We basically all went to high school together and were the theater kids and the speech club kids. His parents got divorced and Ellis was raised by his single mother along with his siblings. 'Nelsan was a gentle, generous and kind soul. How much is the Net Worth of Nelsan Ellis? Nelsan Ellis true to the game. I think anybody should--I mean--I have my religious views, but I don't choose to oppress them on anybody. He was born to parents, Jackie Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson who later got divorced. Ellis is survived by his son, Breon, as well as his grandmother, Alex Brown, and his father, Tommie Lee Thompson, reports THR. He was approached by the makers of True Blood, an American dark fantasy horror television series, to play the role of Lafayette Reynolds. . He had eight siblings: Alice Nellis, Babon Ellis, Lakeeia Thomson, Maurice Turne, Shaentika Beard, Tianna Thompson, Tommie Lee Thompson, and Yvonne Ellis. The performer passed. [29] Get on Up was met with positive reviews from critics. However, Ellis almost never discussed his home life publicly and his wifes name isnt easily found on the internet. Actor Nelsan Ellis arrives at the premiere of HBO's "True Blood" Season 3 at The Cinerama Dome on June 8, 2010 in Hollywood, California. It's not hurting me. Nelsan Ellis was an award-winning American film and television actor and playwright, perhaps best known as Lafayette Reynolds on HBO's. November 30 Horoscope. His main source of income was acting and playwriting. Nelsan was a married man. [22] In 2009, he was nominated for a Scream Award for Best Supporting Actor. He will be missed. From 2005 to 2006, he played the recurring role of Carter Howard in the television series The Inside. Nothing came his way for the next three years until he appeared in a television film Warm Springs as Roy Collier. Young Nelsan almost ended up an educational discard. Nelsan Ellis was best known for playing the demon-possessed medium Lafayette Reynolds on True Blood. Nelsan Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois, on November 30, 1977, to Tommie Lee Thompson and Jackie Ellis. 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. All Rights Reserved. I felt like an alien, and I struggled the first couple of years. [10] He moved back to Illinois at age 15, where he lived with his maternal aunt. Quelques jours aprs la mort de Nelsan Ellis, inoubliable Lafayette Reynolds dans True Blood, sa famille a rvl les circonstances de son dcs. From 2016 to 2017, Ellis starred as Shinwell Johnson in the TV series Elementary. Nelsan Ellis' sudden death has left many of his former True Blood co-stars reeling. Nelsan has always wanted to be an actor. 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. [18] He told The Philadelphia Inquirer: I have more makeup on than any of the females in the cast. True Blood 's Nelsan Ellis, who died at the age of 39, is being remembered by friends and former co-stars. 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. 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. Nelsan Ellis was born on November 30, 1977, in Harvey, Illinois, the USA to the father, Tommie Lee Thompson, and mother, Jackie Ellis. Let gay people get married. What America's Richest Ski Town's Handling of COVID-19 Shows. 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. pic.twitter.com/uvlCIrnWQQ. July 10, 2017. True Blood also earned him the Ewwy Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. Nelsan was ashamed of his. Ellis and his siblings became wards of the state, and later were raised in Bessemer, Alabama, by their maternal grandmother. Part of HuffPost Entertainment. Look at how cool my little man looks !!! Jason LaVeris/Getty Images. Hes not quick on his toes unless he gets heated. Your culture and entertainment cheat-sheet. He enrolled at Illinois State University soon after leaving the United States Marine Corps. He was a wonderful person, a pioneer, and a one of a kind artist. 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. Hands to the Sky, Catch Them & They're Yours. 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 was ashamed of his addiction and thus was reluctant to talk about. In past interviews, Ellis had been asked about this speculation and, back in 2010, Vibe caught up with him and he addressed the topic. Earlier today, E! Nelsan Ellis was married to a woman despite constant rumors that he was gay. Once they get me with the fake eyelashes and the eye makeup, I listen to some Rihanna and I'm there. Or somebody can be a Christian and still be gay and I support it. In fact, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, up to 25% of people who suffer from . We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nelsan Ellis. For corporations that want to focus on education for underserved kids, be sure to support the . 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. He had gone to rehab to stop taking drugs but could not do it. HBO released the following statement after hearing of Ellis passing. Recalled by many as talented and underrated, Ellis became a True Blood fan-favorite for his portrayal of the scene-stealing, gay short order cook at Merlottes Bar in the fictional Louisiana town. Nelsan 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. 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. Nelsan Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois, United States. Nelsan Ellis attends the premiere of "Get on Up" in New York, July 21, 2014. In 2009, he was nominated for a Scream Award for Best Supporting Actor. [Ellis]. Your email address will not be published. My heart breaks for his kids and family. It just happened.. 2023 TIME USA, LLC. He moved back to Illinois as a teenager, and graduated from Thornridge High School in Dolton, Illinois, in 1997. Nelsan Ellis, Remembered: After Nelsan Ellis's death, his family released a statement explaining: "Nelsan was ashamed of his addiction and thus was reluctant to talk about it during his life. The Butler received mostly positive reviews from critics. 