Last Monday, the world lost a talented and versatile actor, Andre Braugher, at the age of 61. Though he may be best known for his iconic role as Captain Raymond Holt on the hit sitcom “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” Braugher’s career spanned decades and encompassed a wide range of genres.
Braugher first caught the attention of audiences in the ’90s with his role as Detective Frank Pembleton on the critically-acclaimed show “Homicide: Life on the Street”. Though the show never gained a following during its initial run, it has since gained a cult following and serves as a testament to Braugher’s skill as a dramatic actor.
After “Homicide,” Braugher continued to take on complex and challenging roles. He starred in the TNT dramedy “Men of a Certain Age”, which explored the struggles of middle-aged men, and played the stoic police captain in 2012’s apocalyptic thriller “The Mist”. But it wasn’t until 2013 that Braugher stepped into the world of comedy with his role as Raymond Holt on “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”.
At first glance, Braugher may have seemed an unlikely choice for a sitcom. With a Juilliard education and an Emmy under his belt, he had made a name for himself as a serious dramatic actor. However, as his iconic character, Braugher proved to be a natural fit in the zany world of “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”. He effortlessly blended Holt’s stoic demeanor with sly silliness, elevating the straight-man role to a comedic masterpiece.
But Braugher’s talent didn’t just lie in comedy. As the show progressed, his character Holt became a source of emotional depth and pathos. Beyond jokes and gags, Braugher could convey the complexity of his character’s relationship with the show’s protagonist Jake Peralta (played by Andy Samberg), elevating their dynamic into one of TV’s most endearing friendships.
While “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” exposed a younger generation to Braugher’s talent, he continued to challenge himself as an actor. He played hard-hitting journalist Dean Baquet in the highly-anticipated drama “She Said” and brought his trademark baritone voice to a recurring role in “The Good Fight,” a legal procedural that allowed Braugher to showcase his comedic timing and versatility.
In the midst of his diverse career, Braugher proved that it’s possible for an actor to pivot seamlessly between drama and comedy. While many may remember him for his powerful and heartfelt portrayal of Captain Holt, his legacy extends far beyond that one role. Andre Braugher was a brilliant actor who will be remembered for his remarkable talent and his ability to make audiences both laugh and cry.
