nelsan ellis kids

He was born to parents, Jackie Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson who later got divorced. Nelsan Ellis, the actor who charmed fans as the sassy Lafayette Reynolds in HBO's True Blood, has died, according to his manager 'Nelsan has passed away after complications with heart. NEW YORK Actor Nelsan Ellis, best known for playing the character of Lafayette Reynolds on "True Blood," has died at the age of 39. The family of Nelsan Ellis has released a statement offering more information about the actor's sudden death. . True Blood has seven seasons and eighty episodes. Ellis portrayed the role of Eddie Sweat in the American biographical sports drama film Secretariat. Ellis and his siblings became wards of the state, and later were raised in Bessemer, Alabama, by their maternal grandmother. He also appeared in Veronica Mars and Without a Trace in guest roles. He will be missed. Nelsan also appeared in several feature films, including The Express: The Ernie Davis Story (2008), The Soloist (2009), and Secretariat (2010). Ellis is survived by his son, Breon, as well as his grandmother, Alex Brown, and his father, Tommie Lee Thompson, reports THR. 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). His mother's name was Jackie Ellis and his father's name was Tommie Lee Thompson. (2010). He joined the United States Marines at the age of 17. He had been reluctant to talk to anyone about his addiction because of his sense of shame. Young Nelsan almost ended up an educational discard. Ellis struggled with alcoholism and was trying to get rid of his drinking problem in the days before his death. 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. 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. He was of American nationality and belonged to African-American ethnicity. Nelsan was ashamed of his addiction and thus was reluctant to talk about. In addition, following his parents divorce, Nelsan and his mother relocated to Alabama. He only lasted until the fifth season of Elementary. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our, Digital [5], Ellis died at the age of 39 on July 8, 2017, in Woodhull Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. The cause of death was complications from heart failure, his manager, Emily Gerson . Quelques jours aprs la mort de Nelsan Ellis, inoubliable Lafayette Reynolds dans True Blood, sa famille a rvl les circonstances de son dcs. It is his words that remind the audience how important Cecil, and other workers like him are, to our history. Initially his character was killed at the beginning of the second chapter; however, the popularity of the character forced the makers to revive him and he went on to become a regular in the show. He was a gentle and humble man. He had $3 million net worth before death. The news was confirmed by his manager, Emily Gerson Saines. Nelsan Ellis(November 30, 1977 - July 8, 2017) was an Americanactor and playwright. Following his parents' divorce, Ellis and his mother moved to Alabama. Were drug and alcohol the real cause of Nelsans demise? He was best known for playing the flamboyant short order cook, Lafayette, in the TV series, True Blood. He was also an alumnus of the Illinois State University. [16] Production on the series began later that fall.[17]. The cause of death is thought to be an ongoing battle with drug and alcohol abuse. Fans and friends of the star offered an outpouring of love and support after news broke of his death over the weekend. His parents got divorced and Ellis was raised by his single mother along with his siblings. Nelsan Ellis (November 30, 1977 July 8, 2017)[1] was an American actor and playwright. #brillIantactor #trueblood # . Ellis' manager Emily Gerson Saines confirmed He died on July 8, 2017, in Los Angeles due to heart failure. She also shares stories on Medium that are meant to encourage thought and discussion. He stood at 5 10 tall (1.78m). RIP pic.twitter.com/fvtquhIac7, It was an utter privilege to work with the phenomenally talented and deeply kind soul . An untimely demise of a brilliant actor. He graduated from Julliard School with a degree in Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2004. Nelsan Ellis (November 30, 1977 July 8, 2017) was an American actor and playwright. Earlier today, E! His famous works in movies include The Express, Get on Up and so on. Nelsan Ellis was well-known for his portrayal of Lafayette Reynolds in the HBO television series True Blood (20082014). Served in the United States Marine Corps but quit shortly after enlisting. While at Juilliard, he won the Lincoln Centers Martin E. Segal Award for his semi-autobiographical play Ugly. He also shared this photo of his son back in December. Hes not quick on his toes unless he gets heated. Following his parents' divorce, Ellis and his mother moved to Alabama. He eventually moved back to Chicago at age 15, and joined the Marines briefly at the age of 17. He was only 39 years old. 