TV fans were devastated this week after the death of Andre Braugher. A two-time Emmy winner, Braugher was known for his roles on the acclaimed police drama Homicide: Life on the Street and the hit sitcom Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Now, Braugher’s cause of death has been revealed.
Braugher died on Monday, December 11, at the age of 61. At the time his longtime publicist Jennifer Allen said he had been battling a brief, recent illness.
Cause of death revealed
Today, Allen revealed more details about the actor’s cause of death, confirming that Braugher died after a battle with lung cancer. According to the New York Times, the actor was diagnosed a few months ago.
Lung cancer is one of the deadliest and most common forms of cancer in the US, according to the American Cancer Society. Smoking is a leading risk factor; Braugher reportedly quit smoking “years ago,” per a 2014 New York Times profile.
News of Andre Braugher’s death was met with shock and sadness throughout the industry. Over a decades-long career, Braugher established himself as one of the rare TV stars to have success in both drama and comedy.
Andre Braugher: career
Braugher made his film debut in the Oscar-winning 1989 film Glory. He achieved fame and recognition playing Detective Frank Pembleton on the NBC police drama Homicide: Life on the Street. A breakout from the show’s ensemble cast, Braugher won his first Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 1998.
Braugher won his second Emmy for the FX miniseries Thief, and received two further nominations for Men of a Certain Age.
But Braugher would achieve newfound fame and a new audience after returning to play a police officer, this time in a comedy: he played Captain Raymond Holt on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, the titular police precinct’s no-nonsense commanding officer.
The Fox sitcom ran for eight seasons between 2013 and 2021. Braugher made Capt. Holt one of the show’s most beloved and memorable characters, and he was nominated for four Emmy Awards for the show.
Tributes from co-stars
After his passing, several of his Brooklyn Nine-Nine co-stars wrote tributes praising the veteran actor.
“Can’t believe you’re gone so soon,” co-star Terry Crews wrote on Instagram. “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.”
Actress Melissa Fumero also wrote a tribute to Braugher on social media, recalling how they bonded on the Brooklyn Nine-Nine set.
“I will remember all the advice you gave me. I will remember all the times we laughed because your laugh was one of the all time greatest laughs to have ever existed. I will remember the deep love and loyalty you had for your family. I will remember it every time I ask work to make time for me to be with my family.”
“I really thought I’d see you again. My deepest condolences to Andre’s family, to Ami, to the boys, and to all his friends and loved ones. It was an honor to be in your orbit for a time, Sir. May you Rest in Peace my friend.”
Rest in peace to the incredible Andre Braugher — he’ll always be remembered for his incredible roles on Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Homicide: Life on the Streets.
Please share this news in memory of Andre Braugher.
READ MORE:
- Fans devastated after sudden passing of ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ actor Andre Braugher
- “Big Bang Theory” star Kate Micucci reveals shock lung cancer diagnosis: “Never smoked a cigarette”
