61-year-old Andre Braugher, renowned as the star of ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’, passes away (Image Credit: X)
New Delhi: Andre Braugher, the double Emmy-winning artist famous for portraying Captain Raymond Holt in the popular TV series ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’, breathed his last on Monday (11th December) at 61 after enduring a brief sickness.
His publicist Jennifer Allen verified the news of his departure to American publication, Variety.
Andre Braugher: Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s Captain Holt
Andre was best known for his portrayal of Captain Raymond Holt at the 99th Precinct in the TV series, Brooklyn Nine-Nine from 2013-2021. The actor’s depiction of a gay, and black NYPD Captain with a stoic and an uncompromising personality endeared him to the fans.
Andre’s chemistry with Andy Samberg, who played Detective Jake Peralta, was an icing on the cake due to their contrasting traits. It was Jake who uncovered the more profound and humane side of his robotic captain. Meep-morp-zeep!
Andre Braugher: Homicide: Life on Street
Andre clinched an Emmy for his role as Detective Frank Pembleton on the hit TV series Homicide: Life on Street in 1988. That was also his final year on NBC’s show. The actor’s powerful performance propelled him into an instant breakout star from the critically acclaimed police drama.
Andre Braugher: Emmy triumphs
Andre secured his second Emmy award for his portrayal as a master criminal for FX’s 2006 series Thief.
Andre Braugher: Early Life
Andre Braugher was born in Chicago and graduated from Stanford University before pursuing drama and theatre at the Juilliard School. His first screen role was as a Union soldier, Thomas Searles who is a free Black man who joins the first Black regiment, in Glory.
He also played Kojak’s sidekick in the television movie revival of Kojak. This is when he moved to Homicide: Life on Street and his life changed. Andre also played a Detective in Hack from 2002-2004 and then a psychiatrist on House, M.D. The actor was nominated twice for an Emmy for his performance as a supporting actor for Men of a Certain Age.
Andre Braugher: Legacy
In a 2020 Variety story, Andre challenged his complex heritage of depicting law enforcement characters on screen throughout his career. He remarked, Cops breaking the law to quote, ‘defend the law,’ is a really terrible slippery slope. It has given licence to the breaking of law everywhere, justified it and excused it.” The actor added that this was something that all cop shows needed to collectively address.
Andre emphasized that his loved ones were his priority. He found that being with his loved ones was more important than pursuing a major lead role. He is survived by his wife Ami Brabson and his three children.