True Blood Actor Dies at 39

Actor Nelsan Ellis, best known for his portrayal of Lafayette Reynolds on HBO’s True Blood passed away on Saturday at the age of 39. Reports say he died after complications from heart failure.

HBO released a statement saying:
“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.””

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

Ellis’ True Blood co-star Stephen Moyer also paid tribute to the actor by sharing a photo of him on Facebook alongside a story from one of his favorite moments on-set:
“I think it would be fair to say that he taught all of us that intent and courage and fearlessness and freedom are the aspects of playing make-believe that spark the corners of the room where the dark is most impenetrable,” he wrote.

Nelsan Ellis was truly remarkable. A brilliant, charismatic, intelligent, soulful, wonderful dude. this is just completely tragic.

— Stephen Moyer (@smoyer) 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

True Blood” costar Joe Manganiello said:
“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.”

So blessed to share the screen with you you beautiful man. pic.twitter.com/DCD6WLAdJn

— Todd Lowe (@Todd__Lowe) July 8, 2017