Andre Braugher, the accomplished actor and two-time Emmy winner renowned for his roles in “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and “Homicide: Life on the Street,” passed away on Monday at the age of 61 after a brief illness, as confirmed by his publicist Jennifer Allen to Variety.
Braugher gained widespread recognition for portraying the upright and stoic Captain Raymond Holt in the police procedural comedy series “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” from 2013 to 2021. His character’s unique blend of no-nonsense demeanor and deep humanity endeared him to fans, particularly in his dynamic scenes alongside Andy Samberg’s hotshot detective, Jake Peralta.
In 1998, Braugher clinched a lead actor Emmy for his compelling performance as Detective Frank Pembleton on NBC’s “Homicide: Life on Street,” marking his final year on the series. His powerful portrayal contributed to his emergence as one of the breakout stars from the critically acclaimed police drama, created by Barry Levinson, Tom Fontana, and David Simon.
Andre Braugher was an absolute treasure as Captain Holt on Brooklyn Nine-Nine. RIP🕊️ pic.twitter.com/s0zQ3N2xQD
— vids that go hard (@vidsthatgohard) December 13, 2023
Acknowledging the complex portrayal of law enforcement in his career, Braugher expressed his concerns in a 2020 Variety cover story, emphasizing the need for addressing the depiction of cops on television. He was also awarded another Emmy for his role as a master criminal in FX’s 2006 series “Thief.”
Born in Chicago, Braugher graduated from Stanford University and later attended the Juilliard School in the drama division. His career commenced with a notable role in the film “Glory,” where he portrayed Thomas Searles, a free Black man joining the first Black regiment. He further showcased his versatility in roles ranging from a detective in “Hack” (2002-2004) to a psychiatrist in “House, M.D.”
Braugher, a two-time Primetime Emmy nominee for supporting actor in “Men of a Certain Age,” continued to expand his career into feature films, with notable appearances in “City of Angels,” “Frequency,” “Poseidon,” “Primal Fear,” “Duets,” “The Mist,” “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer,” “Salt,” and “The Gambler.”
Despite his impactful career, Braugher prioritized his family over pursuing larger lead roles. Survived by his wife Ami Brabson, who also appeared in “Homicide: Life on the Street,” and three children, Andre Braugher leaves behind a legacy of remarkable performances that resonated across television and film.
