Nelsan Ellis, who rose to fame portraying the iconically out African American character 'Lafayette' in Showtime's True Blood was buried in style. He was laid to rest in his hometown of Harvey, Illinois, on Saturday, July 22. His funeral service featured a letter from beloved former President of the United States, Barak Obama. Stars flew in from around the country to attend (and speak) over his remains at his hometown's Holy Temple Cathedral.
Nelson died at the age of 39 on July 8 of what his family said were complications of withdrawal from alcohol addiction.
True Blood costars Anna Paquin, Carrie Preston and Rutina Wesley were among the famous who attended.
Rutina Wesley, who played his cousin Tara on the show, was probably the closest person to him, as they had bonded during the many years of filming. Earlier she released a touching tribute poem to Nelson:
'He was a lover, he loved everything which is why people didn’t understand him. That’s the beauty of it. He thought everything was beautiful. Everything. So poetic, charasmatic, an energy none can compare…one who touched so many forever, deep, in places they cannot reach….a spirit so divine and fine….a chameleon…transforming before you and you….transforming because of him. He could move your soul to whole….in a moment….an arTeest!…like nothing I’ve seen or will ever see again. A darkness wrapped up in light, tight, yearning…searching…moving seas of hearts with a smile that darts…right through you….how I loved you…fiercely vulnerable shining beacon…stand tall my friend, rest, peace has finally found you…..'
Viola Davis and Tika Sumpter were also in attendance.
"He was like my baby," said Davis during her speech at the service, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. "When I saw that he was sick, I begged him to get better because I didn't want to let him go. I still don't want to let him go."
Viola Davis starred with Ellis in 'The Help' and 'Get on Up'.
While he did not attend, Barack Obama he reminded those gathered of the hardships Ellis overcome — who spent time in foster care as a child — in a letter which was read to the congregation. "Nelsan inspired those around him and a generation of Americans through his own story of overcoming adversity. He will be remembered through his stellar performances and will live on through the beauty of the art he created."
Ellis is survived by his son, Breon, and siblings Lakeeia Thomson, Tommie Lee Thompson, Babon Ellis, Maurice Turne, Tianna Thompson, Shaentika Beard and Yvonne Ellis.
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