Nelsan Ellis, who played Lafayette Reynolds in all seven series of the much-loved TV show True Blood, died over the weekend. He was just 39 years old.
The news was confirmed by his agent, who said that “Nelsan has passed away after complications with heart failure. He was a great talent, and his words and presence will be forever missed”.
Tributes quickly poured in from many of Ellis’ co-stars. Here are just a few of them…
Heartbreaking. https://t.co/LuDtfxBUJB
— Deborah Ann Woll (@DeborahAnnWoll) July 8, 2017
Stunned, devastated by the terrible news of @OfficialNelsan‘s passing. Nelsan was a genius and a beautiful soul. Sending love to his family.
— Michael McMillian (@McMillzz) 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
Nelsan Ellis was truly remarkable. A brilliant, charismatic, intelligent, soulful, wonderful dude. this is just completely tragic.
— Stephen Moyer (@smoyer) 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
.@OfficialNelsan you were pure fucking genius. and all heart. it was an honor to work with you, friend. #truebloodforever pic.twitter.com/0WYmzcVsMT
— Elisabeth R. Finch (@erfinchie) July 8, 2017
HBO, the network behind True Blood, also issued a statement that 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 within the overall legacy of True Blood. Nelsan will be dearly missed by his fans and all of us at HBO.”
Rest in peace, Nelsan Ellis.