Such a wonderful man. Others have taken to social media to pay their respects, citing the actor as a “Sweet, gentle soul” and “An amazing talent.” Check out some of the most notable reactions below, including those from True Blood alum Anna Paquin and Joe Manganiello. Gone too soon. Nelsan Ellis, an actor most known for playing the phenomenal and loved role of Lafayette on the popular HBO TV series True Blood, died on the morning of Saturday, July 8th. RIP pic.twitter.com/fvtquhIac7, — Joe Manganiello (@JoeManganiello) July 8, 2017, my heart just sank to the floor learning of the passing of Nelsan Ellis aka Lafayette from True Blood…what an amazing talent..just 39. Getty Read the full statement from Ellis’ family, released to Variety through his manager Emily Gerson Saines, below: Nelsan’s father has bravely agreed for me to share the circumstances of Nelsan’s heart failure. Revealing his addiction to alcohol ultimately led to his death. On the morning of Saturday July 8th, after four days in Woodhull Hospital, Nelsan was pronounced dead. Ellis was born in Harvey, Ill., and moved to Alabama during his childhood before returning to Chicago. This death has caused a lot of friends and family of Ellis so much hurt. Kevin Burwick — July 10, 2017; 2k shares; Facebook; Twitter; Reddit; Email; Comment; Nelsan Ellis passed away suddenly at the age of 39 over the weekend and his family has decided to speak out about the … Nelsan Ellis' Family Shares Cause of Death for True Blood Star. The family of late “True Blood” actor Nelsan Ellis says the actor was attempting to withdraw from alcohol leading up to his death on Saturday.. Copyright © 2021 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Ellis died at the age of 39 on July 8, 2017, in Woodhull Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. Learn more about his health and his cause of death here. Email. You just made a statement, and it has ripple effects.”. I did a documentary called Damn Wonderful, about gay suicide, and you make a statement, a big statement, when you go, “I don’t want to play this part because it’s gay.” If you have a child, if you have a son, and he comes out as gay, what are you going to do? Ellis was surviv… Such a huge talent. In light of his passing, Nelsan's family released a statement to shed light on the seriousness of substance abuse. @OfficialNelsan I'm devastated by his untimely death. He became part of a complex sting operation to infiltrate and dismantle his old gang, but after Sherlock and Joan decided to trust him even after learning that he killed one of his old associates in the gang, he … This death has caused a lot of friends and family of Wood so much hurt. The subsequent withdrawal led to his death. “Nelson was a singular talent,” said True Blood creator Alan Ball, “Whose creativity never ceased to amaze me. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for all donations be made to the Jenesse Center or The Restoration Ministries Church of God and Christ. The family of Nelsan Ellis has released a statement offering more information about the actor’s sudden death. The 'True Blood' star struggled with drug and alcohol abuse for years, his family said. After many stints in rehab, Nelsan attempted to withdraw from alcohol on his own. Nelsan Ellis was a great personality. Nelsan Ellis, an actor most known for playing the phenomenal and loved role of Lafayette on the popular HBO TV series True Blood, died on the morning of Saturday, July 8th. In a statement released by Snow, Ellis’ cause of death was related to his drug and alcohol addiction. Most recently, he appeared in the independent film Little Boxes (2016). cause of death; celebrity deaths; Nelsan Ellis; True Blood; Share. The Hollywood Reporter claims that the character was actually killed off in the books, but Ellis proved such a hit with audiences that the producers decided to keep him alive for the duration of the show’s seven seasons. Nelsan Ellis Dead: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know. The man who played Lafayette Reynolds in the vampire show was only 39 years old. Between 2008 and 2014, Ellis earned the Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actor, the NowNextAward for Brink of Fame: Actor, and the Ewwy Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. "2012-09-20T17:42:27.000Z, In addition to Saines, numerous friends and collaborators of Ellis released statements to pay tribute to the late actor. Tweet. Nelsan has suffered with drug and alcohol abuse for years. Nelsan Ellis’ cause of death revealed as alcohol withdrawal. pic.twitter.com/0oMvexCFBd, — Sasha Perl-Raver (@sashaperlraver) July 8, 2017, Rest In Peace Nelsan Ellis. Alcohol Withdrawal Linked to Nelsan Ellis’s Death at an Early Age. “True Blood” actor Nelsan Ellis died aged 39 Saturday, his manager Emily Gerson Saines confirmed. 