Star of Brooklyn Nine-Nine Andre Braugher passes away at the age of 61

André Braugher, the towering actor known for his searing intensity and biting wit in characters ranging from the unyielding investigator Frank Pembleton to the stoic Captain Raymond Holt, has died at the age of 61.

While his latter days were characterized by a brief illness, his legacy spans decades of superb performances, giving him a position among television’s greatest greats.

His career was a tapestry of drama and humor, with each stitch displaying the depth and range of his creativity.

Andre portrayed Pembleton, a detective whose quest of justice was engraved on his face in every bead of perspiration and furrow of his forehead in Homicide: Life on the Street. It was a triumphant performance that earned him an Emmy and cemented his place in television’s pantheon.

Andre, on the other hand, was not one to be restricted to a single box. He moved between genres with ease, pouring heart into the anxious father of “Men of a Certain Age” and imparting gravity to showman lawyer Ri’Chard Lane in “The Good Fight.”

And who can forget Captain Holt’s deadpan genius in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, when his precisely placed comic beats entertained the viewer while keeping the detectives in line?

His skill extended beyond television, dazzling feature films such as “Glory” and “Frequency,” where his dominating presence kept even the greatest actors in check.

Whether fighting demons in “Thief” or voicing a fiery mustang in “Spirit Untamed,” Braugher endowed each role with a calm strength that lingered long after the credits rolled.

But his legacy was more than simply medals and honors. Andre utilized his position to advocate for vital causes, such as racial injustice in “A Soldier’s Girl” and Harvey Weinstein’s exposé “She Said.”

He knew the power of narrative, how it could not only amuse but also educate and inspire.

Andre was a loyal husband and father away from the camera, a cornerstone of his family whose warmth and friendliness went beyond the set. On the set of Homicide, he met his wife, Ami Brabson, and they went on to have three children.

His death is not only a loss for the entertainment business, but also for the numerous people he touched with his ability and kindness. “Can’t believe you’re gone so soon,” Terry Crews, his Brooklyn Nine-Nine co-star, said on Instagram. “I’m honored to have known you, laughed with you, worked with you, and spent the last eight years marveling at your irreplaceable talent. It aches…”

“Rest In Peace, Andre. I love you, man.”