The Emmy-winning actor was best known for his roles in “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and “Homicide: Life on the Street.”
On December 12, Andre Braugher’s publicist Jennifer Allen confirmed the news of his death to Variety.
According to Deadline, he died on Monday, December 11, after a brief illness. He was 61 years old.
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Notable roles
Braugher’s first film role was in Glory, where he starred alongside Matthew Broderick and Denzel Washington.
From 1993 to 1998, the actor portrayed the self-righteous and fiery Detective Frank Pembleton in Homicide: Life on the Street. He won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
Braugher went on to win another Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor In A Miniseries Or A Movie. The actor received the award for his role as Nick Atwater in Thief, where he was the leader of a heist crew.
He was also well-beloved as Captain Raymond Holt in Brooklyn Nine-Nine. From 2013 until 2021, he made the audience laugh as he played the stoic and no-nonsense character.
The New York Times dubbed him as an “undercover comedian.” In the article, his co-star Andy Samberg said “Andre has such a fluency in the world of cop drama, and that works to his advantage.”
“Applying the polish and dramatics that you would to something very serious to something very silly is a classic move that I always love.”
Heartfelt tributes
Chelsea Peretti, who played Captain Holt’s assistant Gina, wrote “Will miss your dulcet tones. 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.
“I will always cherish our conversations, often with me hanging in your doorway barring your exit, and the insane opportunity to be your sidekick. 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.”
“Can’t believe you’re gone so soon. I’m honored to have known you, laughed with you, worked with you and shared 8 glorious years watching your irreplaceable talent,” wrote Terry Crews, Braugher’s Brooklyn Nine-Nine castmate.
“You taught me so much. I will be forever grateful for the experience of knowing you. Thank you for your wisdom, your advice, your kindness and your friendship. Deepest condolences to your wife and family in this difficult time. You showed me what a life well lived looks like. Rest In Peace, Andre. I love you, man.”
Co-star Joe Lo Truglio also took to Instagram for his tribute. “He was committed and passionate about the things he loved. And that voice. It laid anchor to the roughest of dialogue. What you probably don’t know is that Andre could sing too,” the actor wrote.
“At first, it was odd but then very quickly it made all the sense in the world because the man was so full of song and that’s why the world took notice. I miss him so much already. What an honor to work with a man who knew what it was really all about. I feel blessed and thankful. Miss you Capt Holt. Love, Porkchop.”
Marc Evan Jackson was Braugher’s onscreen husband on Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Staying short and sweet, he posted a photo of Braugher embracing him from behind with the caption “O Captain. My Captain.”
Early life
Born in Chicago on July 1, 1962, Braugher grew up in a tough neighborhood with a humble family. His parents made sure he took his studies seriously because they wanted him to do better for himself.
“We lived in a ghetto,” Braugher said as he described his upbringing to The New York Times. “I don’t consider myself to be especially wise, but I will say that it’s pretty clear that some people want to get out and some people don’t. I wanted out.”
Braugher then earned a scholarship to attend Stanford University. His father wanted him to take up engineering, but he wound up graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in theater.
Though his father was against this career move at first, Braugher eventually won him over. He went on to earn another scholarship, this time to the prestigious Juilliard. It was shortly after graduation when he secured his role in Edward Zwick’s Glory.
Braugher mastered his craft and became an actor who could command any scene he was in. From serious dramas to silly sitcoms, he was always a force to be reckoned with, and he will be dearly missed.
Banner image via Instagram @andrebraugher.
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