He was born in Harvey, Illinois to parents, Jackie Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson. Nelsan Ellis vuonna 2009. Remembering Chicago actor Nelsan Ellis, who died July 8. Whether you're into . In the years that followed, he appeared in a number of guest and recurring roles. [25], In 2012, Ellis was cast as Martin Luther King Jr. in a supporting performance in Lee Daniels' The Butler. It just happened.. He is also survived by his siblings Lakeeia Thomson, Tommie Lee. He moved back to Illinois as a teenager, and graduated from Thornridge High School in Dolton, Illinois, in 1997. Nelsan Ellis, known affectionately by many for his role as Lafayette Reynolds on HBO 's True Blood, has died after complications from heart failure at age 39. 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. Ellis and his siblings became wards of the state, and later were raised in Bessemer, Alabama, by their maternal grandmother. Nelsan Ellis age. Further, his star sign is Sagittarius. Nelsan was born in Harvey, Illinois on 30 th November 1977. Ellis is survived by his son, Breon, as well as his grandmother, Alex Brown, and his father, Tommie Lee Thompson, reports THR. He was diagnosed with dyslexia in second grade. However, he tried to stop consuming drugs on his own which caused severe complications and had to be hospitalized. His parents got divorced and Ellis was raised by his single mother along with his siblings. His main source of income was acting and playwriting. Ellis is survived by his son, Breon, as well as his grandmother, Alex Brown, and his father, Tommie Lee Thompson, reports THR. The actor spent four days in Woodhull Hospital before he died. Retired Thornridge High . The beautiful thing about this country is that I can be a Christian and feel free to do so. Ellis portrayed the role of Eddie Sweat in the American biographical sports drama film Secretariat. Is Richard Jefferson Married? 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. Paul Kasey. 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. The formerTrue Blood star was just 39 years old. 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. In 2010, he portrayed Eddie Sweat in the Disney sports drama Secretariat. His final acting role was in True to the Game, which was released posthumously. Michael Kelly. 2023 TIME USA, LLC. Furthermore, while at Juilliard, he wrote Ugly, a semi-autobiographical play. He is preparing for the "Fast & Furious" franchise, which I dont think is ever going to end. But it transformed who I am as an actor and a person.. The heartbreaking news was announced on Saturday and. Nelsan Ellis elementary. The news was confirmed by his manager,Emily Gerson Saines. 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. ", "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???? We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nelsan Ellis, HBO said in a statement. He was born to parents, Jackie Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson who later got divorced. He played Margin Luther King, Jr., in Lee Daniels's 2013 film The Butler. Nelsan was ashamed of his addiction and thus was reluctant to talk about. Despite coming from a broken family, Ellis excelled in school. "I would see letters, but never recognize them as a word," he explains. Nelsan Ellis attends the premiere of "Get on Up" in New York, July 21, 2014. Now celebrities are reacting on Twitter and paying tribute to the late star. [28], The following year, Ellis joined the cast of Get on Up, a biographical drama film about the life of singer James Brown. You have reached your limit of 4 free articles. He made his debut with a short role in the movie, Lost in the early 2000s. He had eight siblings: Alice Nellis, Babon Ellis, Lakeeia Thomson, Maurice Turne, Shaentika Beard, Tianna Thompson, Tommie Lee Thompson, and Yvonne Ellis. The HBO show "True Blood" had a lot of memorable . The actor, best known for starring on "True Blood" and "Elementary," died at age 39. . 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 . 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. Published Aug 1, 2014. His character was bisexual and according to him, he had to put on a lot of make-up for this role. We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nelsan Ellis. Nelsan stood tall with a height of 5 feet and 10 inches. Please review our privacy policy here: https://heavy.com/privacy-policy/, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. His family revealed to Hollywood Reporter on Monday that complications . 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 Cause of Death: How Did the True Blood Actor Die? Ellis was born in Harvey, Ill. in 1977 before. 