Andre Braugher, Homicide: Life on the Street and Brooklyn Nine-Nine Star, Dead at 61

Andre Braugher died at the age of 61.

Actor, known for his roles in acclaimed crime series such as Murder: Life on the Street and Brooklyn Nine-Ninedied Monday after a recent illness, his rep confirmed to PEOPLE.

Braugher played Det. Enter Frank Pemberton Murderwinning his first Emmy Award in 1998. He played another cop, the no-nonsense Captain Raymond Holt, in the comedy Brooklyn Nine-Nine, picking up four Emmy nominations. He earned a total of 11 Emmy nominations in his career, including a second win for the miniseries in 2006. Thief.

At the height of the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020, the two-time Emmy-winning actor reflected on his role as the beloved Captain Raymond Holt in Brooklyn Nine-Nineand how he viewed police relations in the real world.

“I look up after all these decades of playing these characters, and I say to myself, it was so pervasive that I was inside this story, and I also fell prey to the mythology that was built,” Braugher, who also played Det. Frank Pembleton on NBC Murder: Life on the Streetsaid Diversity in that time.

Andre Braugher, ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’.

John P. Fleenor/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty

“It’s almost like the air you breathe or the water you swim in. It’s hard to see. But because there are so many police shows on television, that’s where the public gets information about the state of the police,” he continued. “Cops breaking the law, and I quote, ‘defending the law,’ is a terrible slippery slope. It’s licensed law-breaking everywhere, justified it and justified it. It’s something we’re going to have to deal with collectively — all cop shows.”

Tribute to celebrities who died in 2023

Earlier this year, Nyambi Nyambi, Braugher’s Good fight colleague, spoke exclusively to PEOPLE about how working with him had a positive impact on his life.

“I spent time with him [The Good Fight] on set and then off set and talked to him about acting, talked to him about life, talked about storytelling, the creative process. I learned so much from him,” the 44-year-old actor said during a Black History Month celebration honoring the living legends who changed their lives.

Andre Braugher.

Kristina Bumphrey/Variety via Getty

“I’ve learned to ask questions until you find what is the key center of the scene. And that was amazing for me. And then watch his work back? He is amazing. His sense of humor, his professionalism, all those things. I look at him as someone who I hope, as I continue to grow in this business, will have half the career of a man like this. It was a blessing.”

After news of Braugher’s death, tributes began to pour in.

“I can’t believe you’re gone so soon,” Terry Crews began in a heartfelt Instagram post. There were two of them Brooklyn Nine-Nine costars.

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“I am honored to have known you, laughed with you, worked with you and shared 8 glorious years watching your irreplaceable talent,” Crews, 55, continued, adding how much the loss hurt.

“Thank you for your wisdom, advice, kindness and friendship. Sincere condolences to his wife and family at this difficult time. You showed me what a life well lived looks like. Rest in peace, Andre. I love you Man. 😢❤️.”

Braugher, who was born in Chicago and graduated from Stanford University and Juilliard, is survived by his wife Ami Brabson and their children John Wesley Braugher, Michael Braugher and Isaiah Braugher.

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Source: HIS Education