Several cast members from the Fox TV series Brooklyn Nine-Nine paid tribute to their former co-star Andre Braugher following his death from a sudden illness.
In the comedy police procedural that aired from 2013 to 2021, Braugher played Raymond Holt, the no-nonsense captain of the 99th precinct who took pride in being the NYPD's first Black gay police captain.
The two-time Primetime Emmy winner died following a sudden illness on December 11, 2023. He was 61.
Terry Crews, who portrayed family man Terrence "Terry" Jeffords on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, was the first of his co-stars to honor him on social media.
Crews wrote on 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."
"Rest In Peace, Andre. I love you, man."
Dirk Blocker, who played clueless detective Michael Hitchcock, said of Braugher:
"Fiercely intelligent, remarkably kind, supportive, generous and possessed a deep and extraordinary talent, and had even more to offer."
"I am devastated. I love him. The 9 years I was able to work with him and to just be in his presence was truly a blessing."
He added:
"My heartfelt condolences go out to his family."
Braugher is survived by his wife, actor Ami Brabson, and their three adult sons, Michael, Isaiah, and John.
In his tribute on Instagram, Joe Lo Truglio, who portrayed Detective Charles Boyle, praised Braugher and expressed condolences to his grieving family.
"So many wonderful stories will be told about Andre but for now, all my love goes to his wife Ami and his three boys, who he loved very much and flew back every weekend from the show to be with," wrote Truglio.
"We all know how powerful an actor he was, but even more, Andre knew exactly well his most important role and was deeply proud of it."
Truglio continued:
"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."
He noted how Braugher could sing in addition to his acting talent and often belted "bassy vocals" from his dressing room, which was hardly surprising given that he was "so full of song."
"I miss him so much already. What an honor to work with a man who knew what it was really all about," said Truglio, adding:
"I feel blessed and thankful. Miss you Capt Holt. Love, Porkchop.💔"
Marc Evan Jackson, who played his onscreen husband, Kevin, shared an adoring photo of them from on set and penned a short but loving tribute, writing simply:
"O Captain. My Captain."
Joel McKinnon Miller, who played Norm Scully on the show, referenced master theater director Konstantin Stanislavski's book on acting and wrote on Instagram:
"An actor prepares… Sending love to Andre’s family and friends and all of us who had the honor of working with him."
Chelsea Peretti, who played Holt’s comedic assistant Regina "Gina" Linetti, wrote:
"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?"
She concluded with:
"I really hoped and knew I would see you again. Hate that I won’t."
Fans were also heartbroken to hear the sad news, and paid tribute to Braugher.
Braugher began his acting career in theater with several productions in The Public Theatre's Shakespeare in the Park including Much Ado About Nothing (1988), Coriolanus (1989), Twelfth Night (1996), Hamlet (2008), and As You Like It (2012).
He later transitioned into TV acting with featured roles in shows like Kojak (1989-1990), The Court-Martial of Jackie Robinson (1990), and The Tuskegee Airmen.
His first notable film role was as Thomas Searles in the 1989 American historical film Glory which centered on the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, the second earliest African-American regiments in the American Civil War.
He landed leading roles on shows like Gideon's Crossing, Hack, and Men of a Certain Age.
He won the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series Primetime Emmy for his portrayal of Detective Frank Pembleton In 1990s police drama series Homicide: Life on the Street.
He won a second Emmy for his work on the 2006 American crime drama Thief, in which he played Nick Atwater.
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