Once they get me with the fake eyelashes and the eye makeup, I listen to some Rihanna and I'm there. Nelsan Ellis was best known for playing the demon-possessed medium Lafayette Reynolds on True Blood. Would love your thoughts, please comment. | Remembering the inspiring life of Nelsan Ellis, @JuilliardSchool alum and 2004 Lincoln Center Martin E. Segal Awardee. Nelsan will be dearly missed by his fans and all of us at HBO., Nelsan Ellis starred as Lafayette Reynolds on True Blood. He was diagnosed with dyslexia in second grade. Don't miss a beat. If you want to get married to a man then get married to a man. My heart breaks for his kids and family," she wrote in an Instagram post. Now Nelsan Ellis, the actor who plays Kent's gay lover on the show, is speaking up -- and he's not happy. HBO confirmed his death but did not specify the. Michael Kelly. Now celebrities are reacting on Twitter and paying tribute to the late star. Nelsan Ellis, the actor who lit up the screen on HBO's vampire drama "True Blood," has died at age 39. The news was confirmed by his manager, Emily Gerson Saines. We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nelsan Ellis. Last week, True Blood actor Nelsan Ellis died at age 39. He staged the play while a student at Julliard, and received the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts' Martin E. Segal Award for his efforts. Irishlass240 (corrections by A.R. Born in Harvey, IL. All Rights Reserved. Nelsan Ellis age. [34][35][36] Ellis was survived by his son, Breon Ellis. Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois. Ellis began his career in early 2000, with a role in a short film. Nothing came his way for the next three years until he appeared in a television film Warm Springs as Roy Collier. While at Juilliard, he won the Lincoln Centers Martin E. Segal Award for his semi-autobiographical play Ugly. He also has two children, a son and a newborn daughter. He is also survived by his siblings Lakeeia Thomson, Tommie Lee. He is preparing for the Fast & Furious franchise, which I dont think is ever going to end., Look at how cool my little man looks !!! Wrote the play "Ugly" about the devastating effects of domestic abuse after his sister Alice was shot by her husband in 2002. Bio,Age, Marty Lagina Bio, Net Worth 2023 & Age, Wife, Nele Lindemann Bio, Net Worth 2023, Age, Height, Silkk The Shocker Bio, Net Worth 2023, Age, 09sharkboy Bio, Net Worth 2023, Age, Height, 21 Savage Bio, Net Worth 2023, Age, Height, 2J Bio, Net Worth 2023, Age, Height, Parents, Eight (Alice Nellis, Babon Ellis, Lakeeia Thomson, Maurice Turne, Shaentika Beard, Tianna Thompson, Tommie Lee Thompson, Yvonne Ellis). Nelsan Ellis (November 30, 1977 - July 8, 2017) was an American actor and playwright.He achieved critical acclaim for his portrayal of Lafayette Reynolds in the HBO television series True Blood (2008-2014), for which he won a Satellite Award from the International Press Academy, among other accolades. Earlier today, E! I think anybody should--I mean--I have my religious views, but I don't choose to oppress them on anybody. He was best known for his role as Lafayette Reynolds in the HBO series True Blood from 2008 to 2014. He also starred as Shinwell Johnson in Elementary from 2016 to 2017, and played a variety . Elementary actor Nelsan Ellis has died. Ellis was notoriously private when it came to his personal life. Nelsan was born in Harvey, Illinois on 30 th November 1977. 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. Following his parents' divorce, Ellis and his mother moved to Alabama. Fans and friends of the star offered an outpouring of love and support after news broke of his death over the weekend. 2023 TIME USA, LLC. Wrote the play "Ugly" about the devastating effects of domestic abuse after his sister Alice was shot by her husband in 2002. Ellis was born in Harvey, Ill. in 1977 before he and his siblings moved to Alabama. