Andre Braugher dead at 61: Brooklyn Nine-Nine & Homicide: Life On The Street Emmy winner loses battle with brief illness

ANDRE Braugher, best known for his work on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, has died at the age of 61.

The award-winning actor, who played Captain Raymond Holt in the hit series, died on Monday following a brief illness.

Andre Braugher has died at the age of 61 Credit: Getty Images – Getty

The actor received four Emmy Award nominations for his portrayal of Captain Ray Holt on Brooklyn Nine-Nine Credit: Eddy Chen/NBC

The star won an Emmy for his work on Homicide: Life on the Street Credit: EPA

Andre’s publicist confirmed his death to Variety but details about the illness he suffered weren’t made available.

Andre reached a new younger audience with his portrayal of Captain Holt on the popular series Brooklyn Nine-Nine, a role that landed him four Emmy Award nominations.

The beloved actor was already a recognizable name thanks to his work on the NBC drama Homicide: Life on the Street, where he played Detective Frank Pembleton from 1992 to 1998.

He won an Emmy for his work on the show and the well-known series is also where he met his wife, fellow actress Ami Brabson.

CO-STARS PAY TRIBUTE

Those who worked with the star paid tribute shortly after his death was announced.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s executive producers spoke of their heartbreak, revealing how “fortunate” they were to know the star.

“Like everyone who was fortunate enough to know Andre, we are heartbroken by the news of his passing,” they told Deadline in a statement.

“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 happiness and joy he brought to those around him. And his smile… he had the greatest, brightest, most wonderful smile.”

Terry Crews, who played Terry Jeffords in the comedy, added that he was “honored” to have known the star.

Sharing a post on Instagram, he wrote: “Can’t believe you’re gone so soon. I’m honored 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.”

Meanwhile, Andre’s on-screen husband in the sitcom, Marc Evan Jackson, shared a photo of the two on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“O Captain. My Captain,” Jackson wrote alongside the picture.

Fans were quick to take to Andre’s final Instagram post to react to his unexpected death.

“Rest in peace, legend!” one person wrote, as another fan added: “RIP Captain.”

A third shared: “I’ll never get over it. I love you Andre,” and one follower reacted, “So sad this guy was incredible.”

ACTOR’S LIFE AND LEGACY

Andre was born and raised in Chicago and later graduated from Stanford.

He went on to earn a master of fine arts degree from Juilliard and married his wife in 1991.

The couple was married for 30 years after meeting on the set of Homicide and welcomed three kids together.

Andre racked up numerous TV and big screen roles throughout his career, including roles in films City of Angels, Poseidon, and The Mist.

The Hollywood star also made cameos in popular shows House and New Girl and took his talents to the stage.

He won an Obie Award for his title role in Henry V at the New York Shakespeare Festival and also appeared in several other works.

Andre was open when it came to his craft, even sharing advice to up-and-coming actors.

“It’s the same as I have for football players which is, you know, be prepared, you know, so that when the coach gives you the ball you don’t fumble it, you know,” Andre told Daily Actor in 2012.

“And that seems simple, you know what I mean, but it’s the hardest thing in the world is to stay prepared in anticipation of the opportunity.”

He added: “But that’s what I would say. You know, get trained and stay prepared and opportunity which is not every day is going to come your way and good things will follow on.”

Besides his wife and his three sons, Michael, Isaiah, and John Wesley, Andre is also survived by his brother, Charles Jennings, and his mom, Sally Braugher.

Andre died following a brief illness Credit: AP:Associated Press

Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s executive producers spoke of their heartbreak and how fortunate they were to know the star Credit: Getty