AceShowbiz -

Nelsan Ellis has just passed away. The actor known for his recurring role as Lafayette on HBO's hit vampire series "True Blood" died of heart failure. He was 39. "Nelsan has passed away after complications with heart failure," his manager Emily Gerson Saines announced the sad news. "He was a great talent, and his words and presence will be forever missed."

"We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nelsan Ellis," HBO said in a statement. "Nelsan was a long-time member of the HBO family whose groundbreaking portrayal of Lafayette will be remembered fondly within the overall legacy of True Blood. Nelsan will be dearly missed by his fans and all of us at HBO."

"True Blood" creator, Alan Ball, also sent condolences in the wake of the actor's passing, "Nelsan was a singular talent whose creativity never ceased to amaze me. Working with him was a privilege."

Nelsan Ellis also starred on CBS' show "Elementary". He will be seen in an upcoming movie "True to the Game".