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Andre Braugher-television star-passed away.jpg

Friends Say Goodbye to Andre Braugher

By Kaleena Rivera | Celebrity | December 13, 2023 |

By Kaleena Rivera | Celebrity | December 13, 2023 |

Andre Braugher-television star-passed away.jpg

Last night delivered the terrible news that beloved actor Andre Braugher has died at the age of 61. The suddenness of his passing left friends and fans shocked and grieving. Braugher was a consummate performer, long honing his craft since his days as a young Stanford theater major before attending Juilliard. He would go on to star in films, beginning with 1989’s Glory and then other notable credits, but Braugher would eventually be best known to people through his many roles on television. His contributions as both guest star and lead are too many to name, though his best-known performances include the role of Detective Frank Pembleton in Homicide: Life on the Street and Captain Raymond Holt in Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Though both roles involve men who work in law enforcement, the shows differ vastly in tone, a testament to Braugher’s equal ability to brandish comedy with the same skill and passion he consistently brought to dramatic roles.

Reactions to the news came swiftly, especially by those who had the pleasure of working with him.

Unsurprisingly, his longtime Brooklyn Nine-Nine costars have also begun paying tribute.

Joe Lo Truglio’s words, in particular, hit hard. Because as much as we will miss Braugher and the potential body of work that will never come to fruition, he was a family man first and foremost.

So many wonderful stories will be told about Andre but for now, all my love goes to his wife Ami and his three boys, who he loved very much and flew back every weekend from the show to be with. We all know how powerful an actor he was, but even more, Andre knew exactly well his most important role and was deeply proud of it. He spoke often about his sons, and knew how lucky he was to have Ami. 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 honor to work with a man who knew what it was really all about. I feel blessed and thankful. Miss you Capt Holt. Love, Porkchop.💔

Braugher leaves behind a wife and three sons. They have requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Classical Theatre of Harlem.

Kaleena Rivera is the TV Editor for Pajiba. When she isn’t making plans to rewatch Braugher’s season-stealing turn on The Good Fight, she can be found on Bluesky here.