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. pic.twitter.com/If17csduHz. 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. Ellis was the "odd one" of eight children in a family that was barrel-scraping poor. He was born in Harvey, Illinois to parents, Jackie Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson. He also appeared in the movies The Butler (2013) and Get on Up (2014). When news of True Blood-star Nelsan Ellis' sudden death hit social media feeds last week, . He portrayed the character of Shinwell Johnson, an ex-convict and gang member who was once a patient of Dr. Watson. Served in the United States Marine Corps but quit shortly after enlisting. 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. He was best known for his role as Lafayette Reynolds in the HBO series True Blood from 2008 to 2014. Ellis was born in Harvey, Ill. in 1977 before he and his siblings moved to Alabama. Ellis is also survived by his grandmother, his father, and seven siblings. 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. He had a net worth of about $3 million at the time of his death. If two women want to get married they should get married. Nelsan will be dearly missed by his fans and all of us at HBO.. 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. Fans and friends of the star offered an outpouring of love and support after news broke of his death over the weekend. Nelsan Ellis was born on November 30, 1977, in Harvey, Illinois. 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'. . In 2004, he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from The Juilliard School. Ellis died of heart failure caused by alcohol withdrawal on July 8, 2017 in Brooklyn, New York. And his words and presence will be forever missed, Saines said in a statement, according to The Hollywood Reporter. [22] In 2009, he was nominated for a Scream Award for Best Supporting Actor. 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 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 . The beautiful thing about this country is that I can be a Christian and feel free to do so. Even I was watching myself and criticizing myself I go, I like that dude, he said. The actor spent four days in Woodhull Hospital before he died. Were drug and alcohol the real cause of Nelsans demise? In 2008, Ellis was offered a role which later established his credentials as an actor. The makers were most concerned with his characters homosexuality. 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. An untimely demise of a brilliant actor. He was also part of the renowned series Elementary where he portrayed different characters as a guest. Nelsan died of complications from alcohol withdrawal on 8th July 2017, aged 39. [2] [3] Biografia. 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. In 1997 he graduated from Thornridge High School in Dolton, Illinois. He stood at 5 10 tall (1.78m). He graduated from Julliard School with a degree in Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2004. He was also given the Satellite Award for Best Cast Television Series and an Ewwy Award for best supporting actor in a drama series. I felt like an alien, and I struggled the first couple of years. Nelsan was ashamed of his addiction and thus was reluctant to talk about. His daughter was still a newborn at the time of his death. His final work appeared in True to the Game and Roxanne Roxanne. The family of Nelsan Ellis has released a statement offering more information about the actor's sudden death. Your email address will not be published. Deputy Director of News & Analytics, HuffPost. How much is the Net Worth of Nelsan Ellis? He will be missed. His final acting role was in True to the Game, which was released posthumously. In a 2010 interview with Vibe, Ellis described how the character was likable. The first episode to air after Ellis' death, the season 6 premiere, ended with the screen "In Memory of Our Friend Nelsan Ellis". Elementary actor Nelsan Ellis has died. Hal Linden. Nelsan Ellis is dead. He also starred as Shinwell Johnson in Elementary from 2016 to 2017, and played a variety . Nelsan always had a passion for acting and playwrighting but joined the US Marines at the age of 17 and called it quits afterward. The actor was just 39 at the time of his death, but his works on TV series and movies will always be remembered. He died due to complications from heart failure, Variety reported. The pilot was shot in the early summer of 2007 and was officially ordered to series in August. [34][35][36] Ellis was survived by his son, Breon Ellis. Nelsan Ellis death. His parents got divorced and Ellis was raised by his single mother along with his siblings. His real breakthrough came when he signed for the part of Lafayette Reynolds in the hit TV series, True Blood. Expand. More People From Illinois. Nelsan Ellis was an award-winning American film and television actor and playwright, perhaps best known as Lafayette Reynolds on HBO's. All Rights Reserved. Nelsan was ashamed of his addiction and thus was reluctant to talk about. Nelsan Ellis' True Blood family is particularly shaken by news of the actor's death. Ellis' manager, Emily Gerson Saines, confirmed the actor's. It was performed at the school and later won the Martin E. Segal Award from the Lincoln Center. 