In sad news, it’s been announced that actor Nelsan Ellis has died aged just 39.
Famed for playing Lafayette Reynolds on HBO’s ‘True Blood,’ the star’s his cause of death was complications related to heart failure.
In a statement, his manager Emily Saines wrote:
“Nelsan has passed away after complications with heart failure. He was a great talent, and his words and presence will be forever missed.”
Popular with fans and producers, his take on the character was actually adapted for a permanent run as he was originally killed-off early in the book series.
Speaking on Ellis’ passing, HBO said:
“We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nelsan Ellis. [He] 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.”
‘True Blood’ creator Alan Ball added:
“Nelsan was a singular talent whose creativity never ceased to amaze me. Working with him was a privilege.”
Ellis, who attended Oxford University and graduated from Juilliard, also appeared in ‘Elementary’ and James Brown biopic ‘Get On Up.’
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. May he rest in peace.