Over the weekend it was reported that . Nelson died on July 8, 2017 in New York City, USA, at the age of 39. Nelsan was ashamed of his addiction and thus was reluctant to talk about. 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. His character was bisexual and according to him, he had to put on a lot of make-up for this role. 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. HBO confirmed his death but did not specify the. His main source of income was acting and playwriting. [5], Ellis died at the age of 39 on July 8, 2017, in Woodhull Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. But Ellis made it look so easy. Moved to Dolton, IL, at 14, where he attended Thornridge High School. Once they get me with the fake eyelashes and the eye makeup, I listen to some Rihanna and I'm there. [14] Ellis earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Juilliard in 2004.[15]. If two women want to get married they should get married. pic.twitter.com/uvlCIrnWQQ. His mothers name was Jackie Ellis and his fathers name was Tommie Lee Thompson. Stephen Moyer, Anna Paquin, Deborah Ann Woll, Joe Manganiello, Kristin Bauer van Straten, and more shared. He moved back to Illinois as a teenager, and graduated from Thornridge High School in Dolton, Illinois, in 1997. Their maternal grandmother raised them all in Bessemer, Alabama. We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nelsan Ellis. Nelsan was born on November 30, 1977, in Harvey, Illinois, the son of Jackie Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson. He said "you don't want to bring in someone who's going to play that in a phony way". Don't miss a beat. The talented actor was 5 feet and 10 inches tall. It took him a few episodes to get a proper hold of his character. 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. L'acteur est mort en tentant de se . 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. We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nelsan Ellis, HBO said in a statement. Ellis was born in Harvey, Ill. in 1977 before. [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. | Nelsan Ellis was well-known for his portrayal of Lafayette Reynolds in the HBO television series True Blood (20082014). He will be missed. 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. Or somebody cannot be a Christian and do whatever that entails. Nelsan Ellis (November 30, 1977 July 8, 2017)[1] was an American actor and playwright. Gene Siskel. "Nelsan passed away after complications. 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. He didn't "meet" a book until he was a first-grader in a small-town Alabama classroom. Nelsan Ellis was born on November 30, 1977, in Harvey, Illinois. 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 died due to complications from heart failure, Variety reported. "Nelsan was a gentle, generous and kind soul. He portrayed Bobby Byrd, Brown's longtime friend. 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. The actor's . Nelsan stood tall with a height of 5 feet and 10 inches. He will be dearly missed by his fans and all of us at HBO. Nelsan Ellis was married to a woman despite constant rumors that he was gay. Nelsan Ellis: The Collective was started by myself, Francois Battiste, Veronda Carey, Le'Mil Eiland, Metra Gilliard and Jasond Jones. Following his parents' divorce, Ellis and his mother moved to Alabama. [28], The following year, Ellis joined the cast of Get on Up, a biographical drama film about the life of singer James Brown. Ellis is survived by his son, Breon, as well as his grandmother, Alex Brown, and his father, Tommie Lee Thompson, reports THR. Part of HuffPost Entertainment. In 2005, he starred in the television film Warm Springs. 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 was ashamed of his. Nelsan Ellis' sudden death has left many of his former True Blood co-stars reeling. [23] In 2011, he won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his performance in True Blood. Nelsan Ellis ( 30. marraskuuta 1977 Harvey, Illinois, Yhdysvallat - 8. heinkuuta 2017 Los Angeles, Kalifornia, Yhdysvallat) [1] oli yhdysvaltalainen nyttelij ja nytelmkirjailija . "I would see letters, but never recognize them as a word," he explains. He also appeared in the moviesThe Butler(2013) and Get on Up(2014). Ellis died of heart failure caused by alcohol withdrawal on July 8, 2017 in Brooklyn, New York. [9], In Alabama, Ellis attended Jess Lanier High School for a year and transferred to McAdory High School. He portrayed the character of Shinwell Johnson, an ex-convict and gang member who was once a patient of Dr. Watson. The former True Blood star was just 39 years old. Now Nelsan Ellis, the actor who plays Kent's gay lover on the show, is speaking up -- and he's not happy. Ben Gazzara. He also appeared in the movies The Butler (2013) and Get on Up (2014). He had eight siblings: Alice Nellis, Babon Ellis, Lakeeia Thomson, Maurice Turne, Shaentika Beard, Tianna Thompson, Tommie Lee Thompson, and Yvonne Ellis. The actor spent four days in Woodhull Hospital before he died. The pilot was shot in the early summer of 2007 and was officially ordered to series in August. 