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. More TV Actor. Ellis, who also had roles in The Butler, The Help and Veronica Mars, died Saturday after four days at New Yorks Woodhull Hospital, according to his familys statement. He didn't "meet" a book until he was a first-grader in a small-town Alabama classroom. Many made assumptions about his sexuality and personal affairs because of his character on the show. He enrolled at Illinois State University soon after leaving the United States Marine Corps. Nelsan Ellis, an actor best known for his role as Lafayette Reynolds on the HBO series "True Blood," died on Saturday in Los Angeles. In addition, Ellis had relocated from Alabama to New York to attend Juilliards prestigious acting program. 'Nelsan was ashamed of his. He and the rest of the cast won the Satellite Award for Best Ensemble in 2009. A few days after his death, Ellis's family released a statement to the Hollywood Reporter confirming the death was linked to alcohol and . 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. Nelsan Ellis, best known for his role as Lafayette Reynolds on HBOs True Blood, has died at age 39. Nelsan Ellis Wife: Was the True Blood Actor Married? He also appeared in the moviesThe Butler(2013) and Get on Up(2014). Nelsan was a humble and kind soul who somehow got stuck in the habit of taking alcohol and drugs. It was a direct result of quitting suddenly after a long period of heavy drinking. Irishlass240 (corrections by A.R. He graduated from Julliard School with a degree in Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2004. I would love if @HBO could air Lafayette's best episodes of #TrueBlood - Nelsan Ellis more than deserves that honor. 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 the same year, Ellis won the Brink of Fame award for up-and-coming actors at the NewNowNext Awards. Publicity Listings Or somebody cannot be a Christian and do whatever that entails. Nelsan Ellis was well-known for his portrayal of Lafayette Reynolds in the HBO television series True Blood (20082014). Remembering the inspiring life of Nelsan Ellis, @JuilliardSchool alum and 2004 Lincoln Center Martin E. Segal Awardee. His final acting role was in True to the Game, which was released posthumously. Nelsan Ellis, an American actor, and playwright was famous for his role in the series, True Blood, aired by HBO. Nelsan was ashamed of his addiction and thus was reluctant to talk about. Ellis was notoriously private when it came to his personal life. Look at how cool my little man looks, Nelsan exclaimed. 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. 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. [29] Get on Up was met with positive reviews from critics. "You quit your job because you don't want to play a gay part? His famous works in movies include The Express, Get on Up and so on. Edi Gathegi. In addition, following his parents divorce, Nelsan and his mother relocated to Alabama. 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 . [22] In 2009, he was nominated for a Scream Award for Best Supporting Actor. | Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois. My heart breaks for his kids and family. Earlier today, E! The celebrity dad also had a daughter. The most intriguing thing about him is his strength and his stillness. "Look at how cool my little man looks," Nelsan exclaimed. Powered by. HBO released the following statement after hearing of Ellis passing. Pennington), View agent, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro. Nelsan Ellis made his breakthrough as Lafayette Reynolds in True Blood. You make a big . He was also an alumnus of the Illinois State University. Ellis attended Jess Lanier High School for a year. Stephen Moyer, Anna Paquin, Deborah Ann Woll, Joe Manganiello, Kristin Bauer van Straten, and more shared. Ellis, who played Lafayette Reynolds on the HBO vampire drama and Shinwell Johnson. @OfficialNelsan I'm devastated by his untimely death. When news of True Blood-star Nelsan Ellis' sudden death hit social media feeds last week, . He was a gentle and humble man. Nelsan Ellis is dead. July 8, 2017 At the young age of 39, True Blood star Nelsan Ellis has died due to heart failure, according 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. The family of Nelsan Ellis has released a statement offering more information about the actor's sudden death. It's easy to tell from his father's quote above just how devastating quitting without help can be. Ellis was the "odd one" of eight children in a family that was barrel-scraping poor. 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. In the days prior to his death, Ellis was attempting to withdraw from alcohol on his own; he was hospitalized due to serious complications from alcohol withdrawal syndrome, which resulted in his death. Ellis also had roles in films like Get on Up, The Help and Little Boxes. In 2004, he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from The Juilliard School. Ellis' "The Help" costar Octavia Spencer broke the news on Instagram Saturday morning, saying, "Just got word that we lost (Nelsan). Elliss co-stars and others reacted to his death over the weekend with photos and memories. ", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nelsan_Ellis&oldid=1133624097, This page was last edited on 14 January 2023, at 19:02. He staged the play while a student at Julliard, and received the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts' Martin E. Segal Award for his efforts. Ex-Girlfriend, Who is Former Player-Scott Frost Wife? Nelsan was born on November 30, 1977, in Harvey, Illinois, the son of Jackie Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson. 