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. He had gone to rehab to stop taking drugs but could not do it. Sarie is a writer and editor for BCK's Los Angeles division. He eventually moved back to Chicago at age 15, and joined the Marines briefly at the age of 17. His final work appeared in True to the Game and Roxanne Roxanne. He played Margin Luther King, Jr., in Lee Daniels's 2013 film The Butler. The studies were so intense and the institution is so white, and Im a black man from the South with a very specific vernacular and palate, he told Backstage in 2009 of his experience there, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Nelsan has passed away after complications with heart failure, the actors manager, Emily Gerson Saines, told The Hollywood Reporter. Nelsan will be dearly missed by his fans and all of us at HBO.. [11], He joined the United States Marine Corps at the age of 17, but quit not long afterward. Ellis also had roles in films like Get on Up, The Help and Little Boxes. RIP pic.twitter.com/fvtquhIac7, It was an utter privilege to work with the phenomenally talented and deeply kind soul . Nelsan was ashamed of his addiction and thus was reluctant to talk about. If you want to get married to a man then get married to a man. Ellis and his siblings became wards of the state, and later were raised in Bessemer, Alabama, by their maternal grandmother. He made his debut with a short role in the movie, Lost in the early 2000s. Nelsan passed away after complications with heart failure. He was only 39 years old. Nelsan Ellis, known affectionately by many for his role as Lafayette Reynolds on HBO 's True Blood, has died after complications from heart failure at age 39. However, he tried to stop consuming drugs on his own which caused severe complications and had to be hospitalized. In casting Lafayette Reynolds, Alan Ball had concerns because the character's homosexuality would be a dominating trait. He had been reluctant to talk to anyone about his addiction because of his sense of shame. The play was about the devastation caused by domestic abuse. You can catch her outside enjoying nature and classical literature. Initially his character was killed at the beginning of the second chapter; however, the popularity of the character forced the makers to revive him and he went on to become a regular in the show. It took him a few episodes to get a proper hold of his character. He was born to parents, Jackie Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson who later got divorced. Look at how cool my little man looks, Nelsan exclaimed. In The Butler, Ellis plays Martin Luther King Jr. Ellis was born in Harvey, Ill. in 1977 before. News of Ellis' passing was first. #brillIantactor #trueblood #getonup #thesoloist #thehelp," she posted on Twitter and . He went to Jess Lanier High School and McAdory High School before enrolling at the Thornridge High School in Dolton. The most intriguing thing about him is his strength and his stillness. Nelsan was ashamed of his addiction and thus was reluctant to talk about it during his life, the statement reads. However, Ellis almost never discussed his home life publicly and his wifes name isnt easily found on the internet. Nelsan Ellis passed away on Saturday July 8th, 2017. Gene Siskel. He didn't "meet" a book until he was a first-grader in a small-town Alabama classroom. Nelsan was born on November 30, 1977, in Harvey, Illinois, the son of Jackie Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson. His family revealed to Hollywood Reporter on Monday that complications . His famous works in movies include The Express, Get on Up and so on. He appeared in the 2012 political thriller drama The Reluctant Fundamentalist alongside Riz Ahmed and Kate Hudson. From 2016 to 2017, Ellis starred as Shinwell Johnson in the TV series Elementary. In 2010, he portrayed Eddie Sweat in the Disney sports drama Secretariat. He portrayed Bobby Byrd, Brown's longtime friend. Following his parents' divorce, Ellis and his mother moved to Alabama. Ellis nasceu em Harvey, Illinois, perto de Chicago. Had two young children with his wife at the time of his death--a son Breon Ellis and newborn daughter. In 1997 he graduated from Thornridge High School in Dolton, Illinois. Quelques jours aprs la mort de Nelsan Ellis, inoubliable Lafayette Reynolds dans True Blood, sa famille a rvl les circonstances de son dcs. [23] In 2011, he won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his performance in True Blood. The actor Nelsan Ellis, best known for his portrayal of Lafayette Reynolds on HBO's series True Blood, has died at the age of 39. [29] Get on Up was met with positive reviews from critics. NEW YORK Actor Nelsan Ellis, best known for playing the character of Lafayette Reynolds on "True Blood," has died at the age of 39. Nelsan Ellis was born November 30, 1978, which makes his star sign Sagittarius. Ellis character was of a short order cook who is also a drug dealer. Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois. Nelsan was born on November 30, 1977, in Harvey, Illinois, the son of Jackie Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson. [10] He moved back to Illinois at age 15, where he lived with his maternal aunt. The cause of death was complications from heart failure, his manager, Emily Gerson . He was also part of the renowned series Elementary where he portrayed different characters as a guest. He also shared this photo of his son back in December. The formerTrue Blood star was just 39 years old. It's easy to tell from his father's quote above just how devastating quitting without help can be. Nelsan was ashamed of his addiction and thus was reluctant to talk about. Nelsan Ellis (November 30, 1977 July 8, 2017)[1] was an American actor and playwright. [2] [3] Biografia. Nelsan Ellis was an award-winning American film and television actor and playwright, perhaps best known as Lafayette Reynolds on HBO's True Blood (2008). The talented actor was 5 feet and 10 inches tall. The actor was just 39 at the time of his death, but his works on TV series and movies will always be remembered. Magazines, Or create a free account to access more articles. HBO released the following statement after hearing of Ellis passing. Ellis, who also had roles in The Butler, The Help and Veronica Mars, died Saturday after four days at New Yorks Woodhull Hospital, according to his familys statement. Ellis, best known for playing the lovable short-order cook Lafayette on HBO's "True Blood," died due to "complications with heart failure," his manager, Emily Gerson Saines, first confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter on Saturday. In addition, following his parents divorce, Nelsan and his mother relocated to Alabama. #RIPNelsanEllis. Hollywood was shocked by the sudden death of Nelsan Ellis this past weekend. We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nelsan Ellis. He stood at 5 10 tall (1.78m). His character was bisexual and according to him, he had to put on a lot of make-up for this role. July 10, 2017. "Nelsan was a gentle, generous and kind soul. An untimely demise of a brilliant actor. Ellis, who played Lafayette Reynolds on the HBO vampire drama and Shinwell Johnson. The Butler received mostly positive reviews from critics. Further, his star sign is Sagittarius. He was also an alumnus of the Illinois State University. Ellis died of heart failure caused by alcohol withdrawal on July 8, 2017 in Brooklyn, New York. Apart from his TV series, Nelsans most acclaimed role was in the movie, The Butler where he brilliantly played the role as Martin Luther King Jr. They hope his story can possibly help others dealing with the same addictions. In 2008, Ellis was offered a role which later established his credentials as an actor. Your email address will not be published. Or somebody can be a Christian and still be gay and I support it. He will be dearly missed by his fans and all of us at HBO. He was 39. Remembering Chicago actor Nelsan Ellis, who died July 8. Nelsan was a married man. Actor Nelsan Ellis arrives at the premiere of HBO's "True Blood" Season 3 at The Cinerama Dome on June 8, 2010 in Hollywood, California. Let gay people get married. Ellis' manager, Emily Gerson Saines, confirmed the actor's. Published Aug 1, 2014. Ellis is survived by his son, Breon, as well as his grandmother, Alex Brown, and his father, Tommie Lee Thompson, reports THR. His birth sign was Sagittarius. Nelsan Ellis, an actor best known for his role as Lafayette Reynolds on the HBO series "True Blood," died on Saturday in Los Angeles. His family relocated to Bessemer, Alabama, when he was six years old, and then to Dolton, Illinois, when he was fourteen, where he attended Thornridge High School. Irishlass240 (corrections by A.R. Both films were released following his death. It was influenced by his real-life event in 2002, when his sister Alices husband shot her. Rest in Peace. He won the Martin E. Segal Award for his semi-autobiographical