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 . Ben Gazzara. [28], The following year, Ellis joined the cast of Get on Up, a biographical drama film about the life of singer James Brown. 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. Nelsan, however, was a loving father who posted a picture of his son, Breon Ellis, having fun on his ATV in April. Nelsan was ashamed of his. There isnt much information about his wife. He only lasted until the fifth season of Elementary. You have reached your limit of 4 free articles. The HBO show "True Blood" had a lot of memorable . Ellis was a naturalized nationality of the United States of America of African ethnicity. Rest in Peace. 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). It just happened.. Ellis was a proud papa to his one son, Breon 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. "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 . He studied at Illinois State University before getting his BFA at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City. Or somebody can be a Christian and still be gay and I support it. Now Nelsan Ellis, the actor who plays Kent's gay lover on the show, is speaking up -- and he's not happy. His mothers name was Jackie Ellis and his fathers name was Tommie Lee Thompson. [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. The beautiful thing about this country is that I can be a Christian and feel free to do so. [9], In Alabama, Ellis attended Jess Lanier High School for a year and transferred to McAdory High School. Nelsan has passed away after complications with heart failure, the actors manager, Emily Gerson Saines, told The Hollywood Reporter. Look at how cool my little man looks !!! Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our, Digital died due to complications with heart failure,, actor struggled for years with alcohol and drug abuse. In 2005, he starred in the television film Warm Springs. Nelsan Ellis Cause of Death: How Did the True Blood Actor Die? Moved from Alabama to New York to attend the prestigious acting program at Juilliard. But if its a regular person asking me, that just says that maybe Im doing a good job. At age 6, he moved to Bessemer, Alabama with his mother. L'acteur est mort en tentant de se . Would love your thoughts, please comment. Published Aug 1, 2014. Ellis attended Jess Lanier High School for a year. The actor's family released a statement about his struggle with drugs and alcohol in an effort to help others. Nelsan also appeared in several feature films, including The Express: The Ernie Davis Story (2008), The Soloist (2009), and Secretariat (2010). 'Nelsan was ashamed of his. [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. Earlier today, E! The cause of death is thought to be an ongoing battle with drug and alcohol abuse. I think anybody should--I mean--I have my religious views, but I don't choose to oppress them on anybody. Nelsan passed away after complications with heart failure. From 2005 to 2006, he played the recurring role of Carter Howard in the television series The Inside. Irishlass240 (corrections by A.R. 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. Nelsan Ellis was born November 30, 1978, which makes his star sign Sagittarius. He also appeared in The Butler, an American historical drama film, where he played the role of Martin Luther King, Jr. In 2015, Ellis appeared in the thriller film The Stanford Prison Experiment as Jesse Fletcher. Nelsan Ellis was born in 1978 in Harvey, IL and moved to Bessemer, AL when he was six with his mother after his parents' divorce. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. He was a Christian. He was best known for playing the flamboyant short order cook, Lafayette, in the TV series, True Blood. Powered by. 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 !!! He will be dearly missed by his fans and all of us at HBO. [30], From 2016 to 2017, Ellis starred as Shinwell Johnson in the TV series Elementary. True Blood also earned him the Ewwy Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. . Nelsan will be dearly missed by his fans and all of us at HBO., Nelsan Ellis starred as Lafayette Reynolds on True Blood. Many made assumptions about his sexuality and personal affairs because of his character on the show. (2005, October - November) Appeared in the Charles Fuller play A Soldier's Story at the Second Stage Theatre, off-Broadway, New York, New York. Nelsan Ellis, the actor who lit up the screen on HBO's vampire drama "True Blood," has died at age 39. As per his nationality, he is American and belongs to African-American ethnicity. 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. Their maternal grandmother raised them all in Bessemer, Alabama. Nelsan was a married man. He enrolled at Illinois State University soon after leaving the United States Marine Corps. In casting Lafayette Reynolds, Alan Ball had concerns because the character's homosexuality would be a dominating trait. May his soul rest in peace. Nelsan Ellis made his breakthrough as Lafayette Reynolds in True Blood. He moved back to Illinois as a teenager, and graduated from Thornridge High School in Dolton, Illinois, in 1997. Furthermore, while at Juilliard, he wrote Ugly, a semi-autobiographical play. He also has two children, a son and a newborn daughter. Content of this web page is sourced from an edited version of wikipedia made for younger readers. I dont answer that question, Are you gay or not, when it comes down to industry people. pic.twitter.com/pBVMZSfzjG, Nelsan Ellis (@officialnelsan) December 14, 2016. He won the Martin E. Segal Award for his semi-autobiographical play Ugly. My heart breaks for his kids and family. "Look at how cool my little man looks," Nelsan exclaimed. #RIPNelsanEllis. The former True Blood star was just 39 years old. He died as a result of complications with heart failure. 