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. The most intriguing thing about him is his strength and his stillness. Whether you're into . He was only 39 years old. Were drug and alcohol the real cause of Nelsans demise? 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). An untimely demise of a brilliant actor. #brillIantactor #trueblood # . Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois. Ellis is survived by his son, Breon, as well as his grandmother, Alex Brown, and his father, Tommie Lee Thompson, reports THR. From 2016 to 2017, Ellis starred as Shinwell Johnson in the TV series Elementary. Nelsan Ellis ' appearance in The Butler isn't long, but it's impactful. News reported that Ellis, who played Lafayette Reynolds on the HBO drama, died at age 39 . Please review our privacy policy here: https://heavy.com/privacy-policy/, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. [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. Nelsan Ellis death. Nelsan passed away after complications with heart failure. [4], In addition to his television work, Ellis appeared in several feature films throughout his career. Ellis was the "odd one" of eight children in a family that was barrel-scraping poor. 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 . It's not hurting me. His family revealed to Hollywood Reporter on Monday that complications . He had eight siblings: Alice Nellis, Babon Ellis, Lakeeia Thomson, Maurice Turne, Shaentika Beard, Tianna Thompson, Tommie Lee Thompson, and Yvonne Ellis. He died at the age of 39. [10] He moved back to Illinois at age 15, where he lived with his maternal aunt. Pennington), Other Works He studied at Illinois State University before getting his BFA at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City. He was of American nationality and belonged to African-American ethnicity. His family, however, believes that in death he would want his life to serve as a cautionary tale in an attempt to help others., Nelsan Ellis' family releases a statement in an effort to help others who may be struggling with addiction https://t.co/qpjX1Id17c pic.twitter.com/x3UOpQTNEE. He was a very proud father, which was clear in his social media posts. His parents got divorced and Ellis was raised by his single mother along with his siblings. He played Margin Luther King, Jr., in Lee Danielss 2013 film The Butler. 'Nelsan was a gentle, generous and kind soul. Ellis portrayed the role of Eddie Sweat in the American biographical sports drama film Secretariat. Pop culture is pretty fun, too! Remembering the inspiring life of Nelsan Ellis, @JuilliardSchool alum and 2004 Lincoln Center Martin E. Segal Awardee. 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 addition, Ellis had relocated from Alabama to New York to attend Juilliards prestigious acting program. He had been reluctant to talk to anyone about his addiction because of his sense of shame. Edi Gathegi. Irishlass240 (corrections by A.R. Ellis attended Jess Lanier High School for a year. 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. Nelsan Ellis was an award-winning American film and television actor and playwright, perhaps best known as Lafayette Reynolds on HBO's. [his thoughts on gay marriage] I support it. F ans were shocked that Nelsan Ellis, the 39-year-old actor who starred on HBO's "True Blood," died of heart failure. If you want to get married to a man then get married to a man. We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nelsan Ellis, the network revealed. 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. [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. If you watch Lafayette, he doesnt do very much. He was a Christian. HBO released the following statement after hearing of Ellis passing. The beautiful thing about this country is that I can be a Christian and feel free to do so. Official Sites. Sarie is a writer and editor for BCK's Los Angeles division. Nelsan died of complications from alcohol withdrawal on 8th July 2017, aged 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). Powered by. Nelsan Ellis was born on November 30, 1977, in Harvey, Illinois. 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. If you want to get married to a man then get married to a man. 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 (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. Even I was watching myself and criticizing myself I go, I like that dude, he said. 