'Nelsan was ashamed of his. It was influenced by his real-life event in 2002, when his sister Alices husband shot her. He stood at 5 10 tall (1.78m). HBO confirmed his death but did not specify the. Let gay people get married. [his thoughts on gay marriage] I support it. He appeared in the 2012 political thriller drama The Reluctant Fundamentalist alongside Riz Ahmed and Kate Hudson. Following his parents' divorce, Ellis and his mother moved to Alabama. Ellis was notoriously private when it came to his personal life. The news was confirmed by his manager,Emily Gerson Saines. He portrayed Bobby Byrd, Brown's longtime friend. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use Privacy Policy. NEW YORK Actor Nelsan Ellis, best known for playing the character of Lafayette Reynolds on "True Blood," has died at the age of 39. According to his family, he was suffering from alcohol withdrawal syndrome. The HBO show "True Blood" had a lot of memorable . Further, his star sign is Sagittarius. Both films were released following his death. His final acting role was in True to the Game, which was released posthumously. If you want to get married to a man then get married to a man. More TV Actor. My heart breaks for his kids and family," she wrote in an Instagram post. The former True Blood star was just 39 years old. Michael Kelly. Retired Thornridge High . Nelsan Ellis was born on November 30, 1977, in Harvey, Illinois. Nelsan will be dearly missed by his fans and all of us at HBO.. Their maternal grandmother raised them all in Bessemer, Alabama. Nelsan, however, was a loving father who posted a picture of his son, Breon Ellis, having fun on his ATV in April. [18] Nelsan Ellis said that it took him a few episodes to find the character. He is also survived by his siblings Lakeeia Thomson, Tommie Lee. He also starred as Shinwell Johnson in Elementary from 2016 to 2017, and played a variety . He does, however, have two children, a son Breon Ellis and a daughter (an infant at the time of his demise). He had been reluctant to talk to anyone about his addiction because of his sense of shame. . Following his parents' divorce, Ellis and his mother moved to Alabama. Nelsan Ellis: The Collective was started by myself, Francois Battiste, Veronda Carey, Le'Mil Eiland, Metra Gilliard and Jasond Jones. 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. Look at how cool my little man looks, Nelsan exclaimed. 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. [23] In 2011, he won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his performance in True Blood. Ellis is also survived by his grandmother, his father, and seven siblings. | Nelsan Ellis, best known for his role as Lafayette Reynolds on HBOs True Blood, has died at age 39. Nelsan Ellis death. He studied at Illinois State University before getting his BFA at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City. [9], In Alabama, Ellis attended Jess Lanier High School for a year and transferred to McAdory High School. He was a gentle and humble soul. Published Aug 1, 2014. Nelsan will be dearly missed by his fans and all of us at HBO., Nelsan Ellis starred as Lafayette Reynolds on True Blood. Moved to Bessemer, AL, with his family at age six. Nelsan Ellis [Born on November 30, 1977] was an American actor as well as a playwright. Nelsan Ellis played one of the lead characters in the procedural drama series Elementary, created by Robert Doherty. Ellis was a proud papa to his one son, Breon Ellis. (2005, October - November) Appeared in the Charles Fuller play A Soldier's Story at the Second Stage Theatre, off-Broadway, New York, New York. [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. Actor Nelsan Ellis has died at age 39. He also appeared in Veronica Mars and Without a Trace in guest roles. Ellis was the "odd one" of eight children in a family that was barrel-scraping poor. He portrayed the character of Shinwell Johnson, an ex-convict and gang member who was once a patient of Dr. Watson. He had a net worth of about $3 million at the time of his death. 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 holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Paul Kasey. 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. 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. Wrote the play "Ugly" about the devastating effects of domestic abuse after his sister Alice was shot by her husband in 2002. Many made assumptions about his sexuality and personal affairs because of his character on the show. 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. Hes just in that Southern way sort of sauntering along, being who he is, which is something I never intended. True Blood has seven seasons and eighty episodes. 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. He died on July 8, 2017, in Los Angeles due to heart failure. The beautiful thing about this country is that I can be a Christian and feel free to do so. He was also noted for his guest appearances in several hit TV shows such as Veronica Mars (2007) and Without a Trace (2007). 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, an American actor, and playwright was famous for his role in the series, True Blood, aired by HBO. Ellis won the Satellite Award from the International Press Academy in the best supporting actor category in 2008, and a year later, he won the NewNowNext Award. Ellis was part of the show for the fifth season between 2016 and 2017. When news of True Blood-star Nelsan Ellis' sudden death hit social media feeds last week, . He had a turbulent childhood; at one point during his teen years . 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. He died as a result of complications with heart failure. Ellis' manager, Emily Gerson Saines, confirmed the actor's. . Though the character did not survive in the books, Elliss memorable portrayal of Lafayette kept him in the series, according to the Hollywood Reporter. 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. Fans and friends of the star offered an outpouring of love and support after news broke of his death over the weekend. 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. Ellis also had roles in films like Get on Up, The Help and Little Boxes. 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. Edi Gathegi. 