused severe complications and had to put on a lot of make-up this! 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