'True Blood' star Nelsan Ellis dies at 39

Ellis was 39. He died of complications of heart failure, Saines said.

Ellis played Lafayette Reynolds on "True Blood." Most recently, he played Shinewell Johnson on "Elementary." He also had roles in major films such as "Get on Up," "The Help" and "The Butler."

HBO released a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, saying Ellis was a longtime member of the HBO family and will be dearly missed.