On Saturday, the world lost a brilliant star. Nelsan Ellis was only 39 years old when he passed away, shocking friends and fans alike. Best known for his role as Lafeyette on HBO’s True Blood, he became a series regular on the show due to his popularity. In fact, it is impossible for a fan to think of True Blood without thinking of the ever effervescent Lafayette Reynolds who was the heart of the series. The actor also became a regular on Elementary, appeared in numerous films, and left behind a continuing rising career.
According to THR, Ellis had died due to heart failure caused by addiction to drugs and alcohol. In a statement released by the family, they said he was trying to overcome his addiction when his death occured.
Nelsan’s father has bravely agreed for me to share the circumstances of Nelsan’s heart failure. Nelsan has suffered with drug and alcohol abuse for years. After many stints in rehab, Nelsan attempted to withdraw from alcohol on his own. According to his father, during his withdrawal from alcohol he had a blood infection, his kidneys shut down, his liver was swollen, his blood pressure plummeted, and his dear sweet heart raced out of control.
On the morning of Saturday July 8th, after four days in Woodhull Hospital, Nelsan was pronounced dead. Nelsan was a gentle, generous and kind soul. 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 was ashamed of his addiction and thus was reluctant to talk about it during his life. His family, however, believes that in death he would want his life to serve as a cautionary tale in an attempt to help others.
Since the announcement of his death, his True Blood co-stars, other colleagues and fans have be reminiscing and grieving. Sharing photos, memories or just praising him as a person – it’s incredibly apparent that he was a joy to work with and is truly missed. Here are some reactions by castmates, shows and colleagues. We send our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.
https://twitter.com/MRaymondJames/status/883773712679317504
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
Crushed today by the loss of my friend and castmate Nelsan Ellis. He was a wonderful person, a pioneer, and a one of a kind artist. RIP pic.twitter.com/fvtquhIac7
— JOE MANGANIELLO (@JoeManganiello) July 8, 2017
So blessed to share the screen with you you beautiful man. pic.twitter.com/DCD6WLAdJn
— Todd Lowe (@Todd__Lowe) July 8, 2017
Nelsan Ellis was truly remarkable. A brilliant, charismatic, intelligent, soulful, wonderful dude. this is just completely tragic.
— Stephen Moyer (@smoyer) July 8, 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
Dearest #NelsanEllis , may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest, you phenomenally talented genius…. pic.twitter.com/2OamZvBVNe
— Carrie Preston (@carriepreston) 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
Stunned & heart broken about @OfficialNelsan A brilliantly talented & thoughtful actor. His humanity & sense of humor will be remembered.
— Tara Buck (@iamtarabuck) July 8, 2017
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
I am speechless… I am heartbroken… Rest In Peace my friend @OfficialNelsan pic.twitter.com/nvyzM8QoI7
— Kevin Alejandro (@kevinmalejandro) July 8, 2017
https://twitter.com/ava/status/883815430330097664
We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nelsan Ellis. He will be dearly missed by his fans and all of us at HBO.
— HBO (@HBO) July 8, 2017
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWUP1EPDKUx/
I can't believe this… What a loss. A genius actor and incredibly kind human being. Heartbreaking. https://t.co/vpGt19MbJF
— Brit Morgan (@MsBritMorgan) July 8, 2017
Heartbroken over the passing of Nelsan Ellis. He was always so sweet to me and so entertaining to watch in screen.
— Gabby Sidibe (@GabbySidibe) July 8, 2017
My heart is broken today over the loss of @OfficialNelsan I was in complete awe of your talent and so honored to have known your kindness.
— Anna Camp (@TheRealAnnaCamp) July 8, 2017
Heart is shattered hearing of tragic news of #NelsanEllis passing. Devastated.He possessed such humility & fearless talent. U r deeply loved
— Michelle Forbes (@MishkaForbes) July 8, 2017
Nelsan Ellis was a gifted artist. We join his fans in remembering his accomplishments & extend our sympathies to his family and friends.
— Elementary (@Elementary_CBS) July 9, 2017
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