Actor Nelsan Ellis has died aged 39.
The True Blood star died after heart complications from heart failure.
He's best known for playing True Blood character Lafayette Reynolds in seven series of the HBO horror-drama from 2008 to 2014.
His manager Emily Gerson Saines confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter, saying: "He was a great talent, and his words and presence will be forever missed."
Tributes have been pouring in online for the actor.
We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nelsan Ellis. He will be dearly missed by his fans and all of us at HBO.
— HBO (@HBO) July 8, 2017
wow rest in peace nelsan ellis. a great and underrated actor.
— The Weeknd (@theweeknd) July 8, 2017
The few times I got to sit w/ Nelsan Ellis, he was incredibly sincere, thoughtful and generous. His tremendous talent spoke for itself. #RIP pic.twitter.com/QHTbTGRATO
— jesse Williams. (@iJesseWilliams) July 9, 2017
We didnt even scratch the surface of seeing what this artist was capable of. My love to the family of this spectacular man. #NelsanEllis pic.twitter.com/3DoPQZYS7p
— Jessica Chastain (@jes_chastain) July 8, 2017