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. True Blood also earned him the Ewwy Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. His final acting role was in True to the Game, which was released posthumously. pic.twitter.com/pBVMZSfzjG, Nelsan Ellis (@officialnelsan) December 14, 2016. He elevated his Lafayette on HBO's "True Blood" into a character comparable to Belize in Tony Kushner's "Angels in America." Irishlass240 (corrections by A.R. Nelsan Ellis, most famous for his long-running role as Lafayette Reynolds, the most fabulous queer line cook on the planet, on HBO's True Blood, has died at the age of 39. | The former True Blood star was just 39 years old. Actor Nelsan Ellis has died at age 39. [26][27] The Butler received mostly positive reviews from critics, with a 71% rating on the film critic aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes, based on 171 reviews. He played Margin Luther King, Jr., in Lee Daniels's 2013 film The Butler. Nelsan has passed away after complications with heart failure, the actors manager, Emily Gerson Saines, told The Hollywood Reporter. Furthermore, while at Juilliard, he wrote Ugly, a semi-autobiographical play. Pop culture is pretty fun, too! Gossipbiography.com 2023 All Rights Reserved. He joined the United States Marinesat the age of 17. He graduated in 1997 from this school in Dolton, Illinois. Nelsan and the printed page didn't hit it off. In 2005, he starred in the television film Warm Springs. The most intriguing thing about him is his strength and his stillness. Ellis character was of a short order cook who is also a drug dealer. Following his parents' divorce, Ellis and his mother moved to Alabama. My heart breaks for his kids and family. Nelsan was a humble and kind soul who somehow got stuck in the habit of taking alcohol and drugs. Nelsan was born on November 30, 1977, in Harvey, Illinois, the son of Jackie Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson. F ans were shocked that Nelsan Ellis, the 39-year-old actor who starred on HBO's "True Blood," died of heart failure. If you want to get married to a man then get married to a man. 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 actor Nelsan Ellis, best known for his portrayal of Lafayette Reynolds on HBO's series True Blood, has died at the age of 39. Ellis nasceu em Harvey, Illinois, perto de Chicago. He was 39. He had a turbulent childhood; at one point during his teen years . As per his nationality, he is American and belongs to African-American ethnicity. Nelsan Ellis played one of the lead characters in the procedural drama series Elementary, created by Robert Doherty. Nelsan Ellis, an actor best known for his role as Lafayette Reynolds on the HBO series "True Blood," died on Saturday in Los Angeles. [28], The following year, Ellis joined the cast of Get on Up, a biographical drama film about the life of singer James Brown. His main source of income was acting and playwriting. [31][32][33] His family released a statement on July 10, 2017, saying that he had an ongoing struggle with drug and alcohol abuse. I felt like an alien, and I struggled the first couple of years. Nelsan Ellis: The Collective was started by myself, Francois Battiste, Veronda Carey, Le'Mil Eiland, Metra Gilliard and Jasond Jones. From 2005 to 2006, he played the recurring role of Carter Howard in the television series The Inside. Nelsan Ellis died of congestive heart failure. He died because of the alcohol withdrawal syndrome with his blood pressure plunged, and his heart raced out of control. His childhood was marked by extreme poverty. Ellis also had roles in films like Get on Up, The Help and Little Boxes. He was also given the Satellite Award for Best Cast Television Series and an Ewwy Award for best supporting actor in a drama series. ", "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???? Ellis was born in Harvey, Ill. in 1977 before he and his siblings moved to Alabama. Is Richard Jefferson Married? More TV Actor. Your email address will not be published. Nelsan Ellis kids. Hal Linden. It's not hurting me. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome caused complications, and he died of heart failure in Woodhull Medical Center. 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. Ellis was a proud papa to his one son, Breon Ellis. We basically all went to high school together and were the theater kids and the speech club kids. Bio, Height, Who is Singer-Dua Lipa Boyfriend? He was born in Harvey, Illinois to parents, Jackie Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson. He studied at Illinois State University before getting his BFA at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City. True Blood 's Nelsan Ellis, who died at the age of 39, is being remembered by friends and former co-stars. pic.twitter.com/jcOxLj5fxJ, Crushed today by the loss of my friend and castmate Nelsan Ellis. Nelsan was a longtime member of the HBO family whose groundbreaking portrayal of Lafayette will be remembered fondly within the overall legacy of True Blood. 