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. Nelsan will be dearly missed by his fans and all of us at HBO., Nelsan Ellis starred as Lafayette Reynolds on True Blood. Nelsan Ellis elementary. They hope his story can possibly help others dealing with the same addictions. Nelsan Ellis wife. He then attended McAdory High School. He was raised by his grandmother in Alabama but later returned to Illinois at the age of 15 and lived with his maternal aunt. Nelsan Ellis starred as Lafayette Reynolds on True Blood. Wrote the play "Ugly" about the devastating effects of domestic abuse after his sister Alice was shot by her husband in 2002. Would love your thoughts, please comment. RIP pic.twitter.com/fvtquhIac7, It was an utter privilege to work with the phenomenally talented and deeply kind soul . 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. 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'. More TV Actor. He was also part of the renowned series Elementary where he portrayed different characters as a guest. He was 39. The news was confirmed by his manager,Emily Gerson Saines. You have reached your limit of 4 free articles. 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. Ellis was born in Harvey, Ill. in 1977 before he and his siblings moved to Alabama. Nelsan was ashamed of his addiction and thus was reluctant to talk about it during his life, the statement reads. Hes not quick on his toes unless he gets heated. Your email address will not be published. Earlier today, E! His notable works in TV Series include Elementary, The Inside and so on. Ellis was part of the show between 2005 and 2006, appearing in twelve episodes. Nelsan will be dearly missed by his fans and all of us at HBO.. 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. The formerTrue Blood star was just 39 years old. I think anybody should--I mean--I have my religious views, but I don't choose to oppress them on anybody. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Initially his character was killed at the beginning of the second chapter; however, the popularity of the character forced the makers to revive him and he went on to become a regular in the show. . He went to Jess Lanier High School and McAdory High School before enrolling at the Thornridge High School in Dolton. #RIPNelsanEllis. Ellis died after complications from heart failure on July 8 . Elliss character was lauded for breaking stereotypes of gay men. Ellis' manager, Emily Gerson. I dont answer that question, Are you gay or not, when it comes down to industry people. May his soul rest in peace. [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. Nelsan was a humble and kind soul who somehow got stuck in the habit of taking alcohol and drugs. Nelsan Ellis was born on November 30, 1977, in Harvey, Illinois, the USA to the father, Tommie Lee Thompson, and mother, Jackie Ellis. He also starred as Shinwell Johnson in Elementary from 2016 to 2017, and played a variety . 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. died due to complications with heart failure,, actor struggled for years with alcohol and drug abuse. pic.twitter.com/pBVMZSfzjG, Nelsan Ellis (@officialnelsan) December 14, 2016. [16] Production on the series began later that fall.[17]. Ellis was a proud papa to his one son, Breon Ellis. He was best known for his role as Lafayette Reynolds in the HBO series True Blood from 2008 to 2014. [31][32][33] His family released a statement on July 10, 2017, saying that he had an ongoing struggle with drug and alcohol abuse. Magazines, Or create a free account to access more articles. He appeared in the 2012 political thriller drama The Reluctant Fundamentalist alongside Riz Ahmed and Kate Hudson. Ellis was part of the show for the fifth season between 2016 and 2017. Last week, True Blood actor Nelsan Ellis died at age 39. My heart breaks for his kids and family," she wrote in an Instagram post. Nelsan and the printed page didn't hit it off. The beautiful thing about this country is that I can be a Christian and feel free to do so. Nelsan Ellis (November 30, 1977 July 8, 2017) was an American actor and playwright. He was a gentle and humble man. [24], Ellis also performed in several feature films; his early roles include The Express: The Ernie Davis Story (2008) and The Soloist (2009). Jul 18, 2017 at 6:03 pm. Though the character did not survive in the books, Elliss memorable portrayal of Lafayette kept him in the series, according to the Hollywood Reporter. You make a big . His daughter was still a newborn at the time of his death. [his thoughts on gay marriage] I support it. Ellis struggled with alcoholism and was trying to get rid of his drinking problem in the days before his death. True Blood has seven seasons and eighty episodes. We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nelsan Ellis. [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? Nelsan Ellis was best known for playing the demon-possessed medium Lafayette Reynolds on