True Blood star Nelsan Ellis has died after complications from heart failure. He was 39.
The American actor is best known for playing much-loved True Blood character Lafayette Reynolds in seven series of the HBO horror-drama from 2008 to 2014.
R.I.P. Nelsan Ellis, whose Lafayette Reynolds was the heart of #TrueBlood: https://t.co/TthYajR4Uv pic.twitter.com/NPb8YzLkOh
— Nerdist (@nerdist) July 8, 2017
His manager Emily Gerson Saines confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter, saying: "He was a great talent, and his words and presence will be forever missed."
HBO released a statement which read: "We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nelsan Ellis.
"Nelsan was a long-time member of the HBO family whose groundbreaking portrayal of Lafayette will be remembered fondly."
Meanwhile, True Blood creator, Alan Ball said: "Nelsan was a singular talent whose creativity never ceased to amaze me. Working with him was a privilege."
Ellis' friends and fellow co-stars took to Twitter to pay their regards to the late actor.
My heart is broken by the passing of Nelsan Ellis. A truly beautiful person. My love to his family and friends. #RIPNelsanEllis #TrueBlood pic.twitter.com/ZUor1yx4Yg
— Deborah Ann Woll (@DeborahAnnWoll) July 8, 2017
The few times I got to sit w/ Nelsan Ellis, he was incredibly sincere, thoughtful and generous. His tremendous talent spoke for itself. #RIP pic.twitter.com/QHTbTGRATO
— jesse Williams. (@iJesseWilliams) July 9, 2017
With the death of Nelsan Ellis, I am reminded of the famous line: "Attention must be finally paid to such a man." Death of a Salesman. RIP
— Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) July 9, 2017
It was an utter privilege to work with the phenomenally talented and deeply kind soul .@OfficialNelsan I'm devastated by his untimely death. pic.twitter.com/If17csduHz
— Anna Paquin (@AnnaPaquin) July 8, 2017
I don't know if I've ever seen the level of humility and kindness that came with the Magnificent Talent that Nelsan Ellis had. Miss u friend
— Sam Trammell (@SamTrammell) July 8, 2017
Rise in Peace, King. And thank you for sharing your gifts with us. You made a difference. #nelsanellis pic.twitter.com/blav8fr3Qc
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) July 8, 2017
No one could raise a brow like @OfficialNelsan An army of us r left wanting more. Wherever you are sir,wish u peace. pic.twitter.com/4NBRSSRKwF
— Lauren Bowles (@LaurenEBowles) July 8, 2017
As well as True Blood, Ellis appeared in numerous film and TV shows, including The Help, The Soloist, The Butler, Get On Up and Elementary.