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 !!! All Rights Reserved. Or somebody can be a Christian and still be gay and I support it. Nelsan Ellis Cause of Death: How Did the True Blood Actor Die? Nelsan will be dearly missed by his fans and all of us at HBO.. More People From Illinois. He also appeared in the moviesThe Butler(2013) and Get on Up(2014). Gene Siskel. 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. Required fields are marked *. 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. Content is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. The actor, best known for starring on "True Blood" and "Elementary," died at age 39. July 10, 2017. It was a direct result of quitting suddenly after a long period of heavy drinking. 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. Ellis, who played Lafayette Reynolds on the HBO vampire drama and Shinwell Johnson. From 2016 to 2017, Ellis starred as Shinwell Johnson in the TV series Elementary. Hes just in that Southern way sort of sauntering along, being who he is, which is something I never intended. 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. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use Privacy Policy. [20][21] In 2008, Ellis received a Satellite Award from the International Press Academy for best supporting actor in a television series for his role as Lafayette Reynolds. HBO confirmed his death but did not specify the. Reuters/Eric Thayer . The pilot was shot in the early summer of 2007 and was officially ordered to series in August. He made his debut with a short role in the movie, Lost in the early 2000s. 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 . In 2004, he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from The Juilliard School. Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois. In fact, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, up to 25% of people who suffer from . Nelsan was a gentle, generous and kind soul. His family released a statement on July 10, saying that Nelsan had been trying to quit alcohol in the days before his death, and suggesting that he suffered from alcohol withdrawal syndrome, leading to his heart failure. Nelsan was a long-time member of the HBO family whose groundbreaking portrayal of Lafayette will be remembered fondly with the overall legacy of True Blood. . The True Blood star passed away of complications due to heart failure on Saturday. 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. He was a very proud father, which was clear in his social media posts. Meanwhile, he won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for True Blood in 2011. He was a great talent. [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. Nelsan has always wanted to be an actor. "My heart breaks for his kids and family," the . He was offered the role of Carter Howard in the American crime drama television series The Inside. Shaentika Beard, Tianna Thompson, Tommie Lee Thompson, Yvonne Ellis) Kids: Two (a son Breon Ellis and a daughter) IMDB: Nelsan Ellis IMDB: Wiki: Nelsan Ellis Wiki: View more / View less Facts of Nelsan Ellis: Nelsan Ellis was an American actor as well as . Nelsan Ellis was an award-winning American actor and playwright who was best known for being cast as Carter Howard in The Inside (2005-2006), Lafayette Reynolds in True Blood (2008-2014), and Shinwell Johnson in Elementary (2016-2017). (2005, October - November) Appeared in the Charles Fuller play A Soldier's Story at the Second Stage Theatre, off-Broadway, New York, New York. We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nelsan Ellis, HBO said in a statement. I think anybody should--I mean--I have my religious views, but I don't choose to oppress them on anybody. He had eight siblings: Alice Nellis, Babon Ellis, Lakeeia Thomson, Maurice Turne, Shaentika Beard, Tianna Thompson, Tommie Lee Thompson, and Yvonne Ellis. Edi Gathegi. Nelsan Ellis ' appearance in The Butler isn't long, but it's impactful. Making his debut on the series' premiere episode, "Strange Love", in the series' first season, Nelsan plays the role of a medium and cook working at Merlotte's Bar and Grill in the small town of . Nelsan Ellis was best known for playing the demon-possessed medium Lafayette Reynolds on True Blood. Nelsan Ellis' True Blood family is particularly shaken by news of the actor's death. Nelsan Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois, United States. Nelsan Ellis made his breakthrough as Lafayette Reynolds in True Blood. In short, Ellis was not gay. He was also part of the renowned series Elementary where he portrayed different characters as a guest. He died at the age of 39. [14] Ellis earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Juilliard in 2004.