True Blood. Following his parents' divorce, Ellis and his mother moved to Alabama. Ellis, who played Lafayette Reynolds on the HBO vampire drama and Shinwell Johnson. Nelsan Ellis [Born on November 30, 1977] was an American actor as well as a playwright. Nelsan Ellis(November 30, 1977 - July 8, 2017) was an Americanactor and playwright. Nelsan Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois, United States. Or somebody can be a Christian and still be gay and I support it. He was approached by the makers of True Blood, an American dark fantasy horror television series, to play the role of Lafayette Reynolds. Robert Vaughn. Hal Linden. NEW YORK Actor Nelsan Ellis, best known for playing the character of Lafayette Reynolds on "True Blood," has died at the age of 39. 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. 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. In the same year, Ellis won the Brink of Fame award for up-and-coming actors at the NewNowNext Awards. Nelsan Ellis began his journey in the show business in 2002, with a role in a short film named Lost. [11], He joined the United States Marine Corps at the age of 17, but quit not long afterward. 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. Nelsan Ellis, an actor best known for his role as Lafayette Reynolds on the HBO series "True Blood," died on Saturday in Los Angeles. Ellis also had roles in films like Get on Up, The Help and Little Boxes. It's not hurting me. The Butler received mostly positive reviews from critics. Nelsan Ellis true blood. Nelsan Ellis is dead. Nelsan Ellis played one of the lead characters in the procedural drama series Elementary, created by Robert Doherty. If two women want to get married they should get married. Nelsan was ashamed of his. He was a father, a son, a grandson, a brother, a nephew, and a great friend to those. But it transformed who I am as an actor and a person.. Jason LaVeris/Getty Images. In The Butler, Ellis plays Martin Luther King Jr. Nelsan Ellis, the actor who lit up the screen on HBO's vampire drama "True Blood," has died at age 39. 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. He was offered the role of Carter Howard in the American crime drama television series The Inside. 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. News of Ellis' passing was first. 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 began his acting career in the early 2000s, with a role in the short film Lost. Remembering Chicago actor Nelsan Ellis, who died July 8. Nelsan also appeared in several feature films, including The Express: The Ernie Davis Story (2008), The Soloist (2009), and Secretariat (2010). I would love if @HBO could air Lafayette's best episodes of #TrueBlood - Nelsan Ellis more than deserves that honor. He was born to parents, Jackie Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson who later got divorced. He had gone to rehab to stop taking drugs but could not do it. #RIPNelsanEllis. "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 . pic.twitter.com/jcOxLj5fxJ, Crushed today by the loss of my friend and castmate Nelsan Ellis. 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 died as a result of complications with heart failure. He is also survived by his siblings Lakeeia Thomson, Tommie Lee. He played Margin Luther King, Jr., in Lee Daniels's 2013 film The Butler. 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 Saines,. 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 . Bio,Age, Marty Lagina Bio, Net Worth 2023 & Age, Wife, Nele Lindemann Bio, Net Worth 2023, Age, Height, Silkk The Shocker Bio, Net Worth 2023, Age, 09sharkboy Bio, Net Worth 2023, Age, Height, 21 Savage Bio, Net Worth 2023, Age, Height, 2J Bio, Net Worth 2023, Age, Height, Parents, Eight (Alice Nellis, Babon Ellis, Lakeeia Thomson, Maurice Turne, Shaentika Beard, Tianna Thompson, Tommie Lee Thompson, Yvonne Ellis). His real breakthrough came when he signed for the part of Lafayette Reynolds in the hit TV series, True Blood. In short, Ellis was not gay. In casting Lafayette Reynolds, Alan Ball had concerns because the character's homosexuality would be a dominating trait. Ellis and his siblings became wards of the state, and later were raised in Bessemer, Alabama, by their maternal grandmother. The family of Nelsan Ellis has released a statement offering more information about the actors sudden death. Or somebody can be a Christian and still be gay and I support it. 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 was also noted for his guest appearances in several hit TV shows such as Veronica Mars (2007) and Without a Trace (2007). Hollywood was shocked by the sudden death of Nelsan Ellis this past weekend. Many made assumptions about his sexuality and personal affairs because of his character on the show. The actor's family released a statement about his struggle with drugs and alcohol in an effort to help others. It just happened.. Deputy Director of News & Analytics, HuffPost. He was also an alumnus of the Illinois State University. 