Emotional Tributes Flow In Memory Of Late ‘True Blood’ Star Nelsan Ellis

Friends and colleagues have come together to pay tribute to Nelsan Ellis, the star of HBO‘s True Blood, who passed away this week at the age of 39, following complications from heart failure. 

Ellis has been remembered as a generous and kind man and a great actor by all who knew him. Charliane Harris, the author of the True Blood novels, expressed heartbreak upon hearing of his passing:

I am so sad about the death of Nelsan Ellis, a great talent gone too soon. Such a shock. ??

— Charlaine Harris (@RealCharlaine) July 8, 2017

Alan Ball, who created the TV series, made a brief statement, saying that: “Nelsan was a singular talent whose creativity never ceased to amaze me. Working with him was a privilege.”

The other stars have also begun to pay tribute, sharing photographs and remembrances of their “phenomenally talented” friend and colleague:

Dearest #NelsanEllis , may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest, you phenomenally talented genius…. pic.twitter.com/2OamZvBVNe

— Carrie Preston (@carriepreston) July 8, 2017

My heart is broken today over the loss of @OfficialNelsan I was in complete awe of your talent and so honored to have known your kindness.

— Anna Camp (@TheRealAnnaCamp) July 8, 2017

I don’t know if I’ve ever seen the level of humility and kindness that came with the Magnificent Talent that Nelsan Ellis had. Miss u friend

— Sam Trammell (@SamTrammell) July 8, 2017

No one could raise a brow like @OfficialNelsan An army of us r left wanting more. Wherever you are sir,wish u peace. pic.twitter.com/4NBRSSRKwF

— Lauren Bowles (@LaurenEBowles) July 8, 2017

Nelsan Ellis was truly remarkable. A brilliant, charismatic, intelligent, soulful, wonderful dude. this is just completely tragic.

— Stephen Moyer (@smoyer) July 8, 2017

So blessed to share the screen with you you beautiful man. pic.twitter.com/DCD6WLAdJn

— Todd Lowe (@Todd__Lowe) July 8, 2017

My heart is broken by the passing of Nelsan Ellis. A truly beautiful person. My love to his family and friends. #RIPNelsanEllis #TrueBlood pic.twitter.com/ZUor1yx4Yg

— Deborah Ann Woll (@DeborahAnnWoll) July 8, 2017

I am speechless… I am heartbroken… Rest In Peace my friend @OfficialNelsan pic.twitter.com/nvyzM8QoI7

— Kevin Alejandro (@kevinmalejandro) July 8, 2017

Thank you. Your screen capture looks better than mine. Hope you don’t mind me retweeting. #RIPNelsanElliis https://t.co/YbMkYFB0Ja

— Adina Porter (@AdinaPorter) July 8, 2017

The news of Ellis’ passing has reverberated throughout Hollywood, with many more sharing their heartbreak at news of the loss:

Heartbroken over the passing of Nelsan Ellis. He was always so sweet to me and so entertaining to watch in screen.

— Gabby Sidibe (@GabbySidibe) July 8, 2017

I can’t believe this. He was such a talented force of nature. #NelsanEllis ‘ character on #TrueBlood was one of my favorite TV characters. ?? https://t.co/SKvHJoPwjO

— Matt McGorry (@MattMcGorry) July 8, 2017

Very disturbed and sad that Nelsan Ellis has died. Such a huge talent. Such a wonderful man. The world is a poorer place today…

— Denis O’Hare (@denisohare) July 8, 2017

Rise in Peace, King. And thank you for sharing your gifts with us. You made a difference. #nelsanellis pic.twitter.com/blav8fr3Qc

— Ava DuVernay (@ava) July 8, 2017

Just got word that we lost @OfficialNelsan. My heart breaks for his kids and family.… https://t.co/py3BxSkgWf

— octavia spencer (@octaviaspencer) July 8, 2017