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Nelsan Ellis Biography
Birth Name:Nelson Ellis
Birth Place:Harvey, Illinois, United States
Profession Actor, Director, Writer, Producer
Fast Facts
- Won a Satellite Awards in 2008 for his role in the series "True Blood․"
- Nominated for two Image Awards in 2011 and 2012 for his role in the series "True Blood․"
- Studied at the Julliard School in New York City, where he wrote the Martin E․ Segal Award-winning play "Ugly․"
- Began acting after appearing in a high school production of "The Colored Museum․"
- His first major acting role came in the 2005 TV movie "Warm Springs․"
- Quote: "I think African-American men particularly are fearful of playing a big personality role because Hollywood seems to always keep us there and can't see us beyond that․"
- Known for portraying the character Lafayette Reynolds in the series "True Blood․"
Awards
- 2008Satellite Award-Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television: winner
- 2009Special Achievement Award-Best Ensemble, Television: winner
- 2009Scream Award-Best Supporting Actor: nominated
- 2010Actor-Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series: nominated
- 2011Image Award-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: nominated
- 2012Gold Derby Film Award-Ensemble Cast: winner
- 2012Image Award-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: nominated
- 2015Black Reel-Outstanding Supporting Actor, Motion Picture: nominated
- 2015Vision Award-Best Performance - Drama: nominated
- 2018Chlotrudis Award-Best Actor: nominated