André Braugher Remembered As “Megawatt Talent” & “Incredible Human Being”
Refresh for latest… André Braugher was an actor’s actor — one who absorbed a character and, like a superstar athlete, made the cast around him better.
As the showbiz community digests the terrible news of his death today at 61, reactions from friends, former castmates and others are hitting social media. Read a sampling of them below.
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The versatile Braugher was a two-time Emmy winner and 11-time nominee who amassed more than 100 TV and film credits over a 35-year screen career. He started out playing a detective opposite Telly Savalas in a string of Kojak telefilms, and during that era Braugher hit the big screen with a key role in Glory, Edward Zwick’s 1989 Civil War-set film starring Matthew Broderick that would land Denzel Washington his first Oscar.
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That would lead to his signature role in the criminally underwatched 1990s NBC drama Homicide: Life on the Street. His Detective Frank Pembleton was a no-nonsense — well, maybe a little nonsense — member of the Baltimore “murder police” with a knack for crime-solving and an intolerance for fools.
The character suffered an onscreen stroke while interrogating a murder suspect, and Braugher’s riveting performance in those few minutes — and the rest of his brilliant performance in that fourth season — would lead to the actor’s first Emmy nom for the role, in 1996.
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Braugher continued to land roles — and awards — for the rest of his career in TV, movies and animation. He appeared on the big screen in Spike Lee’s Get on the Bus and was in the HBO telefilm films The Tuskegee Airmen. Braugher toplined the early-2000s ABC drama Gideon’s Crossing, starred in CBS crime drama Hack and would claim a second Emmy for his lead role in the 2006 FX miniseries Thief. He also starred with Ray Romano and Scott Bakula in the 2009-11 TNT dramedy Men of a Certain Age, racking up Emmy noms for both its seasons.
Most recently he co-starred opposite Andy Samberg in the long-running Fox/NBC cop comedy Brooklyn Nine-Nine and in CBS All Access/Paramount+ drama The Good Fight, scoring Emmy noms for both.
Here is what people are saying about the late actor:
Andre Braugher. God.
I've worked with a lot of wonderful actors. I'll never work with one better.
Stunned and thinking of Ami and his sons and so many memories of this good man that are now a blessing. But too damn soon.— David Simon (@AoDespair) December 13, 2023
The consummate actor. His scenes in Homicide were critical inspiration for The Shield. I had the privilege of working with him briefly. My 13 ep-and-out show was a minor speed bump in his incredible career. My condolences to all who loved him. https://t.co/IeqDVFA4WO
— Shawn Ryan (@ShawnRyanTV) December 13, 2023
Just crushed. He was so much fun. Fun and funny. And he had so much life. It’s hard to process this one. pic.twitter.com/W5V3MMubtG
— Robert King (@RKing618) December 13, 2023
Statement from NBC and Universal Television:
“Andre Braugher was the actor that others in the profession would always aspire to be. He infused Det. Frank Pembleton on ‘Homicide: Life on the Street’ with both righteous ferocity and quiet dignity. In addition to his prowess as a dramatic actor, his comedy chops were also on full display as the determined and passionate Capt. Holt in ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine.’ His performances will continue to inspire future generations and we will miss him tremendously.”
Statement from Fox Entertainment:
“Everyone at Fox is devastated by the sudden loss of our friend and colleague, the incredibly talented Andre Braugher. He will most certainly be remembered for his iconic comedic and dramatic roles across both film and television, but he will be remembered mostly for his big heart, kindness and the lasting impact he made on his friends, family and fans everywhere. Andre was the heart and soul of the Nine-Nine and will forever be our Captain. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Andre’s family and loved ones at this time.”
Joint statement from Brooklyn Nine-Nine writer executive producers:
“Like everyone who was fortunate enough to know Andre, we are heartbroken by the news of his passing. He was one of the most talented dramatic actors in history, and then he decided to try comedy, and he was instantly one of the funniest people ever to do it. But even greater than his acting talent was the happpiness and joy he brought to those around him. And his smile… he had the greatest, brightest, most wonderful smile. Our thoughts and love go to his beautiful, amazing family, whom he loved more than anything. We are grateful for the time we had with him.”
This is impossible for me to process. He was best actor in the world. An incredible human being. An incomprehensible loss https://t.co/778v5NGNI4
— Mike Royce (@MikeRoyce) December 13, 2023
We are saddened to hear of Andre Braugher's passing. Best known for 'Men of a Certain Age' & 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine,' he was a dynamic performer in drama & comedy. He will be deeply missed. Our condolences to his family & friends. #SagAftraMember since 1989 https://t.co/AMdUVzri9Z
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) December 13, 2023
This really shook me! RIP Andre! https://t.co/cc9VF0txVX
— sheryl lee ralph (@thesherylralph) December 13, 2023
RIP #andrebraugher One of my favorite memories of him was one day on set, he was like I follow you on Twitter – you’re funny. I said, “oh what’s your handle so I can follow you too.” He said, “No. I like it that you don’t know it’s me.” We both fell out. He was a good man.
— Prentice Penny (FUX YO BLUE CHECK) (@The_A_Prentice) December 13, 2023
One of my other favorite memories was me, him and Terry Crews talking on set. He was so warm with us and then when a white person would walk by, he’d look serious again. He then leaned in and said “Gotta keep ‘em on they toes.” Again, I fell out! RIP #andreBraugher
— Prentice Penny (FUX YO BLUE CHECK) (@The_A_Prentice) December 13, 2023
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. https://t.co/RggVolu3q1
— Steven Canals (@StevenCanals) December 13, 2023
Got to work with #AndreBraugher with my first produced screenplay #GetOnTheBus
Gone too soon. But what a mark you left. 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/Uq0OYOb25o— Reggie R. Bythewood (@RocktheFilm) December 13, 2023
O Captain. My Captain. pic.twitter.com/ekGFz3EUTG
— Marc Evan Jackson (@MarcEvanJackson) December 13, 2023
Andre Braugher's Holt on BROOKLYN 99 was one of my favorite TV characters of all time. His deadpan delivery balanced the insanity of the show perfectly. And he was able to convey such warmth even as he was doing his masterful slow burn. May he Rest in Peace. pic.twitter.com/5OL90n5miP
— Brian Lynch (@BrianLynch) December 13, 2023
"Andre Braugher set the standard – a phenomenal man both on and off the screen. Inside the frame he was that of an absolute beast, while off-camera, he was a giving teacher and a true legend. His respect and humility were infectious, inspiring us to be better people and actors. pic.twitter.com/DE0gekyvhY
— Amin Joseph (@Amin_Joseph) December 13, 2023
We’ve lost a great one. Award winning actor Andre Braugher, known for playing stoic cops, most recently in Brooklyn nine nine, has died at age 61. So sad to hear this. pic.twitter.com/clTHJDWaTL
— Deborah Roberts (@DebRobertsABC) December 13, 2023
What a tremendous loss.
Rest In Peace Andre Braugher. pic.twitter.com/T8nZxDygei— George Stroumboulopoulos 🐺 (@strombo) December 13, 2023
I can’t stop crying. I have so many wonderful things to say about this amazing man who was so immensely talented and kind to me. So many of my favorite moments editing and directing were because of him. Gone way way way too soon. My heart aches for his family and friends. https://t.co/HA3IuJBs2U
— Ryan Case (@film114) December 13, 2023
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