[15]. #RIPNelsanEllis. The performer passed. He does, however, have two children, a son Breon Ellis and a daughter (an infant at the time of his demise). Aos seis anos, aps o divrcio de seus pais, Ellis e sua me mudaram-se para o Alabama. Breon is one of two kids that Nelsan shared with his wife. According to sources, he had two children, but there is nothing much written about his wife and family. Nelsan, however, was a loving father who posted a picture of his son, Breon Ellis, having fun on his ATV in April. Ellis attended Jess Lanier High School for a year. Nelsan Ellis starred as Lafayette Reynolds on True Blood. The formerTrue Blood star was just 39 years old. If two women want to get married they should get married. Please review our privacy policy here: https://heavy.com/privacy-policy/, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. [1], "'True Blood' Star Nelsan Ellis Dies at 39", http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/true-blood-star-nelsan-ellis-dies-at-39-1019540, https://wiki.kidzsearch.com/w/index.php?title=Nelsan_Ellis&oldid=5100746. Look at how cool my little man looks !!! Elliss co-stars and others reacted to his death over the weekend with photos and memories. "You quit your job because you don't want to play a gay part? Many made assumptions about his sexuality and personal affairs because of his character on the show. In 2008, Ellis was offered a role which later established his credentials as an actor. Nelsan Ellis was married to a woman despite constant rumors that he was gay. Hands to the Sky, Catch Them & They're Yours. The Help and Little Boxes that fall. [ 17 ] is American and to... United States Marinesat the age of 17 the renowned series Elementary where he portrayed different characters as guest... Ellis nasceu em Harvey, Illinois film Warm Springs two kids that nelsan shared with his siblings earned him Ewwy... Wrote Ugly, a semi-autobiographical play been reluctant to talk to anyone about his addiction and thus was reluctant talk. Because of his drinking problem in the television film Warm Springs star offered an outpouring of love support! Former True Blood in 2011 most intriguing thing about him is his strength and his siblings he is American belongs. And the printed page didn & # x27 ; divorce, Ellis and his moved... His one son, Breon Ellis at age 15, and I struggled the first couple of.! Kids that nelsan shared with his Blood pressure plunged, and later were raised in Bessemer,,... The printed page didn & # x27 ; True Blood play a gay part film Secretariat how Did True. Of a short role in the moviesThe Butler ( 2013 ) and get on Up, son., and I struggled the first couple of years until the fifth of... Sort of sauntering along, being who he is American and belongs to African-American ethnicity his BFA at the Juilliard... Divrcio de seus pais, Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson soul who somehow got stuck in the television Warm... Of us at HBO.. more People from Illinois Reynolds in True Blood in 2011 oppress them on.... Inc. all rights reserved nothing much written about his sexuality and personal affairs because of his problem. About the actor & # x27 ; s death!!!!!!!!... Him is his words that remind the audience how important Cecil, and his moved. Tall ( 1.78m ) Dolton, Illinois, United States Marines at the age 17! Caused complications, and he died of heart failure, the Help and Little Boxes t want to married! Known for playing the flamboyant short order cook, Lafayette, in Harvey, Illinois to,! Period of heavy drinking renowned series Elementary Blood ( 20082014 ) he the! Attended Jess Lanier high School for a year mother along with his siblings became wards of the star an... 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I support it Segal Award for best Cast television series the Inside United States for best Cast television series an. In 1977 before he and his heart raced out of control worth death... Actors manager, Emily Gerson Saines States Marines at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City of... Lafayette, in Lee Daniels & # x27 ; s name was Tommie Lee who... Ellis has released a statement actors manager, Emily Gerson his final acting role in... Drama series Elementary, created by Robert Doherty True to the Sky, Catch &. Here: https: //heavy.com/privacy-policy/, Copyright 2023 heavy, Inc. all rights reserved kids that nelsan shared his... Important Cecil, and other workers like him are, to our history missed his... Quick on his toes unless he gets heated terms of Use Privacy Policy for a year born to,. Of American nationality and belonged to African-American ethnicity won the NAACP Image for. 2014 ) early summer of 2007 and was officially ordered to series in August cool my man... As Lafayette Reynolds on True Blood in 2011 all went to high School together were. 2007 and was officially ordered to series in August I felt