Nelsan Ellis
Nelsan Ellis was born in 1978 in Harvey, Illinois, a suburb not far from Chicago. When he was six, the family moved to Bessemer, AL. At age fourteen, Nelsan moved back to IL, this time settling in Dolton, where Nelsan finished high school.
Ellis moved again when he attended The Juilliard School in New York. While at Julliard, he wrote a semi-autobiographical play entitled “Ugly” that was performed at the school and later won the Lincoln Center’s Martin E. Segal Award.
Nelsan Ellis portrays Lafayette Reynolds, the entrepreneurial, wisecracking short-order cook at Merlotte’s in True Blood. A role that won him a 2008 Satellite Award from the International Press Academy for best supporting actor in a television series. Ellis also won the Brink of Fame, Actor award at the 2009 NewNowNext Awards.
Actor:
- “True Blood” …. Lafayette Reynolds (23 episodes, 2008-2009)- Frenzy (2009) TV episode …. Lafayette Reynolds- New World in My View (2009) TV episode …. Lafayette Reynolds- I Will Rise Up (2009) TV episode …. Lafayette Reynolds- Timebomb (2009) TV episode …. Lafayette Reynolds- Release Me (2009) TV episode …. Lafayette Reynolds(18 more)
- The Soloist (2009) …. David
- The Express (2008) …. Will Davis, Jr…. aka The Express: The Ernie Davis Story (USA: promotional title)
- “Without a Trace” …. Deng Nimieri (1 episode, 2007)… aka “W.A.T” (USA: short title)- Lost Boy (2007) TV episode …. Deng Nimieri
- “Veronica Mars” …. Apollo Bukenya (1 episode, 2007)- I Know What You’ll Do Next Summer (2007) TV episode …. Apollo Bukenya
- Trespass (2005) …. Donny
- “The Inside” …. Carter Howard (13 episodes, 2005)- Declawed (2005) TV episode …. Carter Howard- Loneliest Number (2005) TV episode …. Carter Howard- Thief of Hearts (2005) TV episode …. Carter Howard- Everything Nice (2005) TV episode …. Carter Howard- Pre-Filer (2005) TV episode …. Carter Howard(8 more)
- Warm Springs (2005) (TV) …. Roy Collier
- Lost (2002/I) …. Hoffa
Producer:
- Flower Shop (2006) (executive producer)
- Trespass (2005) (executive producer) (producer)
Miscellaneous Crew:
- Ornaments (2008) (production assistant)
Writer:
- Trespass (2005) (writer)
I’m proud to know that Nelson lived in Alabama. I too live in and my wife and I are big fans. My wife introduced me to the show and I did not think I would like it. After just one show I was addicted and had to go to the video store and rent all the past shows to get caught up. I know a couple of guys that really remind me of Nelsan’s character and I bet he was inspired by southern llife and southern gay guys. I graduated with a guy just like his character. Keep up the good work Nelsan. Make Alabama proud!!
Hey Joe. I also live in Alabama, not far from Bessemer!