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Nelsan Ellis is famous for his role on the hit HBO series True Blood. Ellis plays the role of Lafayette Reynolds, a medium who works as a drug dealer and short order cook at Merlotte’s Bar and Grill. Ellis has worked in show business ever since his days as a pupil at Julliard School. Earlier Saturday, Ellis passed away. He’s left behind many great memories along with millions of dollars to his name.
Nelsan Ellis net worth as of 2019: $3 Million
Nelsan’s net worth rolls in at a cool $3 million. Although, he’s most prominently-known for his role on True Blood, he’s also had starred in the CBS series Elementary and the James Brown biopic Get On Up. It’s not hard to see why Ellis has earned so much money. But just in case you’re curious, here’s a quick look at this star’s road to riches…
2002 – 2013
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Nelsan Ellis’ first featured role took place in the 2002 short film Lost. Two years later, Ellis graduated from Julliard School with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts. While attending Julliard, Nelsan became friends with fellow True Blood actor Rutina Wesley.
In 2007, fame came knocking at Ellis’ doorstep when he was cast for an HBO pilot called True Blood. He played the role of Lafayette Reynolds, a character whose mannerisms he’s based off his mother and sister. The character of Reynolds has earned Ellis numerous awards, including a 2011 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.
Ellis told The Philadelphia Inquirer exactly how his True Blood costume, along with Rhianna, helps him get into character for the show. “I have more makeup on than any of the females in the cast. Once they get me with the fake eyelashes and the eye makeup, I listen to some Rihanna and I’m there.”
2013 – Present
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In 2013, Nelsan portrayed Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in Lee Daniel’s critically-acclaimed The Butler. Later that year, Ellis was cast in the James Brown biopic Get On Up. Nelson played the role of Bobby Byrd, the long-time friend of “Godfather of Soul” James Brown. This film also received positive reviews from critics, including a review of 80 percent on Rotten Tomatoes based on 150 reviews.
In 2015, he had a supporting role in the The Standford Prison Experiment. A year later, he co-starred in the drama comedy film Little Boxes, which shows the struggle of an interracial family as they leave Brooklyn and move to a suburban setting in Washington State.
Nelsan also acquired a supporting role on the CBS procedural drama series Elementary. He joined the cast in 2016 and remained with the series for eleven episodes. Ellis won’t be rejoining the cast of Elementary because he passed away on Saturday.
Ellis has left behind a trail of success, wealth, and memories.
2018
Co-stars attended the funeral of Nelsan Ellis who died last year at the age of 39 due to complications from heart failure.
2019
February 2019 report says the Nelsan Ellis death report was a complete hoax according to the sources.
