Andre Braugher, Star of ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ and ‘Homicide: Life on the Street,’ Passes Away at Age 61.

Andre Braugher, the acclaimed actor with two Emmy Awards to his name, renowned for his roles in the popular TV series “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and “Homicide: Life on the Street,” passed away on Monday at the age of 61, following a brief illness.

Braugher gained widespread recognition for portraying the principled Captain Raymond Holt on the comedic police procedural series “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” from 2013 to 2021. His character, characterized by a stoic demeanor and a no-nonsense attitude coupled with a profound sense of humanity, quickly became a fan favorite, particularly in scenes alongside Andy Samberg’s charismatic Detective Jake Peralta.

In 1998, Braugher received an Emmy for his leading role as Detective Frank Pembleton in NBC’s “Homicide: Life on Street,” marking his final year on the show. His compelling performance catapulted him into stardom, as the critically acclaimed police drama, created by Barry Levinson, Tom Fontana, and David Simon, gained widespread acclaim. Additionally, Braugher secured another Emmy for his portrayal of a master criminal in FX’s 2006 series “Thief.”

The actor delved into the complexities of portraying law enforcement officers in an interview, expressing concerns about the portrayal of police breaking the law to “defend the law” in cop shows, emphasizing the need for collective reflection on this issue.

Born in Chicago, Braugher graduated from Stanford University and later attended the Juilliard School in the drama division. His initial screen appearance was as a Union soldier in “Glory,” portraying Thomas Searles, a free Black man who joins the first Black regiment. From his role as Kojak’s sidekick in the TV movie revival of “Kojak,” he transitioned to “Homicide: Life on the Street.”

Braugher showcased his versatility by playing a Detective in “Hack” from 2002 to 2004 and taking on the role of a psychiatrist in “House, M.D.” He received two Primetime Emmy nominations for supporting actor in “Men of a Certain Age.”

Balancing his television success, Braugher continued to make notable contributions to feature films, appearing in productions such as “City of Angels,” “Frequency,” “Poseidon,” “Primal Fear,” “Duets,” “The Mist,” “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer,” “Salt,” and “The Gambler.”

In an interview, Braugher emphasized the importance of family over pursuing major lead roles, reflecting on his career’s breadth and potential expansion into various disciplines. He is survived by his wife, Ami Brabson, who also had a role in “Homicide: Life on the Street,” and their three children.