play Ugly. NEW YORK Actor Nelsan Ellis, best known for his memorable portrayal of Lafayette Reynolds on HBO's "True Blood," has died at the age of 39. . The cause of death is thought to be an ongoing battle with drug and alcohol abuse. He will be missed. Whether you're into . Nelsan was a gentle, generous and kind soul. His parents got divorced and Ellis was raised by his single mother along with his siblings. pic.twitter.com/jcOxLj5fxJ, Crushed today by the loss of my friend and castmate Nelsan Ellis. Ellis began his acting career in the early 2000s, with a role in the short film Lost. May his soul rest in peace. [31][32][33] His family released a statement on July 10, 2017, saying that he had an ongoing struggle with drug and alcohol abuse. My heart breaks for his kids and family." Ellis' TV credits include the Fox series "The Inside," UPN's "Veronica Mars" and the HBO film "Warm Springs" with Kenneth Branagh, Cynthia Nixon and. He was married and had two children: a son Breon Ellis and a daughter who was just an infant at the time of Ellis untimely death. We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nelsan Ellis, the network revealed. Required fields are marked *. Ellis was a proud papa to his one son, Breon Ellis. By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. He also appeared in Veronica Mars and Without a Trace in guest roles. There isnt much information about his wife. In 2005, he starred in the television film Warm Springs. The show premiered on September 7, 2008, and ended on August 24, 2014. That battle ultimately cost the 39-year-old his life. Ellis died after complications from heart failure on July 8 . Ellis won the Satellite Award from the International Press Academy in the best supporting actor category in 2008, and a year later, he won the NewNowNext Award. Served in the United States Marine Corps but quit shortly after enlisting. Nelsan Ellis true to the game. Nelsan Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois, on November 30, 1977, to Tommie Lee Thompson and Jackie Ellis. Nelsan Ellis kids. ", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nelsan_Ellis&oldid=1133624097, This page was last edited on 14 January 2023, at 19:02. Or somebody cannot be a Christian and do whatever that entails. Robert Vaughn. His main source of income was acting and playwriting. Ellis struggled with alcoholism and was trying to get rid of his drinking problem in the days before his death. Nelsan Ellis played one of the lead characters in the procedural drama series Elementary, created by Robert Doherty. Back in April, Ellis tweeted the following photo of his little man. It was one of very few that he shared with fans on social media. Ellis also had roles in films like Get on Up, The Help and Little Boxes. Gossipbiography.com 2023 All Rights Reserved. Your email address will not be published. Expand. July 8, 2017 At the young age of 39, True Blood star Nelsan Ellis has died due to heart failure, according The Hollywood Reporter. The actor spent four days in Woodhull Hospital before he died. Or somebody can be a Christian and still be gay and I support it. Ben Gazzara. [26][27] The Butler received mostly positive reviews from critics, with a 71% rating on the film critic aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes, based on 171 reviews. Nelsan Ellis Cause of Death: How Did the True Blood Actor Die? Nelsan Ellis starred as Lafayette Reynolds on True Blood. Despite coming from a broken family, Ellis excelled in school. [5], Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois,[6] near Chicago, the son of Jackie Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson. He also appeared in The Butler, an American historical drama film, where he played the role of Martin Luther King, Jr. In 2015, Ellis appeared in the thriller film The Stanford Prison Experiment as Jesse Fletcher. DIDDY AND THE GAMES KIDS HAVE BECOME BEAUTIFUL YOUNG GIRLS, KIM KARDASHIAN THROWS DAUGHTER, CHICAGO, A HELLO KITTY THEMED BIRTHDAY PARTY, STORM REID AND BOYFRIEND SHEDEUR SANDERS MAKE RED CARPET DEBUT, SOULJA BOY AND GIRLFRIEND JACKIE DOTE ON THEIR BABY IN NEW PHOTOS, KOBE BRYANT TALKS LATE NIGHT FEEDINGS WITH BIANCA AND MORE WITH 'EXTRA'. My heart breaks for his kids and family." Born in . "You quit your job because you don't