Elementary Video: Lucy Liu, Nelsan Ellis Discuss Joan and Shinwell's Friendship

Whether working as a doctor, sober companion or private investigator, Elementary‘s Joan is driven to save people, even — or especially? — if they’re an ex-con like Shinwell Johnson (played by the late Nelsan Ellis, who passed away last month). The pair’s unlikely friendship was born because “we wanted to find something that would push […]

Nelsan Ellis Remembered: True Blood Co-Stars, Author and EP Pay Tribute

True Blood‘s Nelsan Ellis, who died at the age of 39, is being remembered by friends and former co-stars. Ellis, who played Lafayette Reynolds on the HBO vampire drama and Shinwell Johnson on CBS’ Elementary, died due to complications from heart failure. Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer and Joe Manganiello, who respectively played Sookie Stackhouse, Bill Compton and Alcide […]

‘True Blood’ Star Nelsan Ellis, Who Played Lafayette, Dies at 39

Nelsan Ellis, best known as Lafayette on True Blood, has died from complications of heart failure at 39. Ellis’ character, arguably one of the best parts of the HBO vampire series, was a short order cook at the fictional bar Merlotte’s. The actor based many of Lafayette’s quirks and mannerisms on his own mother and […]

True Blood's Nelsan Ellis Dead at 39

Nelsan Ellis, best known for his role as Lafayette Reynolds on HBO’s True Blood, has died. He was 39. Ellis died from complications from heart failure, his manager, Emily Gerson Saines, told The Hollywood Reporter. The full statement reads as follows: “Nelsan has passed away after complications with heart failure,” Saines said. “He was a great talent, and his words and […]