Andre Braugher: Remembering the Beloved Actor from Brooklyn Nine-Nine at 61
The unmistakable deep voice of American actor Andre Braugher, known for his role on NBC’s drama “Homicide: Life on the Street,” will now be a cherished memory following the announcement of his passing on 11 Dec, just two days ago.
At the age of 61, he succumbed to a brief illness, details of which were not disclosed by his publicist, Jennifer Allen.
Who was Andre Braugher?
Andre Braugher is an Emmy Award-winning actor renowned for his portrayals of stoic police officers in the television shows “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and “Homicide: Life on the Street”.
Born on 1 July, 1962, in Chicago, Braugher grew up in the city’s West Side.
His mother, Sally Braugher, was employed by the United States Postal Service, while his father, Floyd Braugher, operated heavy equipment for the state of Illinois.
From Ghetto to Stanford: A Journey on a Scholarship
In a 2014 interview with The New York Times, Braugher recounted his determination to escape his challenging living conditions in a ghetto.
This resolve led him to St. Ignatius College Prep, a prestigious Jesuit Catholic high school in Chicago.
He then earned a scholarship to Stanford University, initially majoring in mathematics before pursuing a Masters of Fine Arts at the Juilliard School.
Acting: “Juggling and Travelling the Country”
Braugher’s parents, while proud of his academic achievements, were initially skeptical of his decision to pursue acting.
His father once challenged him, saying, “Show me Black actors who are earning a living. What the hell are you going to do, juggle and travel the country?”
Despite this, Braugher was resolute in his ambitions.
He famously stated that he would rather forego work than accept a role he wasn’t proud of.
His first significant acting role came in the Oscar-winning 1989 film “Glory,” which portrayed Black soldiers fighting for the Union during the American Civil War.
Renowned for Portraying Two Distinct Types of Police Officers
Braugher’s breakthrough role came as the intense Detective Frank Pembleton on “Homicide” a 1990s Baltimore crime show that delved into the complexities of policing a city rife with murders.
The show, which aired from 1992 to 1998, earned him an Emmy in 1998 for his portrayal of the tenacious detective.
David Simon, the former Baltimore Sun journalist and writer of “Homicide” once remarked to The New York Times that Braugher was among the best actors he had ever worked with.
However, it was Braugher’s portrayal of the deadpan Captain Raymond Holt in the hit comedy “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” that garnered widespread fame.
In this series, he played another serious police officer, but with a humorous twist.
As a police commander who was openly gay and defied stereotypes, Braugher brought a unique dimension to the role.
The sitcom ran for eight years, from 2013 to 2021, and was one of the final projects of his career.
In 2019, Braugher told AP News that his inclination towards diverse roles stemmed from a desire to expand his horizons and grow as an actor.
Marriage to His “Homicide” Co-Star
Braugher’s personal life was equally fulfilling, having been married for over 30 years to his “Homicide” co-star Ami Brabson.
Brabson, a talented actress, singer, and producer, has appeared in various productions including “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” “Kidnapped,” “Six Degrees,” “The Jury,” and the iconic ABC soap opera “All My Children.”
The couple had three sons: Michael, Isaiah, and John Wesley. Braugher is also survived by his brother, Charles Jennings, and his mother, Sally Braugher.
Colleagues and fans alike have been expressing their sorrow and admiration for Braugher.
Terry Crews, a co-star from “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” paid tribute to him on Instagram, saying, “Can’t believe you’re gone so soon.”
Audra McDonald, who co-starred with him on “The Good Fight,” also sent condolences to his family, remarking, “I loved every single minute of working with him.”
The impact of Andre Braugher’s life and work will undoubtedly continue to resonate with those who knew him and the audiences who admired him.