Andre Braugher, the Emmy-winning actor who brought gravitas and deadpan humor to Captain Raymond Holt on the comedy series Brooklyn Nine-Nine, has passed away. He was 61.
Andre Braugher’s cause of death
Braugher died on Monday, December 11, 2023. The details surrounding his death are being kept under wraps but multiple news outlets confirmed that the actor passed away following a brief illness.
Tribute to Andre Braugher
Following Andre Braugher’s death, many of his co-stars from various projects and friends from the entertainment industry publicly expressed their gratitude for the actor’s warmth and kindness, while also praising his acting prowess. Below are some of them:
From the Brooklyn Nine-Nine family
Terry Crews
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Melissa Fumero
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Chelsea Peretti
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Beyond the Nine-Nine
David Simon
Andre Braugher. God.
I've worked with a lot of wonderful actors. I'll never work with one better.
Stunned and thinking of Ami and his sons and so many memories of this good man that are now a blessing. But too damn soon.
— David Simon (@AoDespair) December 13, 2023
Shonda Rhimes
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Audra McDonald
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Andre Braugher’s early life and education
Andre Braugher’s journey to becoming a celebrated actor began in Chicago, Illinois, where he was born on July 1, 1962. The youngest of four children, he grew up in the Austin neighborhood, facing the realities of Chicago’s West Side. His parents, Sally, a postal worker, and Floyd, a heavy equipment operator, instilled in him a strong work ethic and a sense of community.
Initially, Braugher’s path seemed quite different. At St. Ignatius College Prep, he excelled in academics and earned a scholarship to Stanford University. Engineering was his chosen field, but fate had other plans. Acting classes lit a spark within him, and in 1984, he graduated with a BA in theatre, embracing his newfound passion.
Braugher wasn’t satisfied with mere college experience. He craved deeper immersion, leading him to the prestigious Juilliard School’s Drama Division. Graduating in 1988, he received the school’s highest honor, the Acting Award, solidifying his talent and potential.
During his time at Juilliard, Braugher found a particular affinity for Shakespeare. He honed his craft in numerous productions at The Public Theatre’s Shakespeare in the Park, tackling roles like Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing and Coriolanus in the play of the same name. These experiences not only sharpened his acting skills but also instilled in him a deep appreciation for the Bard’s language and its power to transcend time.
Andre Braugher’s acting career
Early Acclaim and Breaking Barriers
Andre Braugher’s meteoric rise began in the early 90s with his iconic portrayal of Detective Frank Pembleton in Homicide: Life on the Street. He brought unparalleled realism and gravitas to the role, shattering stereotypes and paving the way for more nuanced portrayals of Black characters on television. His groundbreaking performance in Homicide: Life on the Street and 2006’s Thief earned him two Emmy Awards and cemented his status as a force to be reckoned with.
Shakespearean Roots and Cinematic Adventures:
While television became his primary playground, Braugher never strayed far from his Shakespearean roots. He continued to grace the stage in acclaimed productions like Hamlet and As You Like It, reminding us of his exceptional range and talent for classical performance.
He also graced the silver screen with memorable roles in films like Glory, Frequency, Primal Fear, and City of Angels, showcasing his ability to seamlessly transition between dramatic and comedic tones.
Comedy Gold and a New Generation of Fans:
In 2013, Braugher surprised everyone (and made us laugh hysterically) with his role as Captain Raymond Holt in Brooklyn Nine-Nine. His deadpan delivery, dry humor, and unexpected comedic timing stole the show, introducing him to a whole new generation of fans. He earned four Emmy nominations for his work on the iconic sitcom, proving his talent extends far beyond serious drama.
Andre Braugher’s legacy and inspiration
Throughout his career, Andre Braugher has received numerous acting accolades, but beyond the awards, his true legacy lies in the inspiration he provides to actors and audiences alike. He has shown us the power of diversity, the brilliance of nuanced storytelling, and the sheer joy of inhabiting diverse characters.
And even though his recent passing was a great loss to the world of entertainment, his work and influence remain a vibrant tapestry, ready to be explored and admired for generations to come.
Andre Braugher’s family
Andre Braugher is survived by his wife, Homicide: Life on the Street co-star Ami Brabson, whom he has been married to since 1991. Braugher and Brabson have three sons together three sons: Michael, Isaiah, and John.