True Blood News Roundup: Interviews with Nelsan and Joe, Tanya Wright’s Novel and More

There are bits and bobs of news about True Blood cast members running around out there, so it’s time for another news roundup.

Nelsan Ellis is hoping the Lafayette love affair with Jesus will not last long. “I didn’t really want a love interest,” Ellis tells DigitalSpy. “I like Lafayette as just a prostitute… I don’t think he’s a settle-down-right-now type of dude. I think later down the line, but I think he’s so much about his exploits and making money and stuff. I know a lot of people wanted him to settle down and I think the gay community wanted him to settle down.” Nelsan talks about working with Kevin Alejandro as well. “What I’m enjoying is working with [Alejandro] because it’s challenging for the both of us and I think we’ve pushed each other to be better actors, because we’ve sort of taken that challenge on and I think we’ve surmounted it.”

Looking for something to read while hanging poolside in these dog days of summer? Multi-talented, actress and director, Tanya Wright (Deputy Kenya Jones) has a lot to be excited about these days. She has just published her first novel, titled Butterfly Rising. When singer Lilah Belle’s brother dies, she decides to leave her hometown of Lucasville to find solace on the open road. Seeking a companion for the journey, she coaxes Rose Johnson-whose provocative reputation with other women’s husbands is the stuff of legends in the small town- to come along for the ride. These two broken souls steal a vintage truck and head toward a town called Newhope, where a chance encounter with the mythical-and possibly magical-‘Lazarus of the Butterflies’ brings about riveting changes for Rose and Lilah, altering their lives in ways that neither could have expected. The journey results in an unforgettable spiritual awakening which binds the women together forever. Wright found the inspiration for BUTTERFLY RISING in the loss of her brother and the transformation she experienced in her own life at that time. Originally penned as a screenplay, Wright directed and stars in a film version of the story that is awaiting national release. To learn more about the movie and the inspiration behind it, visit www.butterflyrisingthemovie.com.

What would we do without those Ultimate Polls? EW’s PopWatch is running another competition, this time for who is the Ultimate Sexy Beast. Quarter finals pit Eric Northman against Damon Salvatore of The Vampire Diaries. Hurry on over and cast your votes now! Personally, I couldn’t vote. My loyalties are divided.

Have you seen Robbie’s recap of Night on the Sun at REVIEWniverse? Seriously, there needs to be a disclaimer on these, warning those of us foolish enough to have a mouthful of beverage, to put the cup down and back away slowly before reading any further. Bill channeling Sue Sylvester? That’s rich stuff!

Check out this interview with Joe Manganiello and Interview Magazine, which includes some cute new photos of Joe eating pizza. And now I want pizza.

The type of stranger approaching Joe Manganiello on the street has changed recently, from devotees of the CW’s One Tree Hill (an apparently fanatical and legion population), on which he played bartender Owen for two seasons, to rabid True Blood fans eager to get close to Manganiello’s latest character, the werewolf Alcide Herveaux.

During a visit to New York, Manganiello found time to talk to us about the thrill of being cast on his favorite show, and his tips for playing a werewolf, which include ab work and connecting with your inner child. (Read more.)

Mariana Klaveno made a guest appearance on Adam Carolla Show yesterday, talking about True Blood and “Hostess Revenge”. Check it out now!

I think that’s it for today. Many of our news items are sent in by fans like you, so if you see news out there that’s not posted here, send them on in and we’ll include those in a roundup.