The news was confirmed by Ellis’ manager, Emily Gerson Saines, who on Saturday released a statement stating, “Nelsan has passed away after complications with heart failure. He was a great talent, and his words and presence will be forever missed.”
HBO also released a statement, remembering the actor, for his association with the network:
“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.”
Ellis got his first big break in 2007 the HBO show, and ran for a total of 6 years. The actor also played Martin Luther King Jr. in the Lee Daniels directed drama, ‘The Butler’ and was also cast in the James Brown biopic, ‘Get On Up’ for portraying Bobby Byrd.
Thoughts and prayers go out to his fans, friends and family.
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