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True Blood actor Nelsan Ellis has passed away at just 39 years old.
A representative for Ellis confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter he died of complications from heart failure.
Ellis was a key cast member on the hit HBO series, playing loveable cook-slash-psychic-medium Lafayette Reynolds through all seven seasons of the show.
“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.”
True Blood creator, Alan Ball added: “Nelsan was a singular talent whose creativity never ceased to amaze me. Working with him was a privilege.’”
Tributes have poured in from his True Blood co-stars, who have remembered him as a unique talent and kind soul. Joe Manganiello shared his shock on Instagram.
“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. Watching him work was like watching someone channel a spirit. It was mesmerizing. RIP”
Sam Trammel, who played Lafayette’s boss Sam Merlotte, tweeted:
“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.”
In addition to True Blood, Ellis played Bobby Byrd in the James Brown biopic, Get On Up, and had roles in The Help, The Butler and Elementary.
He leaves behind a son, Breon Ellis. RIP.