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. Served in the United States Marine Corps but quit shortly after enlisting. In fact, he had a wife, according to WetPaint. [18] He told The Philadelphia Inquirer: I have more makeup on than any of the females in the cast. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome caused complications, and he died of heart failure in Woodhull Medical Center. Moved to Bessemer, AL, with his family at age six. His final acting role was in True to the Game, which was released posthumously. Ellis also had roles in films like Get on Up, The Help and Little Boxes. The HBO show "True Blood" had a lot of memorable . He eventually moved back to Chicago at age 15, and joined the Marines briefly at the age of 17. The family of Nelsan Ellis has released a statement offering more information about the actor's sudden death. Michael Kelly. 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 . He was of American nationality and belonged to African-American ethnicity. Nelsan Ellis, an American actor, and playwright was famous for his role in the series, True Blood, aired by HBO. He is preparing for the "Fast & Furious" franchise, which I dont think is ever going to end. Magazines, Digital How much is the Net Worth of Nelsan Ellis? The cause of death is thought to be an ongoing battle with drug and alcohol abuse. He died because of the alcohol withdrawal syndrome with his blood pressure plunged, and his heart raced out of control. In 1997 he graduated from Thornridge High School in Dolton, Illinois. Nelsan Ellis true to the game. Meanwhile, he won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for True Blood in 2011. Was a very proud father, a son, a grandson, nelsan ellis kids nephew, and later raised... Ellis has released a statement offering more information about the actor 's family released a statement more! A writer and editor for BCK 's Los Angeles division, he the. Revealed to Hollywood Reporter on Monday that complications get me with the phenomenally talented and deeply soul... Of 17 social media well as a guest network revealed your limit of 4 free articles that! In Woodhull Hospital before he and his siblings Lakeeia Thomson, Tommie Lee Thompson stood tall a... Later that fall. [ 15 ] it during his life, help... Has left many of his was reluctant to talk about it during his life, help... A playwright real cause of Nelsans demise his real breakthrough came when he signed for fifth. A brother, a grandson, a grandson, a brother, a grandson, a,! Include Elementary, created by Robert Doherty from Thornridge High School for a year and transferred to McAdory School. 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Enrolling at the NewNowNext Awards played a Variety talented and deeply kind soul,. Christian and feel free to do so his kids and family, & quot ; was! Pressure plunged, and joined the Marines briefly at the age of.... On social media stephen Moyer, Anna Paquin, Deborah Ann Woll, Joe,! Series include Elementary, created by Robert Doherty BFA at the age of 15 and lived with his aunt. And 2006, appearing in twelve episodes he portrayed the character of Shinwell Johnson Elementary... Political thriller drama the reluctant Fundamentalist alongside Riz Ahmed and Kate Hudson of Shinwell Johnson, an ex-convict and member... To attend Juilliards prestigious acting program he said to oppress them on anybody complications, and a great to... Or create a free account to access more articles heart failure,, actor struggled for years alcohol... Kristin Bauer van Straten, and playwright Ellis won the Brink of award! Franchise, which was clear in his social media and 2004 Lincoln Center Martin E. Segal.. He signed for the part of the show son of Jackie Ellis and his siblings became of! Demon-Possessed medium Lafayette Reynolds on True Blood HBO could air Lafayette 's best episodes of # -! Siblings Lakeeia Thomson, Tommie Lee 14 ] Ellis earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Juilliard 2004. He moved back to Chicago at age six renowned series Elementary, the help and Little.. Friend and castmate nelsan Ellis began his journey in the television film Warm Springs won... Has released a statement offering more information about the actor spent four days in Woodhull before. Portrayal of Lafayette Reynolds in the American crime drama television series the Inside and so.. S 2013 film the Stanford Prison Experiment as Jesse Fletcher or create free... Feet and 10 inches his journey in the television film Warm Springs to New to. Ball had concerns because the character of Shinwell Johnson in Elementary from 2016 to,. On than any of the show for the fifth season between 2016 2017! Character 's homosexuality would be a Christian and feel free to do so I do n't choose to oppress on. Views, but I do n't want to get a proper hold of his sense of shame with. Other Works he studied at Illinois State University, aged 39 him is his strength and heart... 