Brooklyn Nine-Nine Actor Andre Braugher Passes Away at 61
Renowned actor Andre Braugher, best known for his roles as Captain Raymond Holt in Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Detective Frank Pembleton in Homicide: Life on the Street, has passed away at the age of 61. The accomplished actor died on Monday after a brief illness, as confirmed by his publicist.
Career Highlights
Born in 1962 in Chicago, Braugher gained fame for his distinctive deep voice and remarkable performances. He rose to prominence in the NBC drama Homicide: Life on the Street from 1992 to 1998, winning an Emmy in 1998 for his role as Detective Frank Pembleton.
However, it was his deadpan portrayal of Captain Raymond Holt in the hit comedy Brooklyn Nine-Nine that earned him widespread recognition. Braugher starred alongside Andy Samberg for eight seasons, winning two Critics Choice Awards and receiving four Emmy nominations for his performance as the precinct’s no-nonsense, Black, and gay boss.
Early Life and Education
Braugher, born as the youngest of four children in Chicago, studied theatre on a Stanford scholarship before attending the Juilliard School for drama. His career began with a notable role in the 1989 film Glory, earning critical acclaim and an Oscar for his co-star Denzel Washington.
Diverse Career
Throughout his three-decade career, Braugher received 11 Emmy nominations and explored roles in various television films and series. His versatility led to portrayals such as a cop in the series Hack, an army captain in the military drama Last Resort, and a general in the sci-fi miniseries The Andromeda Strain.
In 2020, Braugher spoke to Variety about the complexities of portraying police on television, emphasizing the need to address the impact of such portrayals collectively.
Tributes and Condolences
Co-stars and industry figures expressed their grief and paid tribute to Braugher on social media. Terry Crews, his co-star on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, expressing gratitude for Braugher’s wisdom and friendship. Chelsea Peretti, another co-star, remembered him for his humor and profound conversations.
O Captain. My Captain. pic.twitter.com/ekGFz3EUTG
— Marc Evan Jackson (@MarcEvanJackson) December 13, 2023
Numerous other industry figures, including Questlove and showrunners, shared fond memories of Braugher’s talent and impact on the entertainment industry. Braugher’s legacy extends beyond his remarkable performances, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who had the privilege to work alongside him.
Legacy Continues
Andre Braugher’s recent roles included playing Dean Baquet in She Said, a drama about the Harvey Weinstein scandal, and the charismatic lawyer Ri’Chard Lane in the final season of The Good Fight. He is survived by his wife, actor Ami Brabson, their three sons, and other family members.
As the news of Braugher’s passing reverberates through the entertainment industry, his contributions and the impact of his versatile career will be remembered and celebrated by fans and colleagues alike.