He moved back to Illinois as a teenager, and graduated from Thornridge High School in Dolton, Illinois, in 1997. But it transformed who I am as an actor and a person.. And his words and presence will be forever missed, Saines said in a statement, according to The Hollywood Reporter. (2005, October - November) Appeared in the Charles Fuller play A Soldier's Story at the Second Stage Theatre, off-Broadway, New York, New York. The HBO show "True Blood" had a lot of memorable . Ellis is survived by his son, Breon, as well as his grandmother, Alex Brown, and his father, Tommie Lee Thompson, reports THR. The critics loved the death, and the reviews were off the charts. Ellis' manager, Emily Gerson Saines, confirmed the actor's. 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. Paul Kasey. That battle ultimately cost the 39-year-old his life. In fact, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, up to 25% of people who suffer from . Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our, Digital If you want to get married to a man then get married to a man. Nelsan Ellis was married to a woman despite constant rumors that he was gay. More People From Illinois. ", "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???? In 1997 he graduated from Thornridge High School in Dolton, Illinois. Whether you're into . More TV Actor. His parents got divorced and Ellis was raised by his single mother along with his siblings. The news was confirmed by his manager, Emily Gerson Saines. [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. Nelsan Ellis was born on November 30, 1977, in Harvey, Illinois, the USA to the father, Tommie Lee Thompson, and mother, Jackie Ellis. News of Ellis' passing was first. He won the Martin E. Segal Award for his semi-autobiographical play Ugly. 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. The pilot was shot in the early summer of 2007 and was officially ordered to series in August. Nelsan Ellis was well-known for his portrayal of Lafayette Reynolds in the HBO television series True Blood (20082014). The actor, best known for starring on "True Blood" and "Elementary," died at age 39. 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. He does, however, have two children, a son Breon Ellis and a daughter (an infant at the time of his demise). 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. Aos seis anos, aps o divrcio de seus pais, Ellis e sua me mudaram-se para o Alabama. Ellis, who played Lafayette Reynolds on the HBO vampire drama and Shinwell Johnson. Your culture and entertainment cheat-sheet. Ellis was the "odd one" of eight children in a family that was barrel-scraping poor. He also has two children, a son and a newborn daughter. 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. His mothers name was Jackie Ellis and his fathers name was Tommie Lee Thompson. Even I was watching myself and criticizing myself I go, I like that dude, he said. True Blood also earned him the Ewwy Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. The cause of death was complications from heart failure, his manager, Emily Gerson Saines,. Further, his star sign is Sagittarius. In the same year, Ellis won the Brink of Fame award for up-and-coming actors at the NewNowNext Awards. If two women want to get married they should get married. He said "you don't want to bring in someone who's going to play that in a phony way". Nelsan Ellis Cause of Death: How Did the True Blood Actor Die? Nelsan was a humble and kind soul who somehow got stuck in the habit of taking alcohol and drugs. Now celebrities are reacting on Twitter and paying tribute to the late star. He even appeared in Elementary before his death. Ellis died after complications from heart failure on July 8 . Ellis is also survived by his grandmother, his father, and seven siblings. Many made assumptions about his sexuality and personal affairs because of his character on the show. Nelsan Ellis elementary. In 2004, he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from The Juilliard School. The True Blood star passed away of complications due to heart failure on Saturday. "Nelsan was a gentle, generous and kind soul. I think in this country, anybody can do whatever they want to do as long as it's not hurting anybody else or violating the laws of society. Breon is one of two kids that Nelsan shared with his wife. 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 began his journey in the show business in 2002, with a role in a short film named Lost. 'Nelsan was a gentle, generous and kind soul. [11], He joined the United States Marine Corps at the age of 17, but quit not long afterward. 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. pic.twitter.com/If17csduHz. Many made assumptions about his sexuality and personal affairs because of his character on the show. Nelsan Ellis, an American actor, andplaywright was famous for his role in the series, True Blood, aired by HBO. Reuters/Eric Thayer . 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. Now Nelsan Ellis, the actor who plays Kent's gay lover on the show, is speaking up -- and he's not happy. 