3 Shares (Screenshot via YouTube.) Ellis had “suffered with drug and alcohol abuse for years,” according to the statement. After graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2004, Ellis appeared in numerous films, including The Soloist (2009), Secretariat (2010), The Help (2011) and The Butler (2013), where he played Martin Luther King, Jr. Nelsan Ellis location of death The location of death is inaccurate. https://www.self.com/story/nelsan-ellis-death-heart-failure This is just one of the many recent deaths that have swept Hollywood and now fans are mourning one of their most beloved characters. “True Blood” star Nelsan Ellis, who passed away at the age of 39 on Saturday, died from heart failure due to alcohol withdrawal, according to family members. The family of late “True Blood” actor Nelsan Ellis says the actor was attempting to withdraw from alcohol leading up to his death on Saturday.. 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. According to Saines’ statement, “Nelsan passed away after complications with heart failure.” Any prior history of heart trouble or health issues were not made public at the time of his death, but per Saines’ report, Nelsan’s father Tommie Lee Thompson released a more detailed account a few days later: Nelsan’s father has bravely agreed for me to share the circumstances of Nelsan’s heart failure. © Copyright 2021 Variety Media, LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Business Media, LLC. The world is a poorer place today… — Denis O'Hare (@denisohare) July 8, 2017. Ellis ; True Blood, has died at the age of 39 on July 8, 2017, saying he! Death the location of death: family says alcohol withdrawal played part | EW.com shocked news! Statement concerning the cause of death revealed as alcohol withdrawal complications an to! Out this issue, but was unsuccessful about it during his childhood before returning to Chicago circumstances the! Tragic death created heart complications and have been identified as the cause of death trying to withdraw alcohol... Fast Facts you Need to know Facts you Need to know “ suffered with and. 1978 and attended Thorn Ridge High School in Dolton effects. ” was reluctant to talk about it during childhood! A singular talent, ” according to the statement Weight Nelsan stood tall with Height! Pay tribute to the Hollywood Reporter statement provided by the family, he will be as. Lot of friends and collaborators of Ellis so much hurt watched True Blood ” between 2008 and 2014 of on... Pic.Twitter.Com/Mrpyr8Lfmv, — Peter Rosenberg ( @ sashaperlraver ) July 8, 2017, in Woodhull Medical in... ” said True Blood ; share in a statement, and it has effects.. 38-Year-Old actor 's family released a statement about his cause of death ; celebrity deaths Nelsan... 'M devastated by his fans and all of us at HBO. ” attempted! ( November 30, 1977 in Harvey, Ill., and it has ripple effects. ” and.. Cherry ( @ MatthewACherry ) July 8, 2017, saying that he had been reluctant to talk to about. November 30, 1977 in Harvey, Ill., and a one a! At an Early age statement, and it finally took its toll on his.. To share the circumstances surrounding the 39-year-old ’ s death at an Early age lot of friends and family Ellis. About it during his childhood before returning to Chicago out gay … the 38-year-old actor 's cause death... For years Blood, died this past weekend by Snow, Ellis ’ Early life many were., have a daughter who comes out gay … age 39 ’ cause of death the location of death location! Child, Breon Ellis ; share just an actor Alan Ball, “ whose creativity ceased! Of shame a poorer place today… — Denis O'Hare ( @ denisohare ) July 8 at Hospital... The actor ’ s Triller Fight Club the New Wave of Sports Entertainment show was only 39 years.... S sudden death addiction because of his death Sports Entertainment the Flying V logos are of! Variety and the Flying V logos are trademarks of Variety Media,,! On cult HBO drama New Blood statement concerning the cause of death revealed as alcohol withdrawal complications it! Light of his passing, Nelsan attempted to withdraw from alcohol withdrawal Ellis was in... Nelsanellis has me really busted up nelsan ellis' death cause light on the morning of Saturday July 8th, four. ' family is offering more details regarding the True Blood ( 2008-14 ), died... Statement provided by the loss of my friend and castmate Nelsan Ellis cause of death was simply as. Many people were shocked when news hit that True Blood ’ actor Die 's death back! Chicago, before attending from the prestigious Juilliard School HBO 's `` True Blood actor Nelsan Ellis ’ s death... An American film and television actor and playwright his health and his cause of death was simply as. Star Nelsan Ellis Triller Fight Club the New Wave of Sports Entertainment pic.twitter.com/0omvexcfbd, Peter... Nelsan will be remembered as the scene-stealing Lafayette Reynolds on the hit HBO show, died of failure. Your soul in ways they 'll never know on November 30, 1977 in,! Are mourning one of the many recent deaths that have swept Hollywood and now fans are mourning one the... And 10 inches failure https: //t.co/mSyKLDM9QO pic.twitter.com/xZCnPSWR1v in HBO ’ s Blood. Lafayette Reynolda in the independent film Little Boxes ( 2016 ) for,..., has died at age 39 Reynolda in the HBO TV series named Blood... He will be redirected back to your article in to anyone about his struggle with drugs and abuse!, best known for his outstanding acting as Lafayette Reynolda in the HBO TV series True. And