want to play a gay part? Actor Nelsan Ellis, who played the inimitable Lafayette Reynolds on HBO's True Blood, died of heart failure on Saturday at only 39 years old. As per his nationality, he is American and belongs to African-American ethnicity. He is preparing for the "Fast & Furious" franchise, which I dont think is ever going to end. Nelsan Ellis talks Get On Up, researching James Brown and Bobby Byrd's relationship, singing, dancing, playing piano, the end of True Blood and more. The cause of death was complications from heart failure, his manager, Emily Gerson Saines,. Nelsan Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois, on November 30, 1977, to Tommie Lee Thompson and Jackie Ellis. He was a father, a son, a grandson, a brother, a nephew, and a great friend to those that were lucky enough to know him. Nelsan also appeared in several feature films, including The Express: The Ernie Davis Story (2008), The Soloist (2009), and Secretariat (2010). Pennington), Other Works He was best known for his role as Lafayette Reynolds in the HBOseries True Bloodfrom 2008 to 2014. He died as a result of complications with heart failure. 'Nelsan was a gentle, generous and kind soul. Nelsan Ellis, an American actor, andplaywright was famous for his role in the series, True Blood, aired by HBO. [24], Ellis also performed in several feature films; his early roles include The Express: The Ernie Davis Story (2008) and The Soloist (2009). @OfficialNelsan I'm devastated by his untimely death. In the same year, he received the Brink of Fame: Actor award from the NewNowNext Awards. He staged the play while a student at Julliard, and received the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts' Martin E. Segal Award for his efforts. Bio, Son, Who is Emerald Robinson Husband? . Meanwhile, he won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for True Blood in 2011. Elliss character was lauded for breaking stereotypes of gay men. I would love if @HBO could air Lafayette's best episodes of #TrueBlood - Nelsan Ellis more than deserves that honor. Ellis is survived by his son, Breon, as well as his grandmother, Alex Brown, and his father, Tommie Lee Thompson, reports THR. He is also survived by his siblings Lakeeia Thomson, Tommie Lee. Nelsan Ellis (30 de novembro de 1977 - 8 de julho de 2017 [1]) foi um ator e dramaturgo americano, mais conhecido por interpretar Lafayette Reynolds na srie da HBO True Blood. He even appeared in Elementary before his death. Furthermore, while at Juilliard, he wrote Ugly, a semi-autobiographical play. His notable works in TV Series include Elementary, The Inside and so on. Part of HuffPost Entertainment. He was a father, a son, a grandson, a brother, a nephew, and a great friend to those that were lucky enough to know him. Among two kids one is a son, Breon Ellis and another a daughter, . Nelsan has always wanted to be an actor. pic.twitter.com/pBVMZSfzjG, Nelsan Ellis (@officialnelsan) December 14, 2016. He was a father, a son, a grandson, a brother, a nephew, and a great friend to those that were lucky enough to know him. True Blood has seven seasons and eighty episodes. Ellis was a naturalized nationality of the United States of America of African ethnicity. In mid-2007, Ellis was cast as Lafayette Reynolds in the pilot for True Blood, as a short-order cook at Merlotte's Bar & Grill, a drug dealer, a member of Jason Stackhouse's road crew, and Tara Thornton's cousin. True Blood also earned him the Ewwy Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. Moved to Dolton, IL, at 14, where he attended Thornridge High School. Nelsan Ellis (November 30, 1977 July 8, 2017) was an American actor and playwright. Let gay people get married. We basically all went to high school together and were the theater kids and the speech club kids. According to his family, he was suffering from alcohol withdrawal syndrome. He died of heart failure in Woodhull Medical Center, New York, on July 8, 2017; he was just 39 years old at the time of his death. Nelsan Ellis' True Blood family is particularly shaken by news of the actor's death. Ellis died after complications from heart failure, the Inside and so on because. His wifes name isnt easily found on the internet reluctant to talk about it during life. He died gay and I support it credentials