Remembering Andre Braugher, an actor's actor

Andre Braugher, an American actor considered by many to be one of the greatest television actors of his generation, passed away at 61 on Dec. 11, 2023.

The two-time Emmy award winner is best known for his performances as a stoic police officer, first in the intensely dramatic “Homicide: Life on the Street” and then in the hilarious and charming “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.”

Braugher’s publicist confirmed his death and stated the cause of death was a “brief illness.”

Born Andre Keith Braugher on July 1, 1962, in Chicago, the actor was raised on Chicago’s West Side.

The son of Sally and Floyd Braugher, attended St. Ignatius College Prep. Braugher then received a scholarship to Stanford University, where he earned a BA in theater in 1984.

Following his time at Stanford, where he also majored in math to ease his father's concerns about him pursuing a career in acting, Braugher attended Julliard. There he got a Master of Fine Arts in the school's drama division in 1988.

A year after his time at Julliard, Braugher had his first professional film role in “Glory,” the 1989 American Civil War film.

Braugher’s film career has notable titles such as “Get on the Bus,” “City of Angels,” Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer” and most recently the 2022 film “She Said.”

However, it’s Braugher’s television career that he will be remembered by.

“Homicide: Life on the Street” launched Braugher’s television career, portraying Baltimore homicide detective Frank Pemberton. Before leaving the show, he played the unyielding detective for six seasons but would return for the “Homicide” television movie.

The police procedural offered Braugher his true breakout role, as the actor received two Emmy nominations for lead actor in a drama series, one of which he won in 1998. In both 1997 and 1998, Braugher won Best Actor in a Drama Series from the Television Critics Association Awards.

He won another Emmy in 2006 for outstanding lead actor in a miniseries or movie for his role in the crime thriller “Thief.”

Braugher had already had an impressive resume, known for his gravitas, natural authoritativeness and ability to command a scene and call on vulnerability.

All the makings of a dramatic leading man, not the natural pick for an ensemble network comedy led by a fresh off “Saturday Night Live,” Andy Samberg.

So when it was announced Braugher would be starring alongside Samberg in a sitcom from the creator of “Parks and Recreation,” it turned people’s heads.

But in 2013, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” aired on Fox, and the cop-comedy took home a Golden Globe for Best Television Series Comedy or Musical after only airing 13 episodes. After five seasons on Fox, the show would get canceled and then saved by NBC, which would air three more seasons.

Braugher’s performance as Captain Raymond Holt, a stoic, overly formal, robotic police captain and father figure to Brooklyn’s fictional 99th precinct. The show and Braugher received praise for the role of Captain Holt as he was an openly gay, black police captain.

It’s not just a phenomenal and unique representation that makes this part special. Braugher delivers arguably one of the greatest comedic performances ever.

He wasn’t just deadpan or dry. His ability to have audiences, along with his detectives, understand his overly sophisticated interests and lack of pop-culture knowledge or general social cues is unparalleled.

Winning two Critics Choice awards and receiving four Emmy nominations for his work on the beloved “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” Braugher cemented his legacy as an actor.

It’s common to praise actors who start in comedy for their talent and range once they enter dramatic roles. A lesser actor would’ve wasted the potential of a character like Captain Holt, but Braugher was one of the best.

He held his own in an ensemble of trained comedians such as Samberg, Joe LoTruglio and Chelsea Peretti. It’s a popular opinion to consider him the funniest character on the show.

What Braugher did was show how wide his range was, how he could play anything writers threw at him and to the best of their ability.

The cast spoke fondly of Braugher, in particular a 2015 SAG-AFTRA panel with the ensemble, when asked what the funniest moments on set were, the cast went down a rabbit hole of their favorite moments with Braugher on set.

It’s clear how much they all look up to him and have fun getting him to loosen up and embrace their comedy world.

Braugher should be remembered for his once-in-a-lifetime talent but also for the loving light he was in the world.

The actor leaves behind his wife of 32 years, Ami Brabson and three sons in New Jersey where the actor resided most of his adult life.

His co-stars and colleagues have publicly expressed their appreciation for not just the actor's talent but his kindness and graciousness.

On Instagram, LoTruglio described him as “committed and passionate about the things he loved.”

Melissa Fumero, another “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” co-star recounts his advice, loyalty to family and his sending her pictures of the fall trees in her native New Jersey where he lived since he knew she missed that time of year.

But it’s the clip from “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” that Stephanie Beatriz posted of a scene between the two actors that surmises the kind of impact Braugher and his art had.

As Braugher and Captain Holt say, “Every time someone steps up and says who they are, the world becomes a better, more interesting place. Thank you.”

Sophia D’Ovidio is a third-year majoring in digital and print journalism. To contact her, email sgd5184@psu.edu.