‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ Captain, Andre Braugher, Dies at 61

Andre Braugher, the acclaimed actor who graced our screens with his powerful performances in ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ and ‘Homicide: Life on the Street,’ bid farewell at the age of 61, succumbing to a brief illness. Jennifer Allen, Braugher’s publicist, verified this sad news.

Best known for portraying the upright Captain Raymond Holt in the comedic police series ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ from 2013 to 2021, Braugher’s stoic demeanour and profound sense of humanity endeared him to fans. His dynamic on-screen partnership with Andy Samberg’s hotshot detective, Jake Peralta, was a standout feature of the show.

Braugher’s talent was not limited to comedy; he earned a lead actor Emmy in 1998 as Detective Frank Pembleton in NBC’s ‘Homicide: Life on the Street.’ This intense portrayal marked his last year on the series and solidified him as one of the breakout stars from the critically acclaimed police drama.

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The actor also clinched another Emmy for his role in the FX miniseries ‘Thief’ in 2006, where he masterfully embodied a cunning criminal. In a 2020 cover story, Braugher grappled with the complex legacy of playing police officers in a society increasingly critical of law enforcement, emphasizing the need to address the portrayal of law enforcement on television.

Braugher, a Stanford University graduate born in Chicago, honed his craft at the Juilliard School. His acting journey commenced with a notable role as a Union soldier in ‘Glory,’ portraying Thomas Searles, a free Black man joining the first Black regiment. From ‘Kojak’ to ‘House, M.D.’, Braugher showcased his versatility, earning two Primetime Emmy nominations for supporting actor in ‘Men of a Certain Age.’

While his career spanned both television and film, with appearances in productions like ‘City of Angels,’ ‘Frequency’ and ‘Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer,’ Braugher remained steadfast in prioritizing family over pursuing larger roles. Survived by his wife, Ami Brabson, who also shared the screen with him in ‘Homicide: Life on the Street,’ and three children, Andre Braugher leaves behind a legacy of exceptional talent and a perspective on the choices one makes in a demanding industry.