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Nelsan Ellis was an American playwright and actor who was born on March 31, 1978. He became quite popular for the role he played in the HBO television series known as True Blood between 2008 and 2014.
For that role, he received a Satellite Award from the International Press Academy. He also played a role in Elementary from 2016 to 2017. Other series he has been involved in include Veronica Mars and Without A Trace.
Nelsan Ellis was starred in the Disney Sports drama, Secretariat (2010) and he played the role of Martin Luther King Jr. In The Butler (2013). He was also involved in Get on Up and True to the Game.
Nelsan Ellis was born in Harvey, Illinois and his parents were Jackie Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson. His parents divorced and as a single parent, Nelsan Ellis’ mother broke down after the death of her brother.
Nelsan Ellis and his siblings became wards of the state and they were raised in Bessemer, Alabama. In second grade, Nelsan Ellis was diagnosed with dyslexia.
Concerning education, Nelsan Ellis attended Jess Lanier High School for a year before he was trans6tk McAdory High School. At the age of 15, Nelsan Ellis relocated to Illinois and lived with his maternal aunt.
He graduated from Thornridge High School in 1997. Later on, he joined the United States Marine Corps at age 17. He didn’t spend much time in the Corps and quit. He furthered his education at the Illinois State University. At age 22, Nelsan Ellis attended Juilliard School where he started a friendship with Rutina Wesley.
He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree after completing Juilliard in 2004. His acting career started off in the early 2000s when he played a role in the short film titled Lost. He also starred in the television film titled Warm Springs in 2005.
He was involved in the television series, The Inside from 2005 to 2006. In 2007, he was cast for Veronica Mars and Without a Trace.
Nelsan Ellis Cause of Death
Nelsan Ellis died at the age of 39. He died on July 8, 2017, at the Woodhull Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. His death was caused by serious complications from alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
Awards
Some of his awards include NewNowNext Awards, Brink of Fame: Actor Award in 2009, Ewwy Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2009, the 2009 Scream Award for Best Supporting Actor as well as the 2011 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama series.
