André Braugher, the Emmy-winning actor has passed away at age 61. He was the star of several television series such as Homicide: Life on the Street, Men of Certain Age, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. According to Deadline, he passed away after a brief illness.
The actor was born and raised In Chicago, Illinois. He went to Stanford University where he earned his BA, and Julliard where he earned his MFA. He is a well-rounded actor who starred not only in television but in film and theatre as well.
Braugher is best known recently for his work on the hit comedy series Brooklyn Nine-Nine as he plays the tough-love-exuding Captain Holt. He won over audiences with his sarcastic tone and adoration for his pet corgi Cheddar while starring alongside his opposite, the goofy Andy Samberg (Saturday Night Live, Palm Springs). But, along with his plethora of comedies, Braugher played roles in several varying genres. Many should know him for his role in the NBC drama Homicide: Life on the Street. He played the character Detective Frank Pembleton, who was a master at interrogating and outsmarting his suspects and the criminals that came through into his interrogation room. This role was what won him his first Emmy. Braugher was set to star in the next season of The Good Fight on Paramount+.
Alongside television, Braugher made some film appearances. The most notable are Spirit Untamed, Baytown Outlaw, Salt, Passengers, The Mist, and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. He most recently starred in the film She Said, where he played an editor for the New York Times. The series itself was about the reporting surrounding Harvey Weinstein and the #MeToo movement, with the reports gathered in the series leading to the prosecution of Weinstein.
He also made several appearances on the stage. In the theater world, Braugher appeared multiple times at the New York Shakespeare Festival in Twelfth Night, Henry V, and As You Like It. He performed elsewhere in productions such as Richard II, The Way of the World, and the New York premiere of The Whipping Man.
His fellow Brooklyn Nine-Nine co-stars have taken to social media to pay tribute to their friend. Terry Crews, Joe Lo Truglio, Dirk Blocker, Chelsea Peretti, and Marc Evan Jackson. All took to Instagram and Twitter to honor Braugher. Lo Truglio shared a moment on set that was a fond memory of his with Braugher. He wrote in his post, “What you probably don’t know is that Andre could sing too, and did often at lunch, belting bass-y vocals from his dressing room to whatever new music he found,” he wrote. “At first, it was odd because well …*it was Andre Braugher crooning at full volume from behind closed doors*… 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.” Crews honored his late co-star by showering him with well-earned compliments. He wrote “I’m honored to have known you, laughed with you, worked with you and shared 8 glorious years watching your irreplaceable talent.” in his Instagram caption. Jackson, who played the husband of Captain Holt in the series, took to Twitter and posted a photo of the two embracing with the caption, “O captain, my captain.”
Below are the tributes that cast members posted to social media.
André Braugher is survived by his wife and two sons Michael, Isaiah, and John Wesley. He is also survived by his mother Sally Braugher. Instead of followers, his family is asking for family, friends, and fans alike to donate to the Classical Theater of Harlem, where Braugher served on the board.