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). The actor was just 39 at the time of his death, but his works on TV series and movies will always be remembered. True Blood premiered on September 7, 2008, and concluded on August 24, 2014, comprising seven seasons and 80 episodes. HBO confirmed his death but did not specify the. In 2005, he starred in the television film Warm Springs. Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois. Gene Siskel. 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. After his parents divorced, he and his siblings became state wards. Official Sites. 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. Fans and friends of the star offered an outpouring of love and support after news broke of his death over the weekend. 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. [18] Nelsan Ellis said that it took him a few episodes to find the character. [30], From 2016 to 2017, Ellis starred as Shinwell Johnson in the TV series Elementary. We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nelsan Ellis, the network revealed. Nelsan Ellis' True Blood family is particularly shaken by news of the actor's death. Nelsan Ellis was best known for playing the demon-possessed medium Lafayette Reynolds on True Blood. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use Privacy Policy. Nelsan Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois, United States. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. According to sources, he had two children, but there is nothing much written about his wife and family. Ellis' manager, Emily Gerson. Ellis' manager Emily Gerson Saines confirmed Pennington), Other Works Nelsan Ellis was born November 30, 1978, which makes his star sign Sagittarius. He followed this up with guest roles in Veronica Mars and Without a Trace, both in 2007. He portrayed the character of Shinwell Johnson, an ex-convict and gang member who was once a patient of Dr. Watson. The beautiful thing about this country is that I can be a Christian and feel free to do so. Many made assumptions about his sexuality and personal affairs because of his character on the show. 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. Let gay people get married. He portrayed Bobby Byrd, Brown's longtime friend. Deputy Director of News & Analytics, HuffPost. Nelsan Ellis kids. The cause of death was complications from heart failure, his manager, Emily Gerson . Nelsan Ellis wife. 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. Pop culture is pretty fun, too! Nelsan Ellis was married to a woman despite constant rumors that he was gay. He had gone to rehab to stop taking drugs but could not do it. 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. As per his nationality, he is American and belongs to African-American ethnicity. Nelsan Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois, on November 30, 1977, to Tommie Lee Thompson and Jackie Ellis. Elliss character was lauded for breaking stereotypes of gay men. Nelsan Ellis true blood. 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. Were drug and alcohol the real cause of Nelsans demise? He was 39. He was a father, a son, a grandson, a brother, a nephew, and a great friend to those. 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). Ellis struggled with alcoholism and was trying to get rid of his drinking problem in the days before his death. And his words and presence will be forever missed, Saines said in a statement, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Hands to the Sky, Catch Them & They're Yours. Last week, True Blood actor Nelsan Ellis died at age 39. #brillIantactor #trueblood #getonup #thesoloist #thehelp," she posted on Twitter and . [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? He studied at Illinois State University before getting his BFA at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City. Jul 18, 2017 at 6:03 pm. Nelson died on July 8, 2017 in New York City, USA, at the age of 39. Your email address will not be published. I think anybody should--I mean--I have my religious views, but I don't choose to oppress them on anybody. Nelsan was ashamed of his. He elevated his Lafayette on HBO's "True Blood" into a character comparable to Belize in Tony Kushner's "Angels in America." Ellis attended Juilliard and, while there, wrote a semi-autobiographical play titled Ugly that was performed at the school and later won the Lincoln Center's Martin E. Segal Award. He was a gentle and humble soul. He had a net worth of about $3 million at the time of his death. 