Andre Braugher, Captain Holt In 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' Has Passed Away At The Age Of 61

TV & Film

Dec 14

Andre Braugher, star of Brooklyn Nine-Nine sadly passed away on December 11th, 2023 at just 61 after a brief illness. Born in Chicago, the son of a postal worker, Andre Braugher graduated from the illustrious theatre school, Juilliard. Braugher spent the early part of his acting career on the stage in various productions of Shakespeare. His gravitas was hard won from treading the boards, with a judgemental audience just feet away.

Andre Braugher made the jump to television in 1989 in one of the many Kojak TV movies. Detective Winston Blake would set the tone for a string of military and police parts that would follow. He played a ‘boy in blue’ extremely convincingly, and he was nominated for a string of Emmys. He took home the trophy on his third attempt for Hollywood: Life on the Street but won again in 2006 for Thief. Braugher's performance as Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s Raymond Holt earned him four nominations out of eleven.

Braugher was tapped by Hollywood, shortly after Kojak in Denzel Washington’s U.S Civil War epic, Glory. Throughout his career, he switched back and forth between television and major motion pictures, starring in movies such as City of Angels, Frequency, Primal Fear, and Passengers.

Andre Braugher is most famous for portraying a black, gay, chief of police in the comedy series Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Andre has always attempted to do this as an advocate for both communities, tactfully addressing issues as part of a well-rounded character. Braugher worked with the writers to create a character that was a positive role model, a strong leader, protective of his friends and family, and hilarious. Andre Braugher’s straight delivery, comic timing, and ability to say it all with the slightest gesture made him inherently watchable.

He was well-loved professionally and personally, and there have been outpourings of support on social media from all spheres of the industry. Andre Braugher is survived by his wife, fellow star of Hollywood: Life on the Street Ami Brabston, and his three sons. As requested by his family, if anyone wishes to pay their respects; donations can be made to the Classical Theatre of Harlem, where Braugher served on the board.