Andre Braugher, Emmy-winning actor who starred in 'Homicide' and 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine,' dies at 61

Actor Andre Braugher dead at 61 Andre Braugher is being remembered as one of the most versatile actors of his generation.

LOS ANGELES — Andre Braugher, the Emmy-winning actor best known for his roles on the series "Homicide: Life on The Street" and "Brooklyn 99," died Monday at age 61.

Braugher's publicist Jennifer Allen told The Associated Press the actor died after a short illness.

The Chicago-born actor had his breakthrough role in 1989's "Glory," starring alongside Morgan Freeman and Denzel Washington, who won an Oscar for the film about an all-Black army regiment during the the Civil War.

Despite the part, he told The Associated Press in 2019 that he struggled to find work in a Hollywood where roles for African American actors were "few and far between. Period."

But he would establish himself with the role of Det. Frank Pembleton, which he would play for seven seasons in "Homicide: Life on the Street," a gritty police drama on NBC based on a book by David Simon, who would go on to create "The Wire."

He would win his first career Emmy for the role, taking the trophy for lead actor in a drama series in 1998.

He would win his second for lead actor in a miniseries or movie for the 2006 limited series "Thief" on FX. Braugher would be nominated for 11 Emmys overall.

Years later he would play a very different kind of cop on a very different kind of show, shifting to comedy as Capt. Ray Holt on the Andy Samberg-starring "Brooklyn Nine-Nine." It would run for eight seasons from 2013 to 2021 on Fox and NBC.

Though he'd dipped his toe into comedy in the TNT dramedy "Men of a Certain Age," "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" still represented a major shift for Braugher, who was known for acting in dark and heavy dramas.

"I just felt as though it was an opportunity to do something strikingly different from the rest of my career," Braugher told the AP. "I like it because it just simply opens up my mind and forces me to think in a different way. So I think I've become much more sort of supple as an actor, and more open to the incredible number of possibilities of how to play a scene."

He would be nominated for four Emmys during the run.

He was married for more than 30 years to his "Homicide" co-star Ami Brabson. They had three sons.

His death was first reported by Deadline.

REACTIONS FROM FRIENDS, FAMILY AND FANS

"I'm honoured 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." -- "Brooklyn 99" co-star Terry Crews, via Instagram.

"Deeply saddened by the news of Andre Braugher's passing. I mourn not only the loss of an extraordinary actor but, more profoundly, the departure of a warm and kind soul. His talent was undeniable, but it was his genuine kindness that truly set him apart. Rest well." -- Shonda Rhimes via Instagram.

"Andre Braugher. God. 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." -- David Simon, who wrote "Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets," via X, formerly Twitter.

"First time I saw Andre Braugher was in Measure for Measure in Central Park. 1993. Angelo. He fired onto the stage and I was like, "Whoa. What just happened?!" Different level. That was as plain to see as the sky above the stage. Super smart. Forceful. A master. And good dude. RIP." -- Jeffrey Wright, via X.

"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. -- "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" co-star Chelsea Peretti, via Instagram.

"Always our Captain. We love you, Andre." -- The official "Brooklyn Nine-Nine." Instagram account.

"Loved watching him work. Anytime he entered a scene he commanded attention. Terrible loss and taken away from his family and friends way too soon." -- Actor Kirk Acevedo via X.