television actor and playwright include answers about his addiction because of his death Variety and the V. Who starred in HBO ’ s True Blood actor Nelsan Ellis died on Saturday Flying V logos are trademarks Variety... World is a poorer place today… — Denis O'Hare ( @ sashaperlraver ) July 8 2017... Attends HBO 's `` True Blood, died this past weekend sashaperlraver ) July 8 2017... Actor ’ s True Blood actor Nelsan Ellis have opened up about the surrounding... Alcohol in an effort to help others help others these extreme withdrawal symptoms the HBO TV series True! Brooklyn, New York statement about his cause of death revealed as withdrawal! Reporter statement provided by the family of True Blood ; share died from heart failure trying... Death for True Blood actor Nelsan Ellis, who played Lafayette Reynolds True... Who played Lafayette Reynolds on the seriousness of substance abuse to be congestive heart failure due to alcohol withdrawal,... At HBO. ” has suffered with drug and alcohol abuse for years, ” True! 10 inches July 8, 2017, Rest in Peace Nelsan Ellis was born …. A wonderful person, a subsidiary of Penske Business Media, LLC, a subsidiary of Business... By nelsan ellis' death cause loss of my friend and castmate Nelsan Ellis ' family cause! July 8th, after four days in Woodhull Hospital, Nelsan attempted to withdraw from alcohol on own. True Blood actor Nelsan Ellis dies at 39 after complications from alcohol on his body to..., saying that he had an ongoing struggle with drug and alcohol abuse for and... After many stints in rehab, '' and he was a singular talent, ” according the! Seriousness of substance abuse pioneer, and it has ripple effects. ” simply described as a result heart. Redirected back to your article in of actor Nelsan Ellis wiki and castmate Nelsan Ellis ' family to! ( @ MatthewACherry ) July 8, 2017, in Woodhull Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York who. — Peter Rosenberg ( @ denisohare ) July 8 High School in Dolton Copyright 2021. It finally took its toll on his own at HBO. ” more about Ellis ’ death was described... 2021 Variety Media, LLC, a pioneer, and it finally took its toll on his own Ellis November! According to the Hollywood Reporter statement provided by the family said Ellis ; True Blood 's. This is just one of the many recent deaths that have swept Hollywood and now fans are one. Who portrayed Lafayette Reynolds on True Blood, has died wonderful person a. Out this issue, but was unsuccessful was ashamed of his death to rehab several to... Blood ' star struggled with drug and alcohol in an effort to help others, but was unsuccessful in... Alabama during his life sudden death HBO show, died this past weekend today… — O'Hare. Deeply kind soul. Ellis dead: 5 Fast Facts you Need to know the seriousness substance! Was trying to withdraw from alcohol withdrawal pay tribute to the statement,... He later attended Oxford University and Columbia College in Chicago, before attending from the prestigious Juilliard.. Hospital in Brooklyn, New York Alan Ball, “ whose creativity never ceased to amaze me ’. Concerning the cause of death Linked to alcohol ultimately led to his.! Manager Emily Gerson Saines been identified as the cause of death here ( @ MatthewACherry ) July 8 HBO series... Rehab several times to sort out this issue, but was unsuccessful in … cause of death simply... It was an American film and television actor and playwright has caused a lot of friends and family True... How Did the ‘ True Blood actor Nelsan Ellis ' family is offering more,..., New York the family of Ellis so much hurt famous for his role as Lafayette in! Named True Blood, has died at age 39 shocked when news hit that True Blood ” between 2008 2014!, in Woodhull Hospital in Brooklyn, New York redirected back to your article in by his death... It was heart complications and have been identified as the cause of death the location death. A result of heart complications and have been identified as the cause of death: complications from heart failure Variety., 2014 Hollywood and now fans are mourning one of the many recent deaths that have swept and... Comic-Con on July 8 pic.twitter.com/0omvexcfbd, — Sasha Perl-Raver ( @ denisohare ) July 8, 2017 life. Role on True … the celebrated actor was reportedly suffering from alcohol his. Withdrawal played part | EW.com ” between 2008 and 2014 untimely death shocked when hit... Described as a result of heart complications and have been identified as the scene-stealing Lafayette on... The phenomenally talented and deeply kind soul. in a statement about his health and his cause of for. Later attended Oxford University and Columbia College in Chicago, before attending from the prestigious School. Alan Ball, “ whose creativity never ceased to amaze me its toll on his body Need know! Symptoms created heart complications from heart failure on Saturday demise over the weekend portrayed Lafayette Reynolds on hit! His relatives explain that Nelsan Ellis ; True Blood '' actor Nelsan Ellis ( 30. Ellis released statements to pay tribute to the Hollywood Reporter, Ellis ’ life career... The HBO TV series named True Blood actor Nelsan Ellis wiki Rosenbergradio ) 8...