Condolences are pouring in for “True Blood” actor Nelsan Ellis, who died Saturday following complications from heart failure.
“Nelsan was a singular talent whose creativity never ceased to amaze me,” Alan Ball, “True Blood” creator and executive producer said in a statement. “Working with him was a privilege.”
Many of Ellis’ “True Blood” colleagues echoed that statement.
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
Stunned & heart broken about @OfficialNelsan A brilliantly talented & thoughtful actor. His humanity & sense of humor will be remembered.
— Tara Buck (@iamtarabuck) July 8, 2017
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. RIP pic.twitter.com/fvtquhIac7
— JOE MANGANIELLO (@JoeManganiello) July 8, 2017
Unbelievably sad news. Nelsan was such a sweet, gentle soul with an enormous talent. He will be missed greatly RIP https://t.co/NDdoaeM6Pj
— MichaelRaymond-James (@MRaymondJames) July 8, 2017
Heartbreaking. https://t.co/LuDtfxBUJB
— Deborah Ann Woll (@DeborahAnnWoll) July 8, 2017
RIP Nelsan. Working with you was one of the great privileges for the entire True Blood family. You will be deeply missed! https://t.co/V5ABKzfAwl
— Gregg Fienberg (@gdfearless) July 8, 2017
One of the sweetest most talented men I've ever met. A terrible loss for all of us. Rest In… https://t.co/PgiUMuVzaZ
— Kristin Bauer (@IamKristinBauer) 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
Tragedy. Love and support to @OfficialNelsan's closest friends family. https://t.co/fJBG6ZOmDE
— janina gavankar (@Janina) July 8, 2017
Ellis played Lafayette on Ball’s vampire series throughout its seven-season run that ended in August 2014.
Other famous co-stars, colleagues and famous friends also mourned his passing.
We didnt even scratch the surface of seeing what this artist was capable of. My love to the family of this spectacular man. #NelsanEllis pic.twitter.com/3DoPQZYS7p
— Jessica Chastain (@jes_chastain) July 8, 2017
This brother was one of the baddest! RIP #NelsanEllis ? https://t.co/O9l2nLmbWl
— Sterling K Brown (@SterlingKBrown) July 8, 2017
My God, such a beautiful soul and talented artist. Blown. Away. #RIP https://t.co/wElQq6mw84
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) July 8, 2017
May your transition be full of love, light and peace, @OfficialNelsan. Thank you for sharing your magical gifts with us. ❤️
— Chrissy Metz (@ChrissyMetz) July 8, 2017
And, of course, Ellis’ “The Help” co-star Octavia Spencer, who broke the news earlier on Instagram.