Andre Braugher, the accomplished actor who won two Emmy Awards and starred in popular TV series such as “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and “Homicide: Life on the Street,” passed away at the age of 61 on Monday after a brief illness. The news was confirmed by his publicist Jennifer Allen.
Known for his role as the upright Captain Raymond Holt in the comedy series “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” from 2013 to 2021, Braugher’s portrayal of the character, with a stoic demeanor and a deep sense of humanity, endeared him to fans. His on-screen chemistry with Andy Samberg’s character, Det. Jake Peralta, was particularly appreciated.
Braugher received acclaim for his role as Detective Frank Pembleton in NBC’s “Homicide: Life on Street” and won a lead actor Emmy in 1998. His intense performance on the critically acclaimed police drama solidified him as one of its standout stars. In 2006, he secured another Emmy for his role in the FX series “Thief,” where he portrayed a master criminal.
Throughout his career, Braugher grappled with the complex legacy of playing police officers, expressing concerns about the portrayal of law enforcement on television. In a 2020 interview with Variety, he discussed the problematic narrative of cops breaking the law to defend it.
Born in Chicago and a graduate of Stanford University, Braugher’s acting journey began with his role as a Union soldier in “Glory.” He went on to play diverse characters in various TV series, including “Hack” and “House, M.D.” His film roles included appearances in “City of Angels,” “Frequency,” “Poseidon,” “Primal Fear,” “The Mist,” and others.
Despite a successful career, Braugher prioritized his family over pursuing larger lead roles, acknowledging that while his career could have been more extensive, it would have come at the expense of his personal life. He is survived by his wife Ami Brabson, who also appeared in “Homicide: Life on the Street,” and their three children.