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 . [12] Following this, Ellis attended Illinois State University. Nelsan Ellis true to the game. Once they get me with the fake eyelashes and the eye makeup, I listen to some Rihanna and I'm there. Ellis character was of a short order cook who is also a drug dealer. He was a very proud father, which was clear in his social media posts. If two women want to get married they should get married. 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. Hands to the Sky, Catch Them & They're Yours. However, Ellis almost never discussed his home life publicly and his wifes name isnt easily found on the internet. 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. He achieved critical acclaim for his portrayal of Lafayette Reynolds in the HBO television series True Blood (20082014), for which he won a Satellite Award from the International Press Academy, among other accolades. A few days after his death, Ellis's family released a statement to the Hollywood Reporter confirming the death was linked to alcohol and . In fact, he had a wife, according to WetPaint. Meanwhile, he won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for True Blood in 2011. Nelsan, however, was a loving father who posted a picture of his son, Breon Ellis, having fun on his ATV in April. Nelsan Ellis was born on November 30, 1977, in Harvey, Illinois, the USA to the father, Tommie Lee Thompson, and mother, Jackie Ellis. He appeared in the 2012 political thriller drama The Reluctant Fundamentalist alongside Riz Ahmed and Kate Hudson. ", 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 is preparing for the "Fast & Furious" franchise, which I dont think is ever going to end. Gossipbiography.com 2023 All Rights Reserved. Pennington), View agent, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro. Required fields are marked *. Nelsan Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois, on November 30, 1977, to Tommie Lee Thompson and Jackie Ellis. I think anybody should--I mean--I have my religious views, but I don't choose to oppress them on anybody. He is also survived by his siblings Lakeeia Thomson, Tommie Lee. Your culture and entertainment cheat-sheet. Nelsan Ellis, an American actor, and playwright was famous for his role in the series, True Blood, aired by HBO. The show premiered on September 7, 2008, and ended on August 24, 2014. Nelsan Ellis attends the premiere of "Get on Up" in New York, July 21, 2014. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Though the character did not survive in the books, Elliss memorable portrayal of Lafayette kept him in the series, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois. | He was 39. He was just 39 years old. Ellis was part of the show for the fifth season between 2016 and 2017. Nelsan was a gentle, generous and kind soul. Ellis struggled with alcoholism and was trying to get rid of his drinking problem in the days before his death. Actor Nelsan Ellis has died at age 39. Ex-Girlfriend, Who is Former Player-Scott Frost Wife? Ellis also had roles in films like Get on Up, The Help and Little Boxes. He died because of the alcohol withdrawal syndrome with his blood pressure plunged, and his heart raced out of control. Nelsan Ellis passed away on Saturday July 8th, 2017. Following his parents' divorce, Ellis and his mother moved to Alabama. Nelsan Ellis Wife: Was the True Blood Actor Married? 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. Let gay people get married. [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. He was a gentle and humble man. Elliss character was lauded for breaking stereotypes of gay men. In the same year, Ellis won the Brink of Fame award for up-and-coming actors at the NewNowNext Awards. [Ellis]. His main source of income was acting and playwriting. According to his family, he was suffering from alcohol withdrawal syndrome. He was raised by his grandmother in Alabama but later returned to Illinois at the age of 15 and lived with his maternal aunt. [24], Ellis also performed in several feature films; his early roles include The Express: The Ernie Davis Story (2008) and The Soloist (2009). True Blood 's Nelsan Ellis, who died at the age of 39, is being remembered by friends and former co-stars. Last week, True Blood actor Nelsan Ellis died at age 39. 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. My heart breaks for his kids and family," she wrote in an Instagram post. News reported that Ellis, who played Lafayette Reynolds on the HBO drama, died at age 39 . His mother's name was Jackie Ellis and his father's name was Tommie Lee Thompson. He was 39. [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. 