Actor Andre Braugher, aged 61, passed away on Monday after a brief illness.
Born in Chicago, Braugher was renowned for his roles in “Homicide: Life on the Street” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.”
He portrayed Detective Frank Pembleton from 1993 to 1998 in “Homicide: Life on the Street,” and Raymond Holt in “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” from 2013 to 2021.
Throughout his career, Braugher received numerous accolades, including two Primetime Emmy Awards.
Andre Braugher was the actor that others in the profession would always aspire to be. In addition to his prowess as a dramatic actor, his comedy chops were also on full display as the determined and passionate Capt. Holt in ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine.’ We will miss him tremendously. pic.twitter.com/doQYmMTYjj
— NBC Entertainment (@nbc) December 13, 2023
In 2006, he won the award for lead actor in a miniseries or movie for his role as Nick Atwater in “Thief.”
In 1998, he was recognized as the lead actor in a drama series for “Homicide: Life on the Street,” during his final year on the show, which ran for seven seasons.
In total, Braugher received 11 Emmy nominations throughout his over three decade long career in Hollywood.
He earned four nominations during his 153 episode run on cop comedy “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”, as well as for his contributions to “Men of a Certain Age”, “Gideon’s Crossing”, and “The Tuskegee Airmen”.
Braugher is survived by his wife, Ami Brabson, whom he was married to for over 30 years, and their three sons: Michael, Isaiah, and John.
The news of his death was first reported by Hollywood news outlet Deadline, and confirmed by his representative, Jennifer Allen, to Variety.
Andre Braugher, the two-time Emmy-winning star of series including ‘Homicide: Life on the Street,’ ‘Men of a Certain Age’ and ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ died on Monday after a brief illness. He was was 61 https://t.co/tVfJxW4BRF pic.twitter.com/J14Welht1e
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) December 13, 2023
Braugher received his undergraduate degree from Stanford University in 1984, and graduated four years later from the Juilliard School’s drama department.
He made his film debut in the 1989 movie “Glory”, alongside Hollywood heavyweights Morgan Freeman, Denzel Washington, and Matthew Broderick, where he portrayed Union soldier.
He followed up the film with five made for TV “Kojak” movies, playing Detective Winston Blake beside Telly Savalas’s titular character.
During his career, Braugher appeared in various TV shows, including “Men of a Certain Age”, “Gideon’s Crossing”, “House, M.D.”, and concluded his television run in the final season of “The Good Fight”.
He also acted in many silver screen hits including “Primal Fear,” “City of Angels,” “Frequency,” “The Mist,” and “Salt,” amongst others.
The actor has two upcoming unreleased titles. He did voice work beside “Star Wars” star Mark Hamill in HBO Max’s upcoming Scooby-Doo animated film.
His final live action role is in White House miniseries “The Residence,” which follows the employees of the First Family.
RIP to Andre Braugher. pic.twitter.com/HOtOcvZKhC
— Films to Films (@filmstofilms_) December 13, 2023
Braugher was mourned by co-stars who posted touching tributes to the late actor on Tuesday.
“Can’t believe you’re gone so soon,” wrote “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” cast mate Terry Crews. “I’m honored to have known you, laughed with you, worked with you and shared 8 glorious years watching your irreplaceable talent.”
“This hurts. You left us too soon. You taught me so much. I will be forever grateful for the experience of knowing you,” he added. “Thank you for your wisdom, your advice, your kindness and your friendship.”
Chelsea Peretti, who played his character’s assistant Gina Linetti until season six, posted a photo of Captain Hold holding a painting of himself on set.
“Love you. Will miss your dulcet tones,” she captioned the image. “Forever lucky to have gone on such a journey with you. Ringside seat. You were so funny to me and the epitome of still waters run deep.”
Andre Braugher's Holt on BROOKLYN 99 was one of my favorite TV characters of all time. His deadpan delivery balanced the insanity of the show perfectly. And he was able to convey such warmth even as he was doing his masterful slow burn. May he Rest in Peace. pic.twitter.com/5OL90n5miP
— Brian Lynch (@BrianLynch) December 13, 2023
“I will always cherish our conversations, often with me hanging in your doorway barring your exit, and the insane opportunity to be your sidekick,” Peretti added.
“Is it weird that I am also grieving for what Captain Holt meant to Gina? I really hoped and knew I would see you again. Hate that I won’t.”
“Poseidon” costar Josh Lucas posted, “The great Andre Braugher passed away today. He was one of the first actors I ever worked with. And years later we did Poseidon together.”
“I saw him perform Shakespeare in the Park and it was beyond memorable. It was an early preview and towards the end during his monologue as Henry V he just stopped. Dead stop. Silence,” he recalled.
“He put his head down and clearly we all realize he had forgotten his lines. The pause lasted what seemed an eternity and then like lightning he whipped his head up and exploded with greatness, word perfect. It was a performance I will always remember.”
“He was an actor and man I always deeply respect. Rest in Peace Andre,” Lucas concluded.