True Blood star Nelsan Ellis has died aged 39, his manager has confirmed.
The actor, best known for portraying Lafayette Reynolds in the popular HBO series, passed away after complications with heart failure.
His manager Emily Gerson Saines confirmed the news to the Press Association.
So so sad to hear about the passing of such an an inspiring artist. Nelsan Ellis, your talent will be remembered for a long time. đđž pic.twitter.com/oJSz8RNiRe
â Yahya Abdul-Mateen 2 (@yahya) July 8, 2017
She had earlier told US website The Hollywood Reporter: âNelsan has passed away after complications with heart failure.
âHe was a great talent, and his words and presence will be forever missed.â
Ellis appeared in True Blood throughout its seven-series run after first appearing as the cook at Merlotteâs Grill in 2008.
He also had roles in The Help in 2011 and most recently appeared in CBS show Elementary.
Among those paying tribute to Ellis were his True Blood co-stars.
This DEVASTATING news about @OfficialNelsan just EMPTIED meâŚ.His passing is hard to process right nowâŚđ So.Gifted.
â Aisha Hinds (@AishaHinds) July 8, 2017
Stunned, devastated by the terrible news of @OfficialNelsan's passing. Nelsan was a genius and a beautiful soul. Sending love to his family.
â Michael McMillian (@McMillzz) July 8, 2017
Kristin Bauer wrote on Instagram: âOne of the sweetest most talented men Iâve ever met. A terrible loss for all of us. Rest In Peace Nelsan. You will be missed. I donât know how else to put words to this terribly sad newsâŚâ
Michael McMillian said he was âstunned, devastated by the terrible newsâ in a post on Twitter.
He added Ellis was a âgenius and a beautiful soulâ.
Denis OâHare said he was âvery disturbed and sad that Nelsan Ellis has died. Such a huge talent. Such a wonderful man. The world is a poorer place todayâŚâ
Other figures from the world of entertainment paid tribute to Ellis, including The Weeknd, who said he was âa great and underrated actorâ.
Jessica Chastain said he was a âspectacular manâ.
âWe didnât even scratch the surface of seeing what this artist was capable of,â she said in a Twitter post.
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