'True Blood' star Nelsan Ellis dies at 39

Washington D.C. [USA], Jul 9 (ANI): Nelsan Ellis of 'True Blood' and 'Elementary' fame has died of complications from heart failure at the age of 39.

"He was a great talent, and his words and presence will be forever missed," his manager told The Hollywood Reporter.

Ellis, who was born in Illinois and grew up there and in Alabama, appeared in 'True Blood' throughout its seven-series run after first appearing as the cook at Merlotte's Grill in 2008.

He also had roles in 'The Help' in 2011 and most recently appeared in CBS show ' Elementary.'

Among those paying tribute to Ellis were his 'True Blood' co-stars Aisha Hinds, Michael McMillian, Lauren Bowles and Kristin Bauer.

Bowles took to Twitter to say, "No one could raise a brow like @OfficialNelsan An army of us r left wanting more. Wherever you are sir,wish u peace."

No one could raise a brow like @OfficialNelsan An army of us r left wanting more. Wherever you are sir,wish u peace. pic.twitter.com/4NBRSSRKwF

— Lauren Bowles (@LaurenEBowles) July 8, 2017

Hinds tweeted, "This DEVASTATING news about @OfficialNelsan just EMPTIED me....His passing is hard to process right now...?? So.Gifted."

This DEVASTATING news about @OfficialNelsan just EMPTIED me....His passing is hard to process right now...?? So.Gifted.

— Aisha Hinds (@AishaHinds) July 8, 2017

Bauer wrote on Instagram: "One of the sweetest most talented men I've ever met. A terrible loss for all of us. Rest In Peace Nelsan. You will be missed. I don't know how else to put words to this terribly sad news..."

One of the sweetest most talented men I've ever met. A terrible loss for all of us. Rest In Peace Nelsan. You will be missed. I don't know how else to put words to this terribly sad news...

A post shared by Kristin Bauer (@kristinbauer) on Jul 8, 2017 at 12:58pm PDT

McMillan tweeted that he was "stunned, devastated by the terrible news," adding that Ellis was a "genius and a beautiful soul."

Stunned, devastated by the terrible news of @OfficialNelsan's passing. Nelsan was a genius and a beautiful soul. Sending love to his family.

— Michael McMillian (@McMillzz) July 8, 2017

"Heartbreaking," Deborah Ann Woll, who played the vampire Jessica on True Blood, wrote on Twitter Saturday in response to the news of his death.

Heartbreaking. https://t.co/LuDtfxBUJB

— Deborah Ann Woll (@DeborahAnnWoll) July 8, 2017

Ellis' 'The Help' costar Octavia Spencer broke the news on Instagram, saying, "Just got word that we lost (Nelsan). My heart breaks for his kids and family."

Just got word that we lost @nelsanellisofficial. My heart breaks for his kids and family. #RIPNelsanEllis. #brillIantactor #trueblood #getonup #thesoloist #thehelp

A post shared by Octavia Spencer (@therealoctaviaspencer) on Jul 8, 2017 at 11:43am PDT

Ellis is survived by his son Breon Ellis, his father Tommie Lee Thompson, seven siblings, his aunt and his grandmother. (ANI)