Nelsan Ellis, True Blood’s Lafayette, has passed away at 39
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I don’t know about you, but my Facebook feed blew up on Saturday with the news that Nelsan Ellis, arguably the most beloved actor on the HBO series True Blood, passed away at the age of 39, after complications from heart failure. The actor played the memorable role of Lafayette, a short-order cook at Marlotte’s, on the popular vampire series. In the Charlaine Harris books on which the series was based, his character died, but the actor made him such an integral (and entertaining) component of the show, he survived on the show for over 80 episodes.
During his seven seasons on True Blood, Nelsan won two Satellite Awards, an Ewwy (awarded by Entertainment Weekly magazine) for best supporting dramatic actor, and a NewNowNext Award for actor on the brink of fame. Nelsan also appeared in the films Get On Up, The Stanford Prison Experiment, Little Boxes, The Butler, and The Help and most recently appeared on the CBS drama Elementary.
Nelsan’s True Blood family shared their condolences on social media. Kristin Bauer, a/k/a Pam, said of her former co-star, “One of the sweetest most talented men I’ve ever met. A terrible loss for all of us. Rest In Peace Nelsan. You will be missed. I don’t know how else to put words to this terribly sad news.”
Sam Trammell, who played Sam Merlotte, shared, “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.”
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,” said Joe Manganiello, who played werewolf Alcide.
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
Anna Paquin, who starred at Sookie Stackhouse on the show, tweeted, “It was an utter privilege to work with the phenomenally talented and deeply kind soul .@OfficialNelsan I’m devastated by his untimely death.”
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 always loved the scenes with Lafayette. He was definitely the best part of that show and he will be missed. Rest in peace.
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Photos: Getty Images, WENN.com
Source: Nelsan Ellis, True Blood’s Lafayette, has passed away at 39
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