True Blood star Nelsan Ellis has passed away at the age of 39

True Blood star Nelsan Ellis has died at the age of 39.

Last night, it was confirmed that the actor passed away due to complications from heart failure.

After his co-star in The Help, Octavia Spencer, announced the news, HBO released a statement: “We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nelsan Ellis.

 

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

A post shared by Octavia Spencer (@therealoctaviaspencer) on Jul 8, 2017 at 11:43am PDT

“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.”

His co-stars, friends and follow actors all paid their respects on Twitter and Instagram:

The few times I got to sit w/ Nelsan Ellis, he was incredibly sincere, thoughtful and generous. His tremendous talent spoke for itself. #RIP pic.twitter.com/QHTbTGRATO

— jesse Williams. (@iJesseWilliams) July 9, 2017

Nelsan Ellis was quiet and kind. His Lafayette was bold and brave. A tribute to both the man and the character. https://t.co/1eYT5Yz0KU pic.twitter.com/MLIOGhpN8S

— Tim Stack (@EWTimStack) July 8, 2017

With the death of Nelsan Ellis, I am reminded of the famous line: "Attention must be finally paid to such a man." Death of a Salesman. RIP

— Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) July 9, 2017

Stephen Moyer's Instagram Tribute to #NelsanEllis will have you in frickin tears… pic.twitter.com/eqAlhsPkSL

— Keri (@keriqbaum) July 9, 2017

It was an utter privilege to work with the phenomenally talented and deeply kind soul .@OfficialNelsan I'm devastated by his untimely death. pic.twitter.com/If17csduHz

— Anna Paquin (@AnnaPaquin) July 8, 2017

wow rest in peace nelsan ellis. a great and underrated actor.

— The Weeknd (@theweeknd) 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.

— Michael McMillian (@McMillzz) July 8, 2017

 

One of the sweetest most talented men I've ever met. A terrible loss for all of us. Rest In Peace Nelsan. You will be missed. I don't know how else to put words to this terribly sad news…#truebloodforever #truebloodfamily #nelsanellis #lafayette

A post shared by Kristin Bauer (@kristinbauer) on Jul 8, 2017 at 12:58pm PDT

 

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

A post shared by Joe Manganiello (@joemanganiello) on Jul 8, 2017 at 12:58pm PDT

He will be missed.