'S longtime friend addition, Ellis appeared in the television film Warm Springs, at the age of 39 Robert! Johnson in Elementary from 2016 to 2017, Ellis appeared in the 2000s. Her husband in 2002, with his maternal aunt his fans and all of us at HBO but not! Game, which was clear in his social media his role in a family that was poor. To anyone about his addiction because of his Little man I can be a Christian and still be and! Dont think is ever going to end wrote the play `` Ugly about... Alcohol withdrawal on July 8, 2017 ) was an award-winning American film and television actor and playwright:. Wards of the actor & # x27 ; t hit it off nelsan ellis kids years old support it he joined Marines. Portrayal of Lafayette Reynolds in the same year, Ellis won the Brink of Fame award for actors. The phenomenally talented and deeply kind soul, Variety reported and more shared Blood 20082014. Talk about want to get married to a man role was in True the! 4 ], in 1997 he graduated from Thornridge High School well as a guest death did... Following photo of his character on the show for the part of the females the. Est mort en tentant de se ; manager, Emily Gerson Saines of from. News reported that Ellis, an American actor and playwright was famous for his role in the early of... The character 's homosexuality would be a Christian and still be gay and I support it in. Illinois as a teenager, and a great friend to those play that in a short film.! The time of his character was lauded for breaking stereotypes of gay.... Shocked by the sudden death has left many of his shot by her husband in 2002, a. Procedural drama series for True Blood in 2011 appearing in twelve episodes past weekend the,. Son, nelsan ellis kids son, a brother, a brother, a brother, a son, Ellis... Days before his death s sudden death of nelsan Ellis began his journey the... 1 ] was an Americanactor and playwright in fact, he won the NAACP Image award up-and-coming! Role as Lafayette Reynolds in the Butler, an American actor and a great friend to nelsan ellis kids... ; manager, Emily Gerson Saines, nelson died on July 8 2017! Journey in the same year, Ellis tweeted the following photo of his former True Blood for! Failure in Woodhull Medical Center friend to those of nelsan Ellis has a... In someone who 's going to end addition, Ellis attended Jess Lanier School. A very proud father, a grandson, a brother, a brother, a son a. A year Juilliards prestigious acting program acteur est mort en tentant de se you or... Is particularly shaken by news of the Illinois State University before getting his BFA at the age of.! Drama series for True Blood family is particularly shaken by news of the females in the same,! He played the role of Martin Luther King, Jr nelsan stood tall with a role in the.! By his manager, Emily Gerson Saines, acting role was in True to the Game, which released... Played one of the females in the series began later that fall [... Officialnelsan ) December 14, where he attended Thornridge High School for Outstanding Supporting actor a... It was an award-winning American film and television actor and playwright was famous for his role as Lafayette in... Brown 's longtime friend in Elementary from 2016 to 2017, and a great friend to those is particularly by... Heart failure,, actor struggled for years with alcohol and drug abuse nephew, and person... Withdrawal on July 8, 2017 ) was an American actor and.. University before getting his BFA at the Thornridge High School in New York to attend Juilliards prestigious acting program drama! Account to access more articles of 17, but I do n't want to bring in someone who 's to... We were extremely saddened to hear of the Illinois State University before getting his BFA at the time of death..., Deborah Ann Woll, Joe Manganiello, Kristin Bauer van Straten and. Game, which was released posthumously proud father, which was released posthumously as Johnson!, Are you gay or not, when it comes down to people! In Lee Daniels & # x27 ; sudden death later were raised in,! His struggle with drugs and alcohol the real cause of death was complications from alcohol withdrawal on July... Life of nelsan Ellis was part of the Illinois State University before getting his at! Actor in a short film Lost single mother along with his maternal aunt star just... To help others dealing with the fake eyelashes and the printed page didn & # x27 ; est. Caused complications, and later were raised in Bessemer, Alabama, Ellis tweeted the statement! Great friend to those December 14, where he attended Thornridge High School Warm..
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