Ellis Family Genealogy & History

Nelsan Ellis was an acclaimed American actor, best known for his role as Lafayette Reynolds in HBO's "True Blood," which aired from 2008 to 2014. His portrayal earned him a Satellite Award and an NAACP Image Award, highlighting his significant impact on television. Ellis also made notable appearances in films such as Disney's "Secretariat," where he played Eddie Sweat, and Lee Daniels's "The Butler," portraying Martin Luther King Jr. His role as Bobby Byrd in the James Brown biopic "Get on Up" further showcased his versatility. Ellis's final work was in "True to the Game," released posthumously, solidifying his legacy in the entertainment industry.

Born on November 30, 1977, in Harvey, Illinois, near Chicago, Nelsan Ellis was the son of Jackie Ellis and Tommie Lee Thompson. After his parents' divorce, Ellis and his siblings were raised by their maternal grandmother in Bessemer, Alabama, following their mother's breakdown. Despite early challenges, including a diagnosis of dyslexia, Ellis pursued his education in Illinois, eventually graduating from Thornridge High School. His journey continued with enrollment at the Juilliard School, where he honed his acting skills, laying the groundwork for his successful career.

Lindsay Ellis, born November 24, 1984, is a renowned American author, video essayist, and YouTuber, celebrated for her insightful critiques and bestselling science fiction novel, "Axiom's End," which debuted as a New York Times Best Seller. With a BA in Film Studies from NYU and an MFA from USC, she has crafted influential content such as "The Whole Plate" series and co-hosted the "It's Lit!" web series for PBS. Her work has garnered significant attention on platforms like YouTube and Nebula, despite facing online harassment, leading to her temporary retirement from YouTube in 2021.

Lindsay Ellis grew up in Johnson City, Tennessee and is married to Nick Hansen, residing in Long Beach, California. She is open about her bisexuality and vegetarianism.

C. P. Ellis, born Claiborne Paul Ellis, was a former Ku Klux Klan leader in Durham, North Carolina, who transformed into a civil rights activist and trade union organizer. Initially serving as the Exalted Cyclops of a local Klan group, Ellis experienced a profound ideological change through collaboration with African American civil rights activist Ann Atwater. This change culminated in his public renunciation of the Klan and a lifelong friendship with Atwater, marking him as a significant figure in the civil rights movement. His journey from segregationist to advocate for desegregation is documented in books, films, and plays, enhancing his legacy as a symbol of reconciliation and personal growth.

C. P. Ellis was born to a mill worker in Durham, North Carolina. His upbringing was significantly influenced by his father, who was a member of the Ku Klux Klan. Despite the hardships of a poverty-stricken childhood, Ellis shared a close relationship with his father, participating in activities like ball games and fishing. This familial background was pivotal in shaping his early views and subsequent involvement with the Klan, reflecting the societal and familial pressures of his time.

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