Nelsan Ellis
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