'True Blood' Stars Mourn Nelsan Ellis, Dead at Age 39: 'A Terrible Loss for All of Us'
On July 8, fans were shocked and heartbroken by the news that "True Blood," had died after complications with heart failure. He was 39.
Ellis acted in other TV shows and films -- including "Elementary," "The Butler," "The Soloist," and "Get on Up" -- but Lafayette was an icon, and Truebies were devastated.
Here are some reactions to Nelsan's passing from his "True Blood" family, including this beautiful story Stephen Moyer (Vampire Bill) posted to Facebook:
HBO statement: "We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of 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. Nelsan will be dearly missed by his fans and all of us at HBO."
"True Blood" creator Alan Ball: "Nelsan was a singular talent whose creativity never ceased to amaze me. Working with him was a privilege."
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
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
Heartbreaking. https://t.co/LuDtfxBUJB
— Deborah Ann Woll (@DeborahAnnWoll) July 8, 2017
Unbelievably sad news. Nelsan was such a sweet, gentle soul with an enormous talent. He will be missed greatly RIP https://t.co/NDdoaeM6Pj
— MichaelRaymond-James (@MRaymondJames) July 8, 2017
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
Me n @SamTrammell sending love 2 our #TrueBlood family during this sad time. Wish we could all be together. #truebloodforever#truetotheendpic.twitter.com/syFW7baLXG
— Michelle Forbes (@MishkaForbes) July 9, 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
Nelsan Ellis was truly remarkable. A brilliant, charismatic, intelligent, soulful, wonderful dude. this is just completely tragic.
— Stephen Moyer (@smoyer) July 8, 2017
According to Variety, Nelsan Ellis is survived by his grandmother, his father, and his son, Breon, as well as seven siblings. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that donations be made to Jenesse.org or RestoreMinistriesChurch.org.
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