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 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 . Gossipbiography.com 2023 All Rights Reserved. He died as a result of complications with heart failure. Nelsan Ellis: The Collective was started by myself, Francois Battiste, Veronda Carey, Le'Mil Eiland, Metra Gilliard and Jasond Jones. Nelsan was a gentle, generous and kind soul. 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. All Rights Reserved. Among two kids one is a son, Breon Ellis and another a daughter, . 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 . His final acting role was in True to the Game, which was released posthumously. Nelsan Ellis vuonna 2009. 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. Wrote the play "Ugly" about the devastating effects of domestic abuse after his sister Alice was shot by her husband in 2002. He had been reluctant to talk to anyone about his addiction because of his sense of shame. Elementaryactor Nelsan Ellis has died. He also starred as Shinwell Johnson in Elementary from 2016 to 2017, and played a variety . Ellis began his acting career in the early 2000s, with a role in the short film Lost. Quelques jours aprs la mort de Nelsan Ellis, inoubliable Lafayette Reynolds dans True Blood, sa famille a rvl les circonstances de son dcs. Ellis is survived by his son, Breon, as well as his grandmother, Alex Brown, and his father, Tommie Lee Thompson, reports THR. Nelsan Ellis was born November 30, 1978, which makes his star sign Sagittarius. ", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nelsan_Ellis&oldid=1133624097, This page was last edited on 14 January 2023, at 19:02. Nelsan Ellis (19772017) was an American actor and playwright. Nelsan Ellis' sudden death has left many of his former True Blood co-stars reeling. He stood at 5 10 tall (1.78m). Deputy Director of News & Analytics, HuffPost. "Look at how cool my little man looks," Nelsan exclaimed. Similarly, in 2008, he received a Satellite Award from the International Press Academy for best supporting actor in HBOs True Blood as Lafayette Reynolds. Or somebody cannot be a Christian and do whatever that entails. He was also given the Satellite Award for Best Cast Television Series and an Ewwy Award for best supporting actor in a drama series. "You quit your job because you don't want to play a gay part? He had eight siblings: Alice Nellis, Babon Ellis, Lakeeia Thomson, Maurice Turne, Shaentika Beard, Tianna Thompson, Tommie Lee Thompson, and Yvonne Ellis. However, he tried to stop consuming drugs on his own which caused severe complications and had to be hospitalized. Nelsan Ellis was best known for playing the demon-possessed medium Lafayette Reynolds on True Blood. Let gay people get married. Or somebody can be a Christian and still be gay and I support it. His final work appeared in True to the Game and Roxanne Roxanne. He also appeared in the moviesThe Butler(2013) and Get on Up(2014). He died on July 8, 2017, in Los Angeles due to heart failure. We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nelsan Ellis. #RIPNelsanEllis. Powered by. [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 Ellis is dead. [3] His character dies near the end of Season 5. Your email address will not be published. You have reached your limit of 4 free articles. Ellis had recently joined the cast of CBSs Elementary, in which he played a former drug dealer and former patient of Lucy Lius Joan Watson. He was born to parents, Jackie Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson who later got divorced. Magazines, Digital In a 2010 interview with Vibe, Ellis described how the character was likable. The family of Nelsan Ellis has released a statement offering more information about the actor's sudden death. He was best known for his role as Lafayette Reynolds in the HBO series True Blood from 2008 to 2014. Hands to the Sky, Catch Them & They're Yours. [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? Ellis was part of the show for the fifth season between 2016 and 2017. pic.twitter.com/uvlCIrnWQQ. He appeared in the 2012 political thriller drama The Reluctant Fundamentalist alongside Riz Ahmed and Kate Hudson. Over the weekend it was reported that . He had a net worth of about $3 million at the time of his death. We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nelsan Ellis. He was best known for his role as Lafayette Reynolds in the HBOseries True Bloodfrom 2008 to 2014. [Ellis]. 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. Bio, Height, Who is Singer-Dua Lipa Boyfriend? Recalled by many as talented and underrated, Ellis became a True Blood fan-favorite for his portrayal of the scene-stealing, gay short order cook at Merlottes Bar in the fictional Louisiana town. 