Tributes paid to Brooklyn Nine-Nine star Andre Braugher, following his death aged 61

Virgin Radio

13 Dec 2023, 13:54

Tributes are pouring in for US actor Andre Braugher, who has died aged 61. 

The sad news of the Brooklyn Nine-Nine star's passing was confirmed by his representative Jennifer Allen, who revealed the star had died on Monday (11th December) after a brief illness. 

Andre made waves in the comedy world after playing Captain Raymond Holt on the police sitcom, where his dry humour and incredible line delivery made him a fan-favourite. 

As well as Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Andre was well known for his portrayal of Frank Pembleton on Homicide: Life on the Street, as well as Owen Thoreau Jr. in Men of a Certain Age. 

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Andre landed his first film role in 1989’s Glory, and went on to star as Kojak’s sidekick in the ABC TV film of the same name. 

For his role in Homicide, Andre won an Emmy award for Outstanding Actor in 1998, and later won another Emmy prize for 2006’s Thief. 

Andre’s impeccable work on Brooklyn Nine-Nine was also recognised with accolades, with the actor winning the Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2014 and 2016. 

Andre’s Brooklyn Nine-Nine co-stars rushed to social media to pay tribute to their friend and colleague following the news. 

Terry Crews, who played Terry Jeffords on the NBC sitcom, wrote via Instagram: “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. Thank you for your wisdom, your advice, your kindness and your friendship. Deepest condolences to your wife and family in this difficult time. You showed me what a life well lived looks like.”

Chelsea Peretti, who portrayed Gina, commented: “Love you. Will miss your dulcet tones. Forever lucky to have gone on such a journey with you. Ringside seat. You were so funny to me and the epitome of still waters run deep. I will always cherish our conversations, often with me hanging in your doorway barring your exit, and the insane opportunity to be your sidekick. Is it weird that I am also grieving for what Captain Holt meant to Gina? I really hoped and knew I would see you again. Hate that I won’t.”

NBC, the US TV network which ran the fan-favourite series, shared a smiling picture in character as Captain Holt, and wrote: “Andre Braugher was the actor that others in the profession would always aspire to be. 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.’ We will miss him tremendously.”

Elsewhere, Oscar-winner Viola Davis, who starred alongside Andre in 2019’s Good Times, also took to Instagram to share: “Heartbreaking. You went way too soon. I loved every minute of working with you....your talent, your bottomless heart, your love of your family....your wife. You were a great man. God bless your children, your beautiful wife.....You will be missed Andre Braugher.”

Comedian Adam Hills wrote: “Just gonna spend the day watching clips of Andre Braugher on Brooklyn Nine Nine. What a remarkable actor. What an important role. RIP.”

The thoughts of everyone at Virgin Radio go out to Andre’s family and friends.