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| The actor who played the deadpan Captain Raymond Holt and starred in Homicide: Life on the Street, has died after a brief illness |
The actor's publicist confirmed his passing on Monday after a brief illness.
Braugher, with his unmistakable deep voice, gained prominence on the NBC drama Homicide: Life on the Street, running from 1992 to 1998. He earned an Emmy in 1998 for his portrayal of the tenacious Detective Frank Pembleton, known for his arrogance and determination.
However, it was his deadpan performance as Captain Raymond Holt in the popular comedy Brooklyn Nine-Nine that catapulted him to widespread fame. Braugher, appearing in eight seasons alongside Andy Samberg, secured two Critics Choice Awards for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series and received four Emmy nominations for his role as the no-nonsense, Black, and gay precinct boss.
Born in 1962 in Chicago, Braugher studied theater on a Stanford scholarship before attending the Juilliard School for drama. His breakthrough came in the 1989 film Glory, where he played a Union soldier in one of the earliest African American regiments of the American Civil War, earning the film three Oscars.
In a career spanning three decades, Braugher received 11 Emmy nominations and won a second Emmy for the 2006 miniseries Thief, showcasing his versatility as a leader orchestrating a high-stakes heist while navigating family struggles.
Braugher often portrayed military and police roles throughout his career, raising questions about the portrayal of law enforcement on television. In a 2020 interview with Variety, he expressed concerns about the pervasive portrayal of cops breaking the law to "defend the law" and its impact on society.
Following his passing, tributes poured in from former co-stars and colleagues. Terry Crews, Braugher's co-star on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, shared on Instagram, expressing gratitude for the "irreplaceable talent" and the wisdom Braugher shared. Chelsea Peretti and other cast members also reminisced about their time with the late actor.
Andre Braugher leaves behind a legacy of outstanding performances, with recent roles in She Said and The Good Fight. He is survived by his wife, actor Ami Brabson, and their three sons Michael, Isaiah, and John Wesley, as well as his brother Charles and mother Sally.