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. We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nelsan Ellis, the network revealed. Nelsan was a gentle, generous and kind soul. My heart breaks for his kids and family. As per his nationality, he is American and belongs to African-American ethnicity. #RIPNelsanEllis. He was offered the role of Carter Howard in the American crime drama television series The Inside. [18] Nelsan Ellis said that it took him a few episodes to find the character. He had gone to rehab to stop taking drugs but could not do it. Nelsan Ellis' True Blood family is particularly shaken by news of the actor's death. Meanwhile, he won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for True Blood in 2011. His famous works in movies include The Express, Get on Up and so on. We basically all went to high school together and were the theater kids and the speech club kids. He was 39. He died due to complications from heart failure, Variety reported. Elliss co-stars and others reacted to his death over the weekend with photos and memories. Ellis was notoriously private when it came to his personal life. Nelsan Ellis was born on November 30, 1977, in Harvey, Illinois. He was also noted for his guest appearances in several hit TV shows such as Veronica Mars (2007) and Without a Trace (2007). Nelsan was born in Harvey, Illinois on 30th November 1977. My heart breaks for his kids and family. #brillIantactor #trueblood # . May his soul rest in peace. [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. His childhood was marked by extreme poverty. He had eight siblings: Alice Nellis, Babon Ellis, Lakeeia Thomson, Maurice Turne, Shaentika Beard, Tianna Thompson, Tommie Lee Thompson, and Yvonne Ellis. [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 born in Harvey, Illinois, on November 30, 1977, to Tommie Lee Thompson and Jackie Ellis. Following his parents' divorce, Ellis and his mother moved to Alabama. 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). Rest in Peace. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. He was diagnosed with dyslexia in second grade. Moved to Dolton, IL, at 14, where he attended Thornridge High School. 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. 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. He was of American nationality and belonged to African-American ethnicity. Edi Gathegi. Nelsan Ellis, most famous for his long-running role as Lafayette Reynolds, the most fabulous queer line cook on the planet, on HBO's True Blood, has died at the age of 39. Nelsan was ashamed of his. Sarie is a writer and editor for BCK's Los Angeles division. Nelsan was born on November 30, 1977, in Harvey, Illinois, the son of Jackie Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson. In 2005, he starred in the television film Warm Springs. He studied at Illinois State University before getting his BFA at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City. It was performed at the school and later won the Martin E. Segal Award from the Lincoln Center. 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). Earlier today, E! Ellis was born in Harvey, Ill. in 1977 before. Last week, True Blood actor Nelsan Ellis died at age 39. Hollywood was shocked by the sudden death of Nelsan Ellis this past weekend. He was of American nationality and belonged to African-American ethnicity. He portrayed the character of Shinwell Johnson, an ex-convict and gang member who was once a patient of Dr. Watson. [10] He moved back to Illinois at age 15, where he lived with his maternal aunt. The first episode to air after Ellis' death, the season 6 premiere, ended with the screen "In Memory of Our Friend Nelsan Ellis". The cause of death is thought to be an ongoing battle with drug and alcohol abuse. . Nelsan also appeared in several feature films, including The Express: The Ernie Davis Story (2008), The Soloist (2009), and Secretariat (2010). Ellis won the "Brink of Fame: Actor" award at the 2009 NewNowNext Awards.Tragically, Ellis died at the age of 39 on July 8, 2017, in Los Angeles, California, after complications from heart failure. 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 - 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 . But if its a regular person asking me, that just says that maybe Im doing a good job. 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. 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. True Blood premiered on September 7, 2008, and concluded on August 24, 2014, comprising seven seasons and 80 episodes. If two women want to get married they should get married. Nelsan Ellis, best known for his role as Lafayette Reynolds on HBOs True Blood, has died at age 39. 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. Ellis won a 2008 Satellite Award from the International Press Academy for best supporting actor in a television series for his role as Lafayette Reynolds in HBO's True Blood. Irishlass240 (corrections by A.R. Publicity Listings Gene Siskel. 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 !!! An untimely demise of a brilliant actor. Nelsan, however, was a loving father who posted a picture of his son, Breon Ellis, having fun on his ATV in April. So kee pic.twitter.com/ANxt9JsIq9, Nelsan Ellis (@OfficialNelsan) April 13, 2017. @OfficialNelsan I'm devastated by his untimely death. The cause of death was complications from heart failure, his manager, Emily Gerson . 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. Both films were released following his death. In casting Lafayette Reynolds, Alan Ball had concerns because the character's homosexuality would be a dominating trait. He graduated in 1997 from this school in Dolton, Illinois. Nelsan, however, was a loving father who posted a picture of his son, Breon Ellis, having fun on his ATV in April. pic.twitter.com/jcOxLj5fxJ, Crushed today by the loss of my friend and castmate Nelsan Ellis. But Ellis made it look so easy. On Monday, Saines shared a statement with THR and later with HuffPost from Ellis family, revealing that the actor struggled for years with alcohol and drug abuse, and suffered multiple health complications during his withdrawal from alcohol. 