One of the best surprises of the second season of True Blood was the return of Nelsan Ellis' Lafayette Reynolds, the black gay short order cook slash escort. If you were underwhelmed by Sunday night's season finale and are looking to the third season, Nelsan Ellis explores the idea of his character "turning" into a vampire with the Chicago Tribune's Maureen Ryan.
"I didn't understand why they took me in such a drastic direction [in Season 2], but then again, somebody who is used to being on top because of his charms—once he's completely powerless to defend himself, that can be completely traumatizing," Ellis said.
One of the things that traumatized Lafayette was being held hostage by the powerful vampire Eric. To heal wounds incurred while he was with Eric, Lafayette had to drink some of the vampire's blood, which has healing properties. The result was a special psychological bond between the two men, a bond that is deeply uncomfortable for Lafayette, who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder after being set free by Eric. Ellis said he wouldn't mind if his character was turned into a vampire, or if, at the very least, Lafayette and Eric have more scenes together in future. "I love working with Alexander Skarsgard. He brings such gravity to a scene," Ellis said.
Ellis adds that would like for Lafayette to have some flashback scenes with his mother and "it would be nice if we found out...that she was a vampire."
By the way: The actor says his deeply religious mother and father "do not approve" of their son playing a character such as Lafayette.
Nelsan Ellis Talks About "True Blood" Finale [Tribune]
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Thank you!
There is more than one sexy black man on that show! I love Lafayette character and want to see him go far. But I like the idea of him wanting to be vampire but not happening.
I love Lafayette's hustle.
Posted by: Carter G | 15 September 2009 at 17:55
Lafayette is such an under rated character.
Mehcad Brooks is great and I love that he came out for gay equality.
but lets not forget about Nelsan Ellis and his great work and is a great lgbt ally!
Posted by: Shane Moseley | 16 September 2009 at 01:04
I just hopes he gets a bigger storyline next season and possibly some sex.
Posted by: Kevin | 16 September 2009 at 06:48
JUST LOVE this guy...
Posted by: thegaytekeeper | 16 September 2009 at 09:22
The Layfayette character is an acting showcase. I want more next season.
Posted by: Bill Kempton | 26 September 2009 at 11:13