Today we learned of the loss of Nelsan Ellis, who was most famous for playing Lafayette on the long-running HBO hit vampire show “True Blood.”
Nelson Ellis, beloved as Lafayette, has passed
The show broke many barriers, but the Lafayette character was unique for treading the fine line between racial and sexual stereotypes, and yet depicting with equal parts heart and humor, the depth and intelligence of a man of color who refused to be a victim. Lafayette was a pioneer of gender fluidity in the mass media, dressing however he damned pleased, and bringing the sexy back in his attractions to men and women.
He was proud and strong and a source of strength for the other characters who were on the edge. Although as a gay, black, effeminate man, who also used and sold drugs on the side, Lafayette bowed to no man (or vampire) and when he set himself a goal, he was a force of nature (and the supernatural!).
Although the show ran not that long ago (2008 through 2014), Lafayette was a special source of pride and hope to the many men and women of color living under the oppression of the Deep South’s racism and Bible Belt fundamentalism. The actor who played Lafayette was the target of a flood of racist and homophobic abuse online and in real life, in the way that stupid people can’t distinguish between an actor and the roles that he played.
T hank you, Nelsan, for taking those slings and arrows for the rest of us, and for bravely leading the parade to all the progress and enlightenment that has occurred so surprisingly fast. So much work remains to be done, and the price of freedom is eternal vigilance.
But you showed us how to do it with style, wit and love, never giving an inch. You will be deeply missed.