- Andre Braugher died on December 11 at the age of 61.
- He had been battling a brief illness leading up to his passing.
- Braugher was known for his powerful delivery in a variety of crime shows, including ‘Homicide: Life on the Street’ and ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine.’
On December 11, actor Andre Braugher passed away. He was 61 when he died, following a brief illness. News of the Emmy-winning television star’s death was confirmed to Variety through his publicist, Jennifer Allen.
Braugher was known for his intense presence and delivery throughout several shows, perhaps most famous being the police comedy series Brooklyn Nine-Nine, where he starred as the stern Captain Raymond Holt. More crime procedurals came before and after his 153-episode stay in that program, including several iterations of Law & Order as well as the ’90s drama series Homicide: Life on the Street.
The celebrated career of Andre Braugher
Braugher was born on July 1, 1962, in Chicago, Illinois, the youngest of four children. The son of a postal worker and a a heavy equipment operator, nothing immediately pointed towards a career in show business yet he ended up with a scholarship to Stanford, where he graduated with a BA in theatre. With the start of his acting career also marked the start of his time in crime shows. He played Kojak’s right-hand man in the ABC television film revival of Kojak in the ’80s, not long after graduating from Julliard.
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He followed this up with Homicide: Life on the Street, which boasted an ensemble cast yet saw Braugher emerge as the definitive breakout star for his portrayal of the fiery Detective Frank Pembleton. It also saw him nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 1996 and 1998. He won in ’98.
Again, he earned two nominations for Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series thanks to his performance in TNT’s Men of a Certain Age. Brooklyn Nine-Nine netted another four nominations for Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
The power of strength and intensity
Not only was Braugher celebrated as a talented actor who mastered control over his delivery, able to make a stern demeanor intimidating in one production and hilarious in another, but he was also appreciated as a great colleague. Already, those who worked with him are mourning the loss of a great talent and greater friend.
NBC, which aired both Homicide and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, issued a statement honoring his legacy. “Andre Braugher was the actor that others in the profession would always aspire to be,” the statement reads. “He infused Det. Frank Pembleton on ‘Homicide: Life on the Street’ with both righteous ferocity and quiet dignity,” the statement read. “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.’ His performances will continue to inspire future generations and we will miss him tremendously.”
“Can’t believe you’re gone so soon,” said his Brooklyn Nine-Nine co-star 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. 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.”
Braugher is survived by his wife of 32 years, Ami Brabson, as well as sons Michael, Isaiah, and John Wesley; brother Charles Jennings; and mother Sally Braugher.
Rest in peace, Andre Braugher.
