“Brooklyn Nine-Nine ”actor André Braugher died after battling lung cancer, says publicist

The 61-year-old actor was best known for playing Captain Holt on the hit police sitcom.

André Braugher, the beloved Brooklyn Nine-Nine actor who died this week at 61, was diagnosed with lung cancer a few months before succumbing to the disease, EW has confirmed.

The actor's longtime publicist, Jennifer Allen, revealed his cause of death after previously sharing that he passed on Monday following a brief illness.

Braugher enjoyed a prolific career after studying theater at Stanford and Julliard. He made his on screen debut in 1989’s Civil War drama Glory, acting opposite Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman, and Matthew Broderick. He later spent five years as Detective Frank Pembleton on NBC’s police drama Homicide: Life on the Street. He earned an Emmy for his work on the show in 1998 after being nominated once before in 1996.

Braugher went on to star in several more movies and TV shows, most notably the hit sitcom Brooklyn Nine-Nine, which weaponized his stern demeanor to hilarious effect as the multifaceted Captain Raymond Holt, described by EW’s Lester Fabian Brathwaite as “a man without expression but never without feeling.” The role earned Braugher four Emmy nominations for Best Supporting Actor.

Braugher’s former Nine-Nine co-stars have expressed their grief, celebrating his life with touching tribute posts.

"I’m honored to have known you, laughed with you, worked with you and shared 8 glorious years watching your irreplaceable talent. This hurts," Terry Crews wrote alongside an image of Braugher on Instagram. "You left us too soon. You taught me so much. I will be forever grateful for the experience of knowing you.”

Melissa Fumero chimed in as well, posting behind-the-scenes photos of the cast while reminiscing about her time with Braugher.

"I will remember all the advice you gave me," Fumero wrote. "I will remember all the times we laughed because your laugh was one of the all time greatest laughs to have ever existed. I will remember the deep love and loyalty you had for your family. I will remember it every time I ask work to make time for me to be with my family."

Costar Joe Lo Truglio also praised Braugher’s commitment to his family, writing, "He spoke often about his sons, and knew how lucky he was to have Ami. I’m grateful to them for allowing us to share eight years with him. He was committed and passionate about the things he loved. And that voice. It laid anchor to the roughest of dialogue."

Braugher is survived by his wife Ami Brabson and their three sons.

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• Brooklyn Nine-Nine cast mourns Andre Braugher: 'Can’t believe you're gone so soon'

• Andre Braugher's Ray Holt on Brooklyn Nine-Nine was hilarious and quietly revolutionary

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Read the original article on Entertainment Weekly.