Brooklyn Nine-Nine actor Andre Braugher passes away at 61, co-stars mourn his loss

Renowned actor Andre Braugher, celebrated for his roles in 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' and 'Homicide: Life On The Street,' has passed away at the age of 61 following a brief illness.

The veteran actor carved his legacy notably through his portrayal of Captain Raymond Holt in the widely acclaimed television series 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' from 2013 to 2021. He also gained prominence for his role as Detective Frank Pembleton in NBC's 'Homicide: Life on the Street.'

He secured a lead actor Emmy in 1998 for his portrayal of Detective Frank Pembleton in 'Homicide: Life on Street.' Further accolades followed in 2006 with another Emmy win for his role as heist crew leader Nick Atwater in the FX mini-series 'Thief.'

Braugher's presence extended across a spectrum of productions including 'Glory,' 'Kojak,' 'Hack,' 'House MD,' 'City of Angels,' 'Frequency,' 'Poseidon,' 'Primal Fear,' 'Duets,' 'The Mist,' 'Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer,' 'Salt,' and 'The Gambler.'

In the wake of Braugher's passing, his co-stars from 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' took to social media to honour his memory.

Chelsea Peretti, who portrayed Gina Linetti, expressed her sorrow, stating, "I really hoped and knew I would see you again. Hate that I won't."

She wrote, "Love you. Will miss your dulcet tones. Forever lucky to have gone on such a journey with you. Ringside seat. You were so funny to me and the epitome of still waters run deep. I will always cherish our conversations, often with me hanging in your doorway barring your exit, and the insane opportunity to be your sidekick. Is it weird that I am also grieving for what Captain Holt meant to Gina?"

Joe Lo Truglio, known as Charles Boyle on the show, shared heartfelt memories, emphasising Braugher's dedication to his family and the profound impact he made. "He spoke often about his sons and knew how lucky he was to have Ami."

He wrote: "I'm grateful to them for allowing us to share eight years with him. He was committed and passionate about the things he loved. And that voice. It laid anchor to the roughest of dialogue. What you probably don't know is that Andre could sing too, and did often at lunch, belting bassy vocals from his dressing room to whatever new music he found. At first, it was odd because well...It was Andre Braugher crooning at full volume from behind closed doors...but then very quickly it made all the sense in the world because the man was so full of song and that's why the world took notice. I miss him so much already. What an honour to work with a man who knew what it was really all about. I feel blessed and thankful. Miss you Capt Holt. Love, Porkchop."

Terry Crews, who played Terry Jeffords, reminisced about Braugher's invaluable lessons, expressing, "You taught me so much. I will be forever grateful for the experience of knowing you."

He wrote: "Can't believe you're gone so soon. I'm honoured to have known you, laughed with you, worked with you, and shared 8 glorious years watching your irreplaceable talent. This hurts. You left us too soon. You taught me so much. I will be forever grateful for the experience of knowing you. Thank you for your wisdom, your advice, your kindness, and your friendship. Deepest condolences to your wife and family in this difficult time. You showed me what a life well lived looks like. Rest In Peace, Andre. I love you, man. #ninenine."

Dirk Blocker, who starred as Detective Michael Hitchcock, also paid homage to the actor and said: "Fiercely intelligent, remarkably kind, supportive, generous and possessed a deep and extraordinary talent, and had even more to offer. I am devastated. I love him. The 9 years I was able to work with him and to just be in his presence was truly a blessing. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family."

Joel McKinnon Miller, who played the role of Detective Norm Scully, wrote: "An actor prepares... Sending love to Andre's family and friends and all of us who had the honour of working with him. #brooklyn99."

Writer-director Steven Canals said Andre Braugher was a megawatt talent. "Reliable, dependable, emotional. Whenever he was part of a cast I knew it meant the show would be great. Rest well, sir."

Cinematographer Rick Page, who worked in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, wrote in his tribute, "Rest easy friend. All love, all heart."

The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) paid homage to his contribution, acknowledging him as a dynamic performer in both drama and comedy, leaving a profound impact.

"We are saddened to hear of Andre Braugher's passing. Best known for 'Men of a Certain Age and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, he was a dynamic performer in drama and comedy. He will be deeply missed. Our condolences to his family and friends. #SagAftraMember since 1989," read the tribute.

He is survived by his wife Ami Brabson, three children - Michael, Isaiah, and John Wesley, brother Charles, and mother Sally.