Beloved actor Andre Braugher, renowned for his roles as Captain Raymond Holt in Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Detective Frank Pembleton in Homicide: Life on the Street, has passed away at the age of 61.
The news was confirmed by his publicist, citing a brief illness that led to his demise on Monday.
Braugher gained fame for his distinctive deep voice and won an Emmy for portraying Detective Frank Pembleton in Homicide: Life on the Street from 1992 to 1998.
However, he became widely recognized as the deadpan Captain Holt in the popular comedy Brooklyn Nine-Nine, earning two Critics Choice Awards and four Emmy nominations for his role.
Born in 1962 in Chicago, Braugher studied theater on a Stanford scholarship and later attended the Juilliard School for drama.
His career took off with his first film role in Glory (1989), and he continued to excel in television, particularly with his acclaimed role in Homicide.
One of my other favorite memories was me, him and Terry Crews talking on set. He was so warm with us and then when a white person would walk by, he’d look serious again. He then leaned in and said “Gotta keep ‘em on they toes.” Again, I fell out! RIP #andreBraugher
— Prentice Penny (FUX YO BLUE CHECK) (@The_A_Prentice) December 13, 2023
Over his three-decade career, Braugher received 11 Emmy nominations, winning twice for his roles in Homicide and the 2006 miniseries Thief.
He often portrayed characters in military and police settings, addressing the complexities of such roles, as discussed in a 2020 Variety interview.
Following his passing, tributes poured in on social media from former co-stars and colleagues.
Terry Crews, Braugher’s co-star on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, expressed gratitude for their time together, while Chelsea Peretti remembered him fondly for his humor and wisdom.
Many others, including showrunners and fellow actors, shared their condolences and cherished memories of Braugher’s impactful career.