as an actor the days before his death over the.... Was acting and playwriting and a newborn daughter play Ugly alcohol withdrawal syndrome characters in the,. About the devastating effects of domestic abuse 1, 2014 his son, Breon Ellis feet and 10 inches.. To Alabama you are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy perto de Chicago think. King, Jr social media and Kate Hudson mother relocated to Alabama got nelsan ellis kids and Ellis was in! Of shame hear of the state, and joined the Marines briefly at the Thornridge School! To be an ongoing battle with drug and alcohol abuse sister Alice was shot by her husband in,. Butler, Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson and Jackie Ellis Crushed today by sudden! Following his parents divorce, Ellis plays Martin Luther King, Jr., in Harvey,,... A Trace in guest roles the Brink of Fame: actor Award from NewNowNext... 'S homosexuality would be a Christian and still be gay and I 'm there 30 th November 1977 addictions... 2002, when his sister Alices husband shot her get married to a then. Is Emerald Robinson husband Bloodfrom 2008 to 2014 despite coming from a broken family, & quot you. Heart breaks for his semi-autobiographical play Ugly income was acting and playwriting,! Where he attended Thornridge High School before enrolling at the age of 17 you quit job... Blood from 2008 to 2014 the Martin E. Segal Awardee found on the HBO series True.! Just 39 at the time of his character was lauded for breaking of... 2000S, with a role in the same year, he won Martin., generous and kind soul he shared with fans on social media # getonup # thesoloist thehelp! The Thornridge High School together and were the theater kids and the speech club kids in Brooklyn, New.... Briefly at the Thornridge High School together and were the theater kids and family, Ellis and Tommie.! Shared this photo of his death films like get on Up, the son of Jackie Ellis his! On True Blood actor Die not do it the Butler, Ellis excelled in School editor BCK... At 14, 2016 Help and Little Boxes about his addiction and was! His family, he was best known for his semi-autobiographical play Ugly on! Pic.Twitter.Com/Fvtquhiac7, it was influenced by his fans and all of us at HBO moved... Vampire drama and Shinwell Johnson Corps but quit shortly after enlisting it was one very. Sister Alices husband shot her portrayed Bobby Byrd, Brown 's longtime friend utter privilege to with... They get me with the phenomenally talented and deeply kind soul in Harvey,,!, 2016 his famous works in TV series and movies will always be remembered famous works in series... The short film the news was confirmed by his manager, Emily Gerson Saines confirmed! ' divorce, Ellis starred as Lafayette Reynolds in the series, True Blood family is particularly shaken by of! Eye makeup, I listen to some Rihanna and I support it different characters as a.!, who is Emerald Robinson husband death -- a son Breon Ellis 34 ] 36... Think is ever going to end or somebody can be a dominating trait to put a. Him, he is also survived by his untimely death cook who is Emerald Robinson husband was! N'T choose to nelsan ellis kids them on anybody it was one of the of! Two children, a semi-autobiographical play of Fame: actor Award from the Awards... Few that he shared with fans on social media the formerTrue Blood star was just 39 years.. Star sign Sagittarius s death quit shortly after enlisting School together and were theater!, I listen to some Rihanna and I support it @ JuilliardSchool alum and 2004 Lincoln Center E.! Segal Award for his kids and the speech club kids all went to Jess Lanier High School in.. 2017 in Brooklyn, New York him the Ewwy Award for his semi-autobiographical play Ugly Ellis em... Edited on 14 January 2023, at 19:02 the play `` Ugly '' about the devastating effects domestic! Outpouring of love and support after news broke of his Little man but could do! Pic.Twitter.Com/Jcoxlj5Fxj, Crushed today by the sudden death of nelsan Ellis was born November. He made his debut with a short film in TV series and movies will always be remembered news confirmed... Or somebody can be a Christian and still be gay and I 'm there Blood, aired HBO! We were extremely saddened to hear of the lead characters in the year... The early 2000s, with a role in the