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. The performer passed. Pennington), Other Works 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. The former True Blood star was just 39 years old. In short, Ellis was not gay. His family released a statement on July 10, saying that Nelsan had been trying to quit alcohol in the days before his death, and suggesting that he suffered from alcohol withdrawal syndrome, leading to his heart failure. He was married and had two children: a son Breon Ellis and a daughter who was just an infant at the time of Ellis untimely death. Ellis portrayed the role of Eddie Sweat in the American biographical sports drama film Secretariat. His real breakthrough came when he signed for the part of Lafayette Reynolds in the hit TV series, True Blood. November 30 Horoscope. . 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. . He didn't "meet" a book until he was a first-grader in a small-town Alabama classroom. In 2008, Ellis was offered a role which later established his credentials as an actor. Nelsan has always wanted to be an actor. Wrote the play "Ugly" about the devastating effects of domestic abuse after his sister Alice was shot by her husband in 2002. My heart breaks for his kids and family." Born in . For corporations that want to focus on education for underserved kids, be sure to support the . Ellis and his siblings became wards of the state, and later were raised in Bessemer, Alabama, by their maternal grandmother. The formerTrue Blood star was just 39 years old. Content is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. 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. While at Juilliard, he won the Lincoln Centers Martin E. Segal Award for his semi-autobiographical play Ugly. It just happened.. 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. 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. Remembering Chicago actor Nelsan Ellis, who died July 8. Their maternal grandmother raised them all in Bessemer, Alabama. He eventually moved back to Chicago at age 15, and joined the Marines briefly at the age of 17. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use Privacy Policy. Nelsan died of complications from alcohol withdrawal on 8th July 2017, aged 39. Nelsan Ellis (30 de novembro de 1977 - 8 de julho de 2017 [1]) foi um ator e dramaturgo americano, mais conhecido por interpretar Lafayette Reynolds na srie da HBO True Blood. It was influenced by his real-life event in 2002, when his sister Alices husband shot her. 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. His final acting role was in True to the Game, which was released posthumously. He was a father, a son, a grandson, a brother, a nephew, and a great friend to those. Nelsan was a married man. Nelsan Ellis true blood. [9], In Alabama, Ellis attended Jess Lanier High School for a year and transferred to McAdory High School. The Game, real name Jayceon Taylor, cannot believe how much his daughter, Cali Dream Taylor, Chicago West celebrated her fifth birthday this past weekend with a Hello Kitty-themed party. From 2005 to 2006, he played the recurring role of Carter Howard in the television series The Inside. He was best known for playing the flamboyant short order cook, Lafayette, in the TV series, True Blood. Nelsan Ellis (November 30, 1977 - July 8, 2017) was an award-winning American film and television actor and playwright who played the role of Lafayette Reynolds on the HBO original series True Blood. Nelsan Ellis, the actor who lit up the screen on HBO's vampire drama "True Blood," has died at age 39. [25], In 2012, Ellis was cast as Martin Luther King Jr. in a supporting performance in Lee Daniels' The Butler. [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. The show premiered on September 7, 2008, and ended on August 24, 2014. [30], From 2016 to 2017, Ellis starred as Shinwell Johnson in the TV series Elementary. Nelsan and the printed page didn't hit it off. According to his family, he was suffering from alcohol withdrawal syndrome. He portrayed Bobby Byrd, Brown's longtime friend. He was also part of the renowned series Elementary where he portrayed different characters as a guest. Ellis' "The Help" costar Octavia Spencer broke the news on Instagram Saturday morning, saying, "Just got word that we lost (Nelsan). Nelsan Ellis (November 30, 1977 July 8, 2017) was an American actor and playwright. Nelsan Ellis, the actor who starred on HBO's True Blood as the fan favorite Lafayette Reynolds, struggled with drug and alcohol abuse for years. The news was confirmed by his manager,Emily Gerson Saines. (2010). In The Butler, Ellis plays Martin Luther King Jr. His mother's name was Jackie Ellis and his father's name was Tommie Lee Thompson. Young Nelsan almost ended up an educational discard. | Nelsan Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois, on November 30, 1977, to Tommie Lee Thompson and Jackie Ellis. Look at how cool my little man looks, Nelsan exclaimed. Nelsan Ellis was born on November 30, 1977, in Harvey, Illinois. So kee pic.twitter.com/ANxt9JsIq9, Nelsan Ellis (@officialnelsan) April 13, 2017. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome caused complications, and he died of heart failure in Woodhull Medical Center. 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. Nelsan Ellis age. Nelsan Ellis made his breakthrough as Lafayette Reynolds in True Blood. His daughter was still a newborn at the time of his death. He was a very proud father, which was clear in his social media posts. Just before his death, Ellis had finished working in two films, True to the Game and Roxanne Roxanne, which were released posthumously. [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(November 30, 1977 - July 8, 2017) was an Americanactor and playwright. If you watch Lafayette, he doesnt do very much. Nelsan has passed away after complications with heart failure, the actors manager, Emily Gerson Saines, told The Hollywood Reporter. [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. He graduated from Julliard School with a degree in Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2004. 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. Nelsan Ellis, an American actor, and playwright was famous for his role in the series, True Blood, aired by HBO. Your email address will not be published. Would love your thoughts, please comment. Since he played a gay character on the popular vampire fantasy series True Blood, fans have speculated about the actors sexuality. True Blood has seven seasons and eighty episodes. Ben Gazzara. Nelsan was ashamed of his addiction and thus was reluctant to talk about. 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. He was a Christian. He is preparing for the "Fast & Furious" franchise, which I dont think is ever going to end. Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois. It's not hurting me. HBO released the following statement after hearing of Ellis passing. Moved from Alabama to New York to attend the prestigious acting program at Juilliard. The actor's family released a statement about his struggle with drugs and alcohol in an effort to help others. Pennington), View agent, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro. He and the rest of the cast won the Satellite Award for Best Ensemble in 2009. [5], Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois,[6] near Chicago, the son of Jackie Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson. He went to Jess Lanier High School and McAdory High School before enrolling at the Thornridge High School in Dolton. Nelsan Ellis, an actor best known for his role as Lafayette Reynolds on the HBO series "True Blood," died on Saturday in Los Angeles. "I would see letters, but never recognize them as a word," he explains. In the same year, he received the Brink of Fame: Actor award from the NewNowNext Awards. Sometimes when I need a miracle I look into my sons eyes, and realize Ive already created one. 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. Jul 18, 2017 at 6:03 pm. Were drug and alcohol the real cause of Nelsans demise? The actor spent four days in Woodhull Hospital before he died. [29] Get on Up was met with positive reviews from critics. Published Aug 1, 2014. Ellis died of heart failure caused by alcohol withdrawal on July 8, 2017 in Brooklyn, New York. I think anybody should--I mean--I have my religious views, but I don't choose to oppress them on anybody. He was just 39 years old. Hes not quick on his toes unless he gets heated. Ellis struggled with alcoholism and was trying to get rid of his drinking problem in the days before his death. 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. Michael Kelly. It is his words that remind the audience how important Cecil, and other workers like him are, to our history. He died because of the alcohol withdrawal syndrome with his blood pressure plunged, and his heart raced out of control. How much is the Net Worth of Nelsan Ellis? Look at how cool my little man looks !!! 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. Nelsan was ashamed of his addiction and thus was reluctant to talk about it during his life, the statement reads. In the years that followed, he appeared in a number of guest and recurring roles. He then attended McAdory High School. . He had a net worth of about $3 million at the time of his death. He only lasted until the fifth season of Elementary. Nelsan Ellis [Born on November 30, 1977] was an American actor as well as a playwright. Nelsan was born in Harvey, Illinois on 30 th November 1977. 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. Had two young children with his wife at the time of his death--a son Breon Ellis and newborn daughter. He followed this up with guest roles in Veronica Mars and Without a Trace, both in 2007. Nelsan Ellis kids. We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nelsan Ellis, HBO said in a statement. He had $3 million net worth before death. 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. Nelsan Ellis was an award-winning American film and television actor and playwright, perhaps best known as Lafayette Reynolds on HBO's. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Ellis also had roles in films like Get on Up, The Help and Little Boxes. [2] He also starred as Shinwell Johnson in Elementary from 2016 to 2017,[3] and played a variety of guest roles in other television series, including Veronica Mars and Without a Trace. He was also part of the renowned series Elementary where he portrayed different characters as a guest. He was 39. Nelsan was ashamed of his addiction and thus was reluctant to talk about. Elementary actor Nelsan Ellis has died. July 8, 2017 At the young age of 39, True Blood star Nelsan Ellis has died due to heart failure, according The Hollywood Reporter. Nelsan Ellis true to the game. Ex-Girlfriend, Who is Former Player-Scott Frost Wife? The makers were most concerned with his characters homosexuality. At age 6, he moved to Bessemer, Alabama with his mother. Ellis was a proud papa to his one son, Breon Ellis. Ellis attended Jess Lanier High School for a year. I felt like an alien, and I struggled the first couple of years. He joined the United States Marines at the age of 17. 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. Pop culture is pretty fun, too! Nelsan Ellis wife. In 2005, he starred in the television film Warm Springs. Let gay people get married. Ellis won a Satellite Award in 2008 for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his True Blood role. Nelsan Ellis played one of the lead characters in the procedural drama series Elementary, created by Robert Doherty. Expand. The play was about the devastation caused by domestic abuse. Retired Thornridge High . died due to complications with heart failure,, actor struggled for years with alcohol and drug abuse. [18] He told The Philadelphia Inquirer: I have more makeup on than any of the females in the cast. According to sources, he had two children, but there is nothing much written about his wife and family. L'acteur est mort en tentant de se . Nelsan was ashamed of his. The actor's . In addition, Ellis had relocated from Alabama to New York to attend Juilliards prestigious acting program. Following his parents' divorce, Ellis and his mother moved to Alabama. Nelsan Ellis ( 30. marraskuuta 1977 Harvey, Illinois, Yhdysvallat - 8. heinkuuta 2017 Los Angeles, Kalifornia, Yhdysvallat) [1] oli yhdysvaltalainen nyttelij ja nytelmkirjailija . Born in Harvey, IL. He was a gentle and humble soul. Or somebody cannot be a Christian and do whatever that entails. "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 . I dont answer that question, Are you gay or not, when it comes down to industry people. 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. Once they get me with the fake eyelashes and the eye makeup, I listen to some Rihanna and I'm there. It took him a few episodes to get a proper hold of his character. Though the character did not survive in the books, Elliss memorable portrayal of Lafayette kept him in the series, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Nelsan will be dearly missed by his fans and all of us at HBO.. There isnt much information about his wife. Furthermore, while at Juilliard, he wrote Ugly, a semi-autobiographical play. 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 passed away on Saturday July 8th, 2017. [12] Following this, Ellis attended Illinois State University. 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). [14] Ellis earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Juilliard in 2004.[15]. You make a big . Ellis character was of a short order cook who is also a drug dealer. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Nelsan Ellis death. His family revealed to Hollywood Reporter on Monday that complications . He was raised by his grandmother in Alabama but later returned to Illinois at the age of 15 and lived with his maternal aunt. They hope his story can possibly help others dealing with the same addictions. Ellis was a naturalized nationality of the United States of America of African ethnicity. Ellis' manager, Emily Gerson. 'Nelsan was ashamed of his. He died at the age of 39. The heartbreaking news was announced on Saturday and. [5], Ellis died at the age of 39 on July 8, 2017, in Woodhull Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. Required fields are marked *. He played Margin Luther King, Jr., in Lee Danielss 2013 film The Butler. His character was bisexual and according to him, he had to put on a lot of make-up for this role. [28], The following year, Ellis joined the cast of Get on Up, a biographical drama film about the life of singer James Brown. 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 . Nothing came his way for the next three years until he appeared in a television film Warm Springs as Roy Collier. Nelsan always had a passion for acting and playwrighting but joined the US Marines at the age of 17 and called it quits afterward. He also appeared in the movies The Butler (2013) and Get on Up (2014). 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. 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. Ellis also had roles in films like Get on Up, The Help and Little Boxes. Part of HuffPost Entertainment. | [23] In 2011, he won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his performance in True Blood. The Butler received mostly positive reviews from critics. 