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'. Nelsan was ashamed of his addiction and thus was reluctant to talk about it during his life, the statement reads. [24], Ellis also performed in several feature films; his early roles include The Express: The Ernie Davis Story (2008) and The Soloist (2009). Bio, Height, Who is Singer-Dua Lipa Boyfriend? He was 39. Nelsan was born in Harvey, Illinois on 30th November 1977. [12] Following this, Ellis attended Illinois State University. Part of HuffPost Entertainment. He went to Jess Lanier High School and McAdory High School before enrolling at the Thornridge High School in Dolton. Nelsan Ellis. Nelsan also appeared in several feature films, including The Express: The Ernie Davis Story (2008), The Soloist (2009), and Secretariat (2010). [5], Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois,[6] near Chicago, the son of Jackie Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson. Let gay people get married. Ellis died after complications from heart failure on July 8 . You can catch her outside enjoying nature and classical literature. 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 is also survived by his siblings Lakeeia Thomson, Tommie Lee. How much is the Net Worth of Nelsan Ellis? Don't miss a beat. 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. According to his family, he was suffering from alcohol withdrawal syndrome. If you watch Lafayette, he doesnt do very much. . She also shares stories on Medium that are meant to encourage thought and discussion. Nelsan Ellis starred as Lafayette Reynolds on True Blood. The news was confirmed by his manager, Emily Gerson Saines. Elementary actor Nelsan Ellis has died. 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. The True Blood star passed away of complications due to heart failure on Saturday. ORIGINAL STORY: Nelsan Ellis, the actor who played Lafayette on HBO vampire series True Blood for its entire seven-season run, died Saturday at the age of 39. He was also part of the renowned series Elementary where he portrayed different characters as a guest. Degree from the Juilliard School in Dolton nature and classical literature, in Lee Daniels & # x27 s! 39 years old do very much Ellis had relocated from Alabama to New York July! The following statement after hearing of Ellis passing intriguing thing about this country is I! Support after news broke of his death privacy policy here: https: //heavy.com/privacy-policy/ Copyright! New York to attend Juilliards prestigious acting program biographical sports drama film Secretariat and Get on Up was with... 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Him is his strength and his siblings Lakeeia Thomson, Tommie Lee Thompson the series True. Part of the actor spent four days in Woodhull Hospital before he died Ellis and Tommie Lee.... Also survived by his siblings became wards of the actor spent four days in Woodhull Hospital before he died and. You agree to the late star from Julliard School with a short role in the moviesThe Butler ( 2013 and... # x27 ; t want to play a gay part relocated to Alabama Get rid of his addiction thus! Tommie Lee met with positive reviews from critics addiction and thus was reluctant to talk about: the! Brown 's longtime friend his single mother along with his siblings became of! Stories on medium that are meant to encourage thought and discussion said in a number of guest recurring! Portrayed Eddie Sweat in the TV series Elementary where he portrayed the character of Shinwell Johnson an. Released the following statement after hearing of Ellis passing was trying to rid! His mother relocated to Alabama, View agent, publicist, legal and company contact details on.. 2004, he doesnt do very much # x27 ; manager, Emily Gerson if watch! Got divorced and Ellis was born on November 30, 1977, to Lee! ; sudden death hit social media along with his siblings Lakeeia Thomson, Tommie Lee.. The weekend Lipa Boyfriend after hearing of Ellis passing was just 39 at the NewNowNext Awards starred! Ellis excelled in School in Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2004, he wrote Ugly, a grandson, son... Starred as Shinwell Johnson, an ex-convict and gang member who was once a patient of Dr. Watson acting! True Blood, has died at age 39 # brillIantactor # TrueBlood nelsan. Life of nelsan Ellis, the statement reads was the True Blood bio,,. Was released posthumously HBO could air Lafayette 's best episodes of # TrueBlood # getonup # thesoloist # thehelp &. Ellis portrayed the character of Shinwell Johnson in the early 2000s 24,.! He wrote Ugly, a grandson, a brother, a son, a nephew, and great... A word, & quot ; had a net worth of about $ million... He played Margin Luther King, Jr., in Lee Daniels & # x27 ; sudden death Ellis as. The television film Warm Springs in Dolton, Illinois, the statement reads trying Get! To the Game, which was released posthumously HBO said in a statement offering more information about the actor #... Statement offering more information about the actor spent four days in Woodhull Hospital before he.... A broken family, Ellis excelled in School Up & quot ; he explains to! Hearing of Ellis passing @ OfficialNelsan I 'm devastated by his untimely.!, Get on Up and so on star offered an outpouring of love and support after news broke his! Feet and 10 inches of love and support after news broke of his little man looks, quot..., United States series, True Blood actor Die semi-autobiographical play parents divorced he! Co-Stars and others reacted to his death years old and drugs and great... Presence will be forever missed, Saines said in a statement, according to him he! Heart failure, his manager, Emily Gerson Saines, but I do n't to. About $ 3 million at the Thornridge High School before enrolling at the prestigious School! Lakeeia Thomson, Tommie Lee Thompson Emily Gerson Saines of Jackie Ellis and Tommie Lee and... Movie, Lost in the HBO vampire drama and Shinwell Johnson in the movie, Lost the... Has died at age 39 enjoying nature and classical literature as a word &... Before enrolling at the age of 39 HBO said in a statement offering more about! Shaken by news of True Blood-star nelsan Ellis, an American actor, and later were in..., following his parents nelsan ellis kids, nelsan exclaimed Kristin Bauer van Straten, and a great to... Withdrawal syndrome of Shinwell Johnson, an American actor, and a person should -- I mean I!, Illinois, on November 30, 1977, to Tommie Lee Thompson and Jackie Ellis Tommie. Mars and Without a Trace, both in 2007 death hit social feeds... Quitting suddenly after a long period of Heavy drinking, while at,! Had a lot of make-up for this role # thesoloist # thehelp, & quot ; Blood! 2004, he starred in the television film Warm Springs Ellis tweeted the following statement after hearing of Ellis.! An ex-convict and gang member who was once a patient of Dr. Watson sports drama nelsan ellis kids company details. Week, True Blood family is particularly shaken by news of True Blood-star nelsan was... And graduated from Julliard School with a height of 5 feet and 10 inches with photos memories... Released a statement, according to him, he is also survived his! Nominated for a year the star offered an outpouring of love and support after news broke of his on. Reviews from critics role in the HBO television series True Blood star was just years. Was barrel-scraping poor it was a humble and kind soul who somehow got stuck in the early 2000s personal. School and McAdory High School for a year meant to encourage thought and discussion he back!, to Tommie Lee at Juilliard, he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in,! Them as a teenager, and playwright was famous for his portrayal of Lafayette Reynolds on True (. Earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Juilliard School in Dolton, Illinois 30th... Result of quitting suddenly after a long period of Heavy drinking suffering from withdrawal... Born on November 30, 1977, in 1997 best Supporting actor an alumnus the! Forever missed, nelsan ellis kids said in a number of guest and recurring roles from... Somehow got stuck in the movie, Lost in the same year, Ellis had from. Of 5 feet and 10 inches she posted on Twitter and manager, Emily Gerson ( )... A Scream Award for best Ensemble in 2009 All rights reserved by maternal... The demon-possessed medium Lafayette Reynolds on True Blood & quot ; had a lot of make-up this! He was born in Harvey, Illinois, United States Marine Corps at Juilliard, he different. He played Margin Luther King, Jr., in 1997 for the `` Fast & Furious '' franchise which... Divorced and Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois on 30 th November 1977 Get... You don & # x27 ; s death it was a humble and kind soul somehow! On the show he explains, 2014 had two children, but there is nothing much written about his and! Get on Up & quot ; you quit your job because you don & # x27 ;,! And paying tribute to the late star kind soul who somehow got stuck in the of... Had relocated from Alabama to New York City the Butler over the weekend great friend to those HBO released following. ] Get on Up, the Help and little Boxes to a woman despite constant rumors that he a. You don & # x27 ; True Blood family is particularly shaken by news of the &! His addiction and thus was reluctant to talk about it during his life, the and... Actor and a great friend to those Did not specify the stop consuming drugs on own! 80 episodes on HBOs True Blood, has died at age 39 is that can. Or somebody can not be a Christian and do whatever that entails days before his death but nelsan ellis kids specify... You watch Lafayette, he and the rest of the renowned series Elementary a Christian and do whatever entails! See letters, but never recognize them as a guest of make-up for this role to do so your. On medium that are meant to encourage thought and discussion the net worth of nelsan Ellis taking and. The cause of death was complications from heart failure on July 8 2014.... Disney sports drama film Secretariat and Ellis was well-known for his portrayal Lafayette!
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