Ellis was most known for playing the role of Lafayette Reynolds on the hit HBO series True Blood, a character that became so beloved by fans that he survived throughout the series despite an early death in its source material.
True Blood series creator Alan Ball said: “Nelsan was a singular talent whose creativity never ceased to amaze me.
The Hollywood Reporter brings word that actor Nelsan Ellis has passed away at the age of 39.
“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.