“True Blood” Star Nelsan Ellis Dead At Just 39
Nelsan’s manager has confirmed the news that actor Nelsan Ellis, 39, known by many as Lafayette in the television series “True Blood” died on Saturday. The actor’s manager stated, “Nelsan has passed away after complications with heart failure. He was a great talent and his words and presence will be forever missed.” Following the news, HBO, “True Blood” creator Alan Ball and others mourned the loss. The actor 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. Ball read a statement released by HBO about the news of Ellis’ death. “Nelsan was a singular talent whose creativity never ceased to amaze me. Working with him was a privilege.” “True Blood” co-star Joe Manganiello shared similar sentiments, saying he was “crushed” and that the actor was “a wonderful person, a pioneer, and a one of a kind artist.”
Octavia Spencer of the movie “The Help” wrote:
#Just got word that we lost @nelsanellisofficial. My heart breaks for his kids and family. #RIPNelsanEllis. #brillIantactor #trueblood #getonup #thesoloist #thehelp. The first time I met him was on the set of the soloist and we were at rehearsal with a lot of the homeless cast members, and Nelsan was playing our counselor. He walked in wearing a pair of fitted camo cargo pants, a pristine white tshirt, a beret, and a denim jacket. Needless to say, he was gorgeous, sexy. But his talent had me speechless. We became instant friends after that. He was sooooo funny. I miss him.#nelsanellis
On Monday, Ellis’s manager shared a follow up statement with THR and later with HuffPost from Ellis’ family, revealing that the actor struggled for years with alcohol and drug abuse and suffered multiple health complications during his withdrawal from alcohol. They hope his story can possibly help others dealing with the same addictions. “Nelsan was ashamed of his addiction and thus was reluctant to talk about it during his life,” the statement reads. “His family, however, believes that in death he would want his life to serve as a cautionary tale in an attempt to help others.”
Nelsan Ellis’s “Lafayette” Character On “True Blood” Was Hilariously Open And Funny! He Will Be Missed!
Susan Z’s Conclusion:
His family states it so well of Ellis’s shame over his addiction. We must stop judging and condemning the addiction and accept that it is truly a disease that needs to be treated as such. In Hollywood land, that is tough with so many drugs freely being made available and a business of disposable actors where it takes down many actors.
Nine of Swords!
This is a card of depression and sadness. I think the card pretty much explains how Ellis felt about his addictions and not being able to beat it.
Four of Cups:
This is a card of boredom and feeling stuck in a hopeless situation. I believe this is how Ellis was feeling about his acting career at the moment, not enough good parts coming along.
Knight of Cups:
This card, I feel represents Ellis. It is a young energy with a romantic view of life and a dreamer. One that does not deal well with the harsh realities of life and so goes the way of addiction.
Susan Z Rich is an emotional addiction counselor, spiritual intuitive and holistic therapist. She counsels others to see life in a more positive way and teaches personal accountability for life choices. She is also the author of several children’s books and Soul Windows…Secrets From The Divine.