Andre Braugher dies aged 61: the family that survives the ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ star
The actor known best for his role as Captain Raymond Holt in the popular police comedy series has died at the age of 61.

Andre Braugher, renowned for his role as Captain Raymond Holt in ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’, has passed away. The two-time Emmy Award-winning star died at the age of 61. Braugher succumbed on Monday after a brief illness, as reported by Deadline. While his resume was filled with comedies, he will also be remembered for his portrayal of Detective Frank Pembleton in the drama ‘Homicide: Life on the Street,’ a performance that earned him an Emmy.
On the set of that series, he met his wife, actress Ami Brabson, with whom he had three children: Michael, Isaiah, and John Wesley. He is also survived by his brother Charles Jennings and his mother Sally Braugher.
Andre Braugher Dies: Star Of ‘Homicide: Life On The Street’, ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ & Other Series And Films Was 61 https://t.co/tVfJxW4BRF pic.twitter.com/jkQzuwd5VP
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) December 13, 2023
The films, series and awards of Andre Braugher
Braugher’s debut role was in the film ‘Glory’ (1989), alongside Matthew Broderick and Denzel Washington. In the movie, he portrayed Thomas Searles, a black man from the North who joins the Union Army’s first black regiment.
In 1993, he joined the television series ‘Homicide: Life on the Street,’ where he played Detective Frank Pempleton, becoming the show’s standout star. Thanks to this role, he received Television Critics Association Awards for Best Actor in 1997 and 1998. Additionally, he was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 1996 and 1998, winning in the latter year. He left the series in 1998 after its sixth season but returned for the TV movie.
In addition to other projects such as ‘City of Angels,’ ‘Frequency,’ and ‘Poseidon,’ Braugher’s career highlights include narrating the acclaimed documentaries ‘Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet’ and ‘The Murder of Emmett Till,’ both for PBS. He also portrayed Detective Marcellus Washington in the television series ‘Hack’ from 2002 to 2004. In 2006, he played Nick Atwater in the miniseries ‘Thief’ for FX Networks, earning a second Emmy for his performance.
Some of Andre Braugher’s best moments on ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ have been put together to honor him after his tragic passing. pic.twitter.com/xzbmTs0zAr
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) December 13, 2023
Related stories
Other notable roles include General Hager in the 2007 film ‘Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer’ and Dr. Darryl Nolan in the series ‘House, M.D.’ He appeared in ‘Men of a Certain Age,’ earning two Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.
Among his diverse projects, Braugher’s narration of the Olympic Games introduction on NBC from 2006 to 2010 stands out, succeeding James Earl Jones. In recent years, he starred in the television series ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine,’ portraying Captain Raymond Holt. For his performance, he received four Primetime Emmy nominations as a Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
Tributes and ‘best scenes’ pour in for Andre Braugher
Andre Braugher. God.
— David Simon (@AoDespair) December 13, 2023
I've worked with a lot of wonderful actors. I'll never work with one better.
Stunned and thinking of Ami and his sons and so many memories of this good man that are now a blessing. But too damn soon.
Thinking about the funniest cold open from Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Andre Braugher's perfect comedic timing. RIP. pic.twitter.com/fsI3gXLIp8
— Katcy Stephan (@katcystephan) December 13, 2023
Brooklyn 99 has been my comfort show when I’m feeling down for years and Andre Braugher’s performance as Captain Holt is a constant highlight. Hugely funny while being the emotional heart of the show and always a commanding presence. RIP sir. pic.twitter.com/NUrCxDmG6N
— Shawn M (@still_like_this) December 13, 2023
Ten minutes of Holt highlights and it’s missing at least 10 of my favourites.
— Andrew Beasley (@BassTunedToRed) December 13, 2023
Heartbroken at the news of Andre Braugher’s death. Rest in peace, Captain. pic.twitter.com/RXiVUVsKNt