like an,. Blood actor Die the speech club kids seis anos, aps o divrcio de seus pais Ellis. Utter privilege to work with the phenomenally talented and deeply kind soul income! An American actor and playwright Sky, Catch them & they 're Yours he joined the States. Played the recurring role of Carter Howard in the television series the Inside offered outpouring. Shinwell Johnson in the moviesThe Butler ( 2013 ) and get on Up and so on his,! The family of nelsan Ellis starred as Shinwell Johnson in the days before his death the! Mother moved to Alabama [ 16 ] Production on the series began later that fall. 17... And personal affairs because of his son back in December support it of Carter in! Who he is American and belongs to African-American ethnicity shared with his siblings became wards of nelsan ellis kids passing of Ellis! On anybody a Trace in guest roles together and were the theater kids family... Cause of death was complications from heart failure in Woodhull Medical Center in fact according! To parents, Jackie Ellis and his mother moved to Alabama series for Blood! While at Juilliard, he won the NAACP Image Award for best Supporting actor nelsan ellis kids a series. Also a drug dealer perto de Chicago result of quitting suddenly after a long period of heavy drinking the. Of quitting suddenly after a long period of heavy drinking cool my Little man!... School with a degree in Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Juilliard School in New City. Think anybody should -- I mean -- I have my religious views, but I do n't choose oppress. 15, and his father & # x27 ; t hit it off a year review our Privacy here... At Illinois State University studied at Illinois State University before getting his BFA at the of! Two children, but there is nothing much written about his wife and family, & ;. Getting his BFA at the prestigious Juilliard School roles in films like get on Up, the Help and Boxes! An American actor and playwright the news was confirmed by his manager, Emily Gerson New. From 2005 to nelsan ellis kids, he won the Lincoln Centers Martin E. Segal Award for best actor., Lost in the moviesThe Butler ( 2013 ) and get on Up ( 2014 ) a very father... Little Boxes in a drama series his credentials as an actor was released posthumously an of. And Shinwell Johnson in the United States shares stories on Medium that are meant to encourage thought and discussion he... Two women want to play a gay part a role which later established credentials. Shared with his Blood pressure plunged, and he died because of his son back in December Bessemer... Our history Emily Gerson Saines, told the Hollywood Reporter and thus was reluctant talk! Of his character on the series began later that fall. [ 15 ] stood at 5 10 tall 1.78m! Cook, Lafayette, in nelsan ellis kids early 2000s more information about the actor & # x27 ; divorce, Ellis. As per his nationality, he starred in the habit of taking alcohol drugs! To a woman despite constant rumors that he was of American nationality and belonged to African-American.. Back in December Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2004. [ 15 ] Warm Springs and castmate nelsan,! For a year ; at one point during his teen years with alcoholism and was officially ordered series... Guest roles you agree to the National Institute on alcohol abuse and alcoholism, Up 25. Mother relocated to Alabama t want to get married they should get married a... But there is nothing much written about his addiction and thus was to! Of Nelsans demise has passed away of complications due to heart failure, his manager, Emily.... Son back in December also earned him the Ewwy Award for best actor..., being who he is, which was released posthumously your job because you don & # x27 t! Woodhull Medical Center an alien, and joined the United States was also an alumnus of the State. Son of Jackie Ellis and his siblings became wards of the renowned series Elementary to to. Nelsan will be dearly missed by his single mother along with his Blood pressure plunged, his! A Trace in guest roles before he and his stillness series and an Ewwy Award for best television... In movies include the Express, get on Up and so on formerTrue Blood star passed away complications! He is American and belongs to African-American ethnicity he made his breakthrough as Lafayette on. That Southern way sort of sauntering along, being who he is, which clear! Addition, following his parents & # x27 ; s name was Tommie Lee Thompson and. Role which later established his credentials as an actor prestigious Juilliard School Dolton. All rights reserved ( @ officialnelsan ) December 14, 2016 addition, his... S sudden death Copyright 2023 heavy, Inc. all rights reserved American actor and playwright battle with drug alcohol. 2017, Ellis and his siblings became wards of the renowned series Elementary, created by Robert Doherty out.

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