Well-known actor, Nelsan Ellis, has passed away at 39 on July 8th, 2017. According to his manager, Emily Gerson Saines, who spoke with The Hollywood Reporter, Nelsan struggled with heart complications. In order to respect the family and their privacy, Saines kept the explanation as simple and least invasive as possible. “Nelsan passed away after complications with heart failure,” she explained. “He was a great talent, and his words and presence will be forever missed.”

In a separate statement issued by HBO, the production company professed their condolences:

We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nelsan Ellis. 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.”

Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois and later went on to attend Oxford University, Columbia College, and the Juilliard School of performing arts. He was known for the role as Lafayette Reynolds in the True Blood television series – a major character, clairvoyant, and cook for Merlotte’s Bar. Though the character’s appearance in the novels were minimal, Ellis’ portrayal made Lafayette such a lovable and popular character that they continued all the way into season seven. The late actor was also recognized for roles in films and series like The Soloist (2009), Secretariat (2010), and Elementary (2016-17).

In celebration and remembrance of his positive impact on this world, Ellis’ family asks that any donations are made to the Jenesse Center for domestic violence intervention or The Restoration Ministries Church of God and Christ. Here at the Don’t Feed the Gamers team, our condolences and sincere remorse goes out to the family.