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. He joined the United States Marinesat the age of 17. Despite coming from a broken family, Ellis excelled in school. Nelsan passed away after complications with heart failure. Nelsan was a long-time member of the HBO family whose groundbreaking portrayal of Lafayette will be remembered fondly with the overall legacy of True Blood. The family of Nelsan Ellis has released a statement offering more information about the actors sudden death. Ellis, best known for playing the lovable short-order cook Lafayette on HBO's "True Blood," died due to "complications with heart failure," his manager, Emily Gerson Saines, first confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter on Saturday. 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'. Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois. He elevated his Lafayette on HBO's "True Blood" into a character comparable to Belize in Tony Kushner's "Angels in America." Nelsan Ellis died of congestive heart failure. Nelsan will be dearly missed by his fans and all of us at HBO.. He was a wonderful person, a pioneer, and a one of a kind artist. Whos Wife? In addition, following his parents divorce, Nelsan and his mother relocated to Alabama. 2023 TIME USA, LLC. From 2016 to 2017, Ellis starred as Shinwell Johnson in the TV series Elementary. It's easy to tell from his father's quote above just how devastating quitting without help can be. The beautiful thing about this country is that I can be a Christian and feel free to do so. 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. [22] In 2009, he was nominated for a Scream Award for Best Supporting Actor. 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). Official Sites. July 10, 2017. A few days after his death, Ellis's family released a statement to the Hollywood Reporter confirming the death was linked to alcohol and . Nelsan Ellis ' appearance in The Butler isn't long, but it's impactful. Elliss character was lauded for breaking stereotypes of gay men. He is preparing for the "Fast & Furious" franchise, which I dont think is ever going to end. 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. Ellis nasceu em Harvey, Illinois, perto de Chicago. True Blood 's Nelsan Ellis, who died at the age of 39, is being remembered by friends and former co-stars. After his parents divorced, he and his siblings became state wards. She also shares stories on Medium that are meant to encourage thought and discussion. He also appeared in Veronica Mars and Without a Trace in guest roles. If you want to get married to a man then get married to a man. Please review our privacy policy here: https://heavy.com/privacy-policy/, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. Irishlass240 (corrections by A.R. He was born in Harvey, Illinois to parents, Jackie Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson. You can catch her outside enjoying nature and classical literature. Robert Vaughn. Hal Linden. When news of True Blood-star Nelsan Ellis' sudden death hit social media feeds last week, . My heart breaks for his kids and family," she wrote in an Instagram post. Ellis was born in Harvey, Ill. in 1977 before he and his siblings moved to Alabama. 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. NEW YORK Actor Nelsan Ellis, best known for playing the character of Lafayette Reynolds on "True Blood," has died at the age of 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. He had a turbulent childhood; at one point during his teen years . Fans and friends of the star offered an outpouring of love and support after news broke of his death over the weekend. Ellis began his career in early 2000, with a role in a short film. Jason LaVeris/Getty Images. He enrolled at Illinois State University soon after leaving the United States Marine Corps. Or somebody can be a Christian and still be gay and I support it. Your email address will not be published. He was only 39 years old. 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). His notable works in TV Series include Elementary, The Inside and so on. He was also an alumnus of the Illinois State University. [34][35][36] Ellis was survived by his son, Breon Ellis. He will be missed. He was a great talent, and his words and presence will be forever missed., HBO also released a statement regarding Nelsans death. Bio, Son, Who is Emerald Robinson Husband? Nelsan Ellis, the actor who lit up the screen on HBO's vampire drama "True Blood," has died at age 39. HBO confirmed his death but did not specify the. F ans were shocked that Nelsan Ellis, the 39-year-old actor who starred on HBO's "True Blood," died of heart failure. arbor homes ashton floor plan, gail anderson design style, biloxi marsh fishing map, spectrum of economic systems, paul speaks of meeting the lord in the clouds, what kind of jeans does tim mcgraw wear, paul banks helena christensen split, matty johns net worth, arkansas democrat gazette best of the best 2022, bexar county magistrate court records, yorba linda community center activities, foreign aid by country as a percentage of gdp, the clocktower nyc dress code, myriam francois husband, can you go swimming after getting nexplanon,

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