Renowned Actor Andre Braugher, Celebrated for Roles in ‘Homicide’ and ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine,’ Passes Away at 61

Andre Braugher , the Emmy-winning actor renowned for his commanding roles in both the gritty drama “Homicide: Life on The Street” for seven seasons and the modern comedy “Brooklyn 99” for eight seasons, passed away at the age of 61 on Monday, according to his publicist Jennifer Allen. The Chicago-born actor gained acclaim for his portrayal of Det. Frank Pembleton in “Homicide: Life on The Street,” winning his first Emmy for lead actor in a drama series in 1998.

Braugher, recognized for his versatility, transitioned from intense drama to comedy with his portrayal of Capt. Ray Holt in “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.” He described this shift as an opportunity to explore a different aspect of his acting career, showcasing a more flexible and open-minded approach to diverse roles. His performance in this series earned him four Emmy nominations during its run.

Following the announcement of his passing, co-stars and colleagues paid tribute to Braugher, with Terry Crews expressing deep sorrow over the loss on Instagram, highlighting Braugher’s irreplaceable talent and the honor of working alongside him for eight years.

Notably, Braugher’s recent role in the 2022 film “She Said” depicted Times editor Dean Baquet, focusing on the journalists who exposed Harvey Weinstein’s history of sexual abuse. His career spanned from acclaimed films like “Glory” to notable TV series such as “Hack,” “Gideon’s Crossing,” and “The Good Fight.” Additionally, he frequently graced the stage, displaying his talent in various Shakespearean productions.

Born and raised in Chicago, Braugher graduated from Stanford and obtained a master’s degree from Juilliard. Despite breakthrough roles like “Glory,” he revealed the challenges of finding substantial work in Hollywood for African American actors before “Homicide,” when opportunities were limited.

Andre Braugher leaves behind a legacy of exceptional performances and is survived by his wife Ami Brabson, with whom he co-starred in “Homicide,” and their sons Michael, Isaiah, and John Wesley, among other family members.