'True Blood' Stars Share Heartfelt Tributes Following Nelsan Ellis' Death

Actor Nelsan Ellis, famously known for his role of Lafayette on the TV series True Blood, has passed away at the age of 39.

His manager Emily Gerson Saines, confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter on July 8.

“Nelsan has passed away after complications with heart failure,” she said. “He was a great talent, and his words and presence will be forever missed.”

Ellis played the loveable Lafayette with True Blood up until the final season, which wrapped up in 2014.

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“We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nelsan Ellis,” HBO said in a statement.

“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.”

Nelsan’s True Blood co-stars also shared heartfelt tributes to their friend via social media:

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

Nelsan Ellis was truly remarkable. A brilliant, charismatic, intelligent, soulful, wonderful dude. this is just completely tragic.
— Stephen Moyer (@smoyer) July 8, 2017

My heart is broken by the passing of Nelsan Ellis. A truly beautiful person. My love to his family and friends. #RIPNelsanEllis #TrueBlood pic.twitter.com/ZUor1yx4Yg
— Deborah Ann Woll (@DeborahAnnWoll) July 8, 2017

So blessed to share the screen with you you beautiful man. pic.twitter.com/DCD6WLAdJn
— Todd Lowe (@Todd__Lowe) July 8, 2017

My heart is broken today over the loss of @OfficialNelsan I was in complete awe of your talent and so honored to have known your kindness.
— Anna Camp (@TheRealAnnaCamp) 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

This article originally appeared on WHO

Abi Moustafa

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