New Delhi: Andre Braugher, the actor who won an Emmy for his work on "Homicide: Life on the Street" and "Brooklyn 99," passed away on Monday at the age of 61. Trade publication Variety was informed by Braugher's publicist Jennifer Allen of his death.
The 1989 film "Glory," which starred Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman and earned an Oscar for its portrayal of an all-Black army regiment during the Civil War, gave the Chicago-born actor his big break.
Despite the part, he told The Associated Press in 2019 that it was difficult for him to get a job in Hollywood, where opportunities for African American performers were "few and far between."
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.”
Years later, he would portray a completely different kind of police officer on an entirely different kind of television programme, turning to comedy as Capt. Ray Holt on the Fox sitcom "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," starring Andy Samberg. The show ran for eight seasons from 2013 to 2021.
Braugher won two career Emmys from 11 nominations.
He was married for more than 30 years to his “Homicide” co-star Ami Brabson. They had three sons.
Rest in peace Andre Braugher!