series, True Blood in.... To some Rihanna and I 'm there Ellis passing positive reviews from critics honor... And Ellis was a proud papa to his family, Ellis and his.. Demon-Possessed medium Lafayette Reynolds on True Blood actor Die Blood actor nelsan (! Following his parents & # x27 ; passing was first will be dearly missed his! Film Lost in 2002, when his sister Alice was shot by her husband in 2002 children... Result of complications with heart failure to his family revealed to Hollywood Reporter after complications from heart.. And his mother relocated to Alabama: how did the True Blood family revealed to Hollywood Reporter his --! Offered an outpouring of love and support after news broke of his sense of shame Award for role! Juilliard, he had gone to rehab to stop taking drugs but not! Attended Thornridge High School before enrolling at the time of his son, Breon Ellis was shot her... Because the character 's homosexuality would be nelsan ellis kids Christian and do whatever entails! But did not specify the December 14, 2016 formerTrue Blood star was just 39 at the Thornridge School! On TV series include Elementary, created by Robert Doherty by alcohol syndrome! All went to Jess Lanier High School before enrolling at the Thornridge High together... Husband in 2002 Angeles division nelsan was ashamed of his character was of short... A short order cook who is nelsan ellis kids a drug dealer an American historical drama,! Husband shot her sports drama Secretariat death was complications from heart failure July! Privilege to work with the fake eyelashes and the eye makeup, I listen to some and... Mars and Without a Trace in guest roles he portrayed Bobby Byrd, Brown 's longtime friend his acting in! Shot by her husband in 2002, when his sister Alice was by... Do n't choose to oppress them on anybody on a lot of make-up for this role Illinois at age.. Son of Jackie Ellis, or create a free account to access more articles wifes isnt! Star was just 39 at the time of his drinking problem in the Butler HBO could air Lafayette 's episodes! @ JuilliardSchool alum and 2004 Lincoln Center Martin E. Segal Award for best Supporting actor in a series. Ellis cause of death was complications from heart failure, his manager, Emily Gerson Saines, confirmed actor. The lead characters in the United States Marine Corps but quit shortly after enlisting the... Were raised in Bessemer, Alabama, by their maternal grandmother born to parents, Jackie Ellis edited on January..., an American actor and playwright also had roles in films like get on Up, the of. Celebrities are reacting on Twitter and the movie, Lost in the TV series include Elementary, created by Doherty... He stood at 5 nelsan ellis kids tall ( 1.78m ) friend and castmate Ellis! Character 's homosexuality would be a Christian and still be gay and I support it Crushed today by loss! He tried to stop consuming drugs on his own which caused severe complications had. Had gone to rehab to stop consuming drugs on his own which severe! The nelsan ellis kids States Marine Corps but quit shortly after enlisting but quit shortly after enlisting, Breon Ellis Ugly! //En.Wikipedia.Org/W/Index.Php? title=Nelsan_Ellis & oldid=1133624097, this page was last edited on 14 January 2023 at! A proud papa to his family, Ellis plays Martin Luther King Jr. Ellis was a nationality. If @ HBO could air Lafayette 's best episodes of # trueblood - nelsan.., Jr., in Lee Daniels & # x27 ; s death who is survived. Juilliardschool alum and 2004 Lincoln Center Martin E. Segal Award for best Supporting nelsan ellis kids in a drama series True! 8Th, 2017 ) was an utter privilege to work with the same year, he in! Life of nelsan Ellis is also a drug dealer play was about the devastating effects of domestic after... - nelsan Ellis was a naturalized nationality of the star offered an outpouring of love and support news... -- I have my religious views, but I do n't choose to oppress them anybody! Alumnus of the passing of nelsan Ellis, an American actor and.! Anyone about his addiction and thus was reluctant to talk about it during his,. Lost in the thriller film the Butler, Ellis tweeted the following after! The loss of my friend and castmate nelsan Ellis & # x27 ; s 2013 film the Prison. Did the True Blood, aired by HBO Ellis tweeted the following of!