Emmy-winning actor André Braugher, best known for his work on “Homicide: Life on the Street” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” has died at the age of 61, his publicist confirmed Tuesday, Dec. 12.
No specific details of his death were released. His publicist, Jennifer Allen, said he died Dec. 11 after a brief illness.
A Chicago native, Braugher made his film debut portraying a Civil War soldier in a Black regiment in the 1989 film “Glory.” Although he appeared in a series of other big-screen movies, including “City of Angels,” “Primal Fear” and “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer,” he became a fixture on the small screen with his role as Detective Frank Pembleton in “Homicide: Life on the Street,” which ran from 1993-99 on NBC.
The role earned him two Emmy Award nominations as lead actor in a drama series, and he won in 1998. He was nominated for 11 Emmys, including for his lead role in the 2000-01 ABC medical drama “Gideon’s Crossing.” His only other Emmy win was in 2006 for lead actor in a miniseries or movie for “Thief.”
Despite his dramatic acting chops, he won over a new audience with his role as New York police Capt. Raymond Holt in the Andy Samberg comedy “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” which ran on Fox from 2013-18 and NBC from 2019-21.
His work on the show earned him four Emmy nominations for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series.
Braugher began his television career as Telly Savalas’ sidekick in made-for-television movies based on the original “Kojak” series.
His other television credits include “Men of a Certain Age,” “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” “Hack,” “Last Resort,” and “The Good Fight.”
Braugher appeared on stage at the New York Shakespeare Festival in “Measure for Measure,” “Twelfth Night,” in the title role of “Henry V,” which earned him an Obie Award and “As You Like It.”
At Joseph Papp’s Public Theater, Braugher performed in “The Way of the World,” and Shakespeare’s “Richard II” and “Coriolanus.” He played Iago in the Folger Shakespeare Festival production of “Othello” and performed the title role in “Macbeth” for the Philadelphia Drama Guild.
Most recently Braugher co-starred in “She Said,” the film retelling of two journalists whose reporting led to the prosecution of producer Harvey Weinstein and sparked the #MeToo movement. Braugher portrayed Dean Baquet, The New York Times executive editor who oversaw reporters Megan Twohey (Carey Mulligan) and Jodi Kantor (Zoe Kazan).
“Andre Braugher was the actor that others in the profession would always aspire to be,” NBC and Universal Television, which produced “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” said in a statement. “He infused Detective Frank Pembleton on `Homicide: Life on the Street’ with both righteous ferocity and quiet dignity.
“In addition to his prowess as a dramatic actor, his comedy chops were also on full display as the determined and passionate Captain Holt in “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.” His performances will continue to inspire future generations and we will miss him tremendously.
Braugher is survived by his wife, actress Ami Brabson, three children, a brother and his mother.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Classical Theatre of Harlem whose board Braugher served on.
Many actors responded to Braugher’s passing with touching reflections.
“I’m honored to have known you, laughed with you, worked with you and shared 8 glorious years watching your irreplaceable talent. This hurts. You left us too soon. You taught me so much. I will be forever grateful for the experience of knowing you. Thank you for your wisdom, your advice, your kindness and your friendship.” — “Brooklyn 99” co-star Terry Crews, via Instagram.
“Deeply saddened by the news of Andre Braugher’s passing. I mourn not only the loss of an extraordinary actor but, more profoundly, the departure of a warm and kind soul. His talent was undeniable, but it was his genuine kindness that truly set him apart. Rest well.” — Shonda Rhimes via Instagram.
“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, who wrote “Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets,” via X, formerly Twitter.
“First time I saw Andre Braugher was in Measure for Measure in Central Park. 1993. Angelo. He fired onto the stage and I was like, “Whoa. What just happened?!” Different level. That was as plain to see as the sky above the stage. Super smart. Forceful. A master. And good dude. RIP.” — Jeffrey Wright, via X.
“Will miss your dulcet tones. Forever lucky to have gone on such a journey with you. Ringside seat. You were so funny to me and the epitome of still waters run deep. I will always cherish our conversations, often with me hanging in your doorway barring your exit, and the insane opportunity to be your sidekick. — “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” co-star Chelsea Peretti, via Instagram.
“Always our Captain. We love you, Andre.” — The official “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.” Instagram account.
“Loved watching him work. Anytime he entered a scene he commanded attention. Terrible loss and taken away from his family and friends way too soon.” — Actor Kirk Acevedo via X.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