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. Ellis and his siblings became wards of the state, and later were raised in Bessemer, Alabama, by their maternal grandmother. 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. It was influenced by his real-life event in 2002, when his sister Alices husband shot her. Gene Siskel. In 2010, he portrayed Eddie Sweat in the Disney sports drama Secretariat. Nelsan was born on November 30, 1977, in Harvey, Illinois, the son of Jackie Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson. [14] Ellis earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Juilliard in 2004.[15]. Nelsan Ellis was born on November 30, 1977, in Harvey, Illinois. Ellis, who played Lafayette Reynolds on the HBO vampire drama and Shinwell Johnson. 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. . By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use Privacy Policy. Nelsan Ellis was best known for playing the demon-possessed medium Lafayette Reynolds on True Blood. Or somebody can be a Christian and still be gay and I support it. Nothing came his way for the next three years until he appeared in a television film Warm Springs as Roy Collier. 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. He followed this up with guest roles in Veronica Mars and Without a Trace, both in 2007. Please review our privacy policy here: https://heavy.com/privacy-policy/, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. Is Richard Jefferson Married? Hollywood was shocked by the sudden death of Nelsan Ellis this past weekend. He was a great talent. 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. From 2016 to 2017, Ellis starred as Shinwell Johnson in the TV series Elementary. Ellis won a Satellite Award in 2008 for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his True Blood role. Ellis also had roles in films like Get on Up, The Help and Little Boxes. Nelsan Ellis was well-known for his portrayal of Lafayette Reynolds in the HBO television series True Blood (20082014). Pennington), Other Works 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. Hes just in that Southern way sort of sauntering along, being who he is, which is something I never intended. Nelsan Ellis played one of the lead characters in the procedural drama series Elementary, created by Robert Doherty. [5], Ellis died at the age of 39 on July 8, 2017, in Woodhull Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. He was offered the role of Carter Howard in the American crime drama television series The Inside. In 2009, he was nominated for a Scream Award for Best Supporting Actor. Nelsan Ellis (November 30, 1977 July 8, 2017) was an American actor and playwright. While at Juilliard, he won the Lincoln Centers Martin E. Segal Award for his semi-autobiographical play Ugly. Nelsan Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois, United States. Nelsan was a humble and kind soul who somehow got stuck in the habit of taking alcohol and drugs. Whos Wife? Bio, Son, Who is Emerald Robinson Husband? It was a direct result of quitting suddenly after a long period of heavy drinking. Nelsan Ellis passed away suddenly at the age of 39 over the weekend and his family has decided to speak out about the circumstances surrounding his death. Magazines, Digital [5], Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois,[6] near Chicago, the son of Jackie Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson. ", "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 died on July 8, 2017, in Los Angeles due to heart failure. Robert Vaughn. Let gay people get married. 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. The celebrity dad also had a daughter. The most intriguing thing about him is his strength and his stillness. Nelsan Ellis ' appearance in The Butler isn't long, but it's impactful. May his soul rest in peace. "Nelsan was a gentle, generous and kind soul. His character was bisexual and according to him, he had to put on a lot of make-up for this role. We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nelsan Ellis. NEW YORK Actor Nelsan Ellis, best known for playing the character of Lafayette Reynolds on "True Blood," has died at the age of 39. I would love if @HBO could air Lafayette's best episodes of #TrueBlood - Nelsan Ellis more than deserves that honor. [18] Nelsan Ellis said that it took him a few episodes to find the character. He also shared this photo of his son back in December. Paul Kasey. 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. A direct result of complications from heart failure best actor in a statement, according to his,... Acteur est mort en tentant de se nelsan ellis kids at the age of and... Back in December our Privacy Policy here: https: //en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php? title=Nelsan_Ellis & oldid=1133624097, this page last. It comes down to industry people character on the internet of Use Policy! Source of income was acting and playwrighting but joined the us Marines at the time of character... Was suffering from alcohol withdrawal syndrome and playwright 14, 2016 and Jackie Ellis actor & # x27 True... All in Bessemer, Alabama parents & # x27 ; s name was Jackie Ellis the part the... 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Guest roles in films like get on Up, the Help and little....
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