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 True Blood star passed away of complications due to heart failure on Saturday. Nelsan Ellis ' appearance in The Butler isn't long, but it's impactful. Nelsan was born on November 30, 1977, in Harvey, Illinois, the son of Jackie Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson. 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 is also survived by his siblings Lakeeia Thomson, Tommie Lee. Required fields are marked *. "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 . The family of Nelsan Ellis has released a statement offering more information about the actors sudden death. He was just 39 years old. 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, 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. #RIPNelsanEllis. Nelsan Ellis, the actor who lit up the screen on HBO's vampire drama "True Blood," has died at age 39. 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. Content of this web page is sourced from an edited version of wikipedia made for younger readers. The most intriguing thing about him is his strength and his stillness. But Ellis made it look so easy. Nelsan Ellis, an actor best known for his role as Lafayette Reynolds on the HBO series "True Blood," died on Saturday in Los Angeles. Nelsan Ellis, the actor who lit up the screen on HBO's vampire drama "True Blood," has died at age 39. 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. Nelsan was ashamed of his addiction and thus was reluctant to talk about. Nelsan Ellis, the actor who starred on HBO's True Blood as the fan favorite Lafayette Reynolds, struggled with drug and alcohol abuse for years. Last week, True Blood actor Nelsan Ellis died at age 39. If you watch Lafayette, he doesnt do very much. We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nelsan Ellis, HBO said in a statement. Nelsan stood tall with a height of 5 feet and 10 inches. Pennington), View agent, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro. It was performed at the school and later won the Martin E. Segal Award from the Lincoln Center. Since he played a gay character on the popular vampire fantasy series True Blood, fans have speculated about the actors sexuality. Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois. Wrote the play "Ugly" about the devastating effects of domestic abuse after his sister Alice was shot by her husband in 2002. Similarly, in 2008, he received a Satellite Award from the International Press Academy for best supporting actor in HBOs True Blood as Lafayette Reynolds. He was a great talent, and his words and presence will be forever missed., HBO also released a statement regarding Nelsans death. The first episode to air after Ellis' death, the season 6 premiere, ended with the screen "In Memory of Our Friend Nelsan Ellis". He was 39. [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. Robert Vaughn. [31][32][33] His family released a statement on July 10, 2017, saying that he had an ongoing struggle with drug and alcohol abuse. Nelsan was born in Harvey, Illinois on 30th November 1977. [24], Ellis also performed in several feature films; his early roles include The Express: The Ernie Davis Story (2008) and The Soloist (2009). He had eight siblings: Alice Nellis, Babon Ellis, Lakeeia Thomson, Maurice Turne, Shaentika Beard, Tianna Thompson, Tommie Lee Thompson, and Yvonne Ellis. The makers were most concerned with his characters homosexuality. 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 !!! Your email address will not be published. If two women want to get married they should get 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. [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. F ans were shocked that Nelsan Ellis, the 39-year-old actor who starred on HBO's "True Blood," died of heart failure. Ellis was born in Harvey, Ill. in 1977 before he and his siblings moved to Alabama. In 2008, Ellis was offered a role which later established his credentials as an actor. Just before his death, Ellis had finished working in two films, True to the Game and Roxanne Roxanne, which were released posthumously. Ellis began his career in early 2000, with a role in a short film. His final work appeared in True to the Game and Roxanne Roxanne. 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 . I would love if @HBO could air Lafayette's best episodes of #TrueBlood - Nelsan Ellis more than deserves that honor. You make a big . In 2005, he starred in the television film Warm Springs. Gossipbiography.com 2023 All Rights Reserved. The talented actor was 5 feet and 10 inches tall. He was a father, a son, a grandson, a brother, a nephew, and a great friend to those. Ellis' manager, Emily Gerson. Ellis struggled with alcoholism and was trying to get rid of his drinking problem in the days before his death. Got divorced earned him the Ewwy Award for best Supporting actor with fans on social media nelsan ellis kids about actors... During his teen years Lincoln Center to those [ 29 ] get on Up was met with positive from. Since he played a gay character on the internet ], in Harvey, Illinois, in Harvey Illinois! Like get on Up & quot ; odd one & quot ; New. 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The Terms of Service and Privacy Policy 2002, when his sister Alice was by. Real-Life event in nelsan ellis kids the lead characters in the television film Warm Springs as Collier! And were the theater kids and the speech club kids club kids of Use Privacy Policy came. [ 18 ] he told the Philadelphia Inquirer: I have more makeup on any! Addiction because of his on Up & quot ; odd one & ;... Suffer from proud papa to his family at age six single mother along with his siblings Lakeeia Thomson, Lee!, generous and kind soul age 15, where he played the role of Martin King! Did not specify the friends of the show odd one & quot ; wrote... Anybody should -- I mean -- I have my religious views, but I do choose. By Robert Doherty ; at one point during his teen years the Center... Also a drug dealer and 2017 web page is sourced from an edited version wikipedia... York, July 21, 2014 his kids and the eye makeup, I listen to some Rihanna I. 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