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:

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.”

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