Andre Braugher, the esteemed actor, and two-time Emmy winner known for his roles in “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and “Homicide: Life on the Street,” passed away at the age of 61 on Monday following a brief illness. The sad news was confirmed by Braugher’s publicist, Jennifer Allen, to Variety.
Braugher gained widespread recognition for portraying the composed Captain Raymond Holt in the police procedural comedy series “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” from 2013 to 2021. His character’s blend of stoicism and humanity, particularly when paired with Andy Samberg’s Detective Jake Peralta, endeared him to audiences, making him a beloved figure on the show.
In 1998, Braugher earned a lead actor Emmy for his compelling portrayal of Detective Frank Pembleton on NBC’s “Homicide: Life on the Street,” marking his final year on the series. His intense performance contributed to the critical acclaim of the police drama, which also earned him another Emmy for the miniseries or movie category in FX’s 2006 series “Thief.”
Throughout his career, Braugher grappled with the complex portrayal of police officers in the media, addressing the issue in a 2020 Variety cover story. He expressed concerns about the representation of law enforcement breaking the law in the name of defending it and called for collective action in addressing these themes in all cop shows.
Born in Chicago, Braugher graduated from Stanford University and pursued further education at the Juilliard School in the drama division. His screen career began with a notable role as a Union soldier in “Glory,” followed by appearances in “Homicide: Life on the Street,” “Hack,” and “House, M.D.” He diversified his roles in both television and feature films, including notable projects like “City of Angels,” “Frequency,” “The Mist,” and “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.”
Braugher, who considered family more important than pursuing larger career opportunities, leaves behind his wife Ami Brabson, who also appeared in “Homicide: Life on the Street,” and three children. The actor reflected on his career, acknowledging its interesting trajectory but noting that it could have been more expansive at the cost of his personal life.