Members of the Brooklyn Nine-Nine cast have paid tribute to Andre Braugher, who has died at 61.
The popular actor, who played Captain Raymond Holt on the beloved police comedy series, died on Monday after a recent illness, his publicist Jennifer Allen confirmed.
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The official Brooklyn Nine-Nine X account posted a picture of Braugher with the words: “Always our Captain. We love you, Andre.”
Co-star Terry Crews, who played Lieutenant Terry Jeffords, posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, writing: “Can’t believe you’re gone so soon.”
“I’m honoured to have known you, laughed with you, worked with you and shared 8 glorious years watching your irreplaceable talent,” he wrote.
“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.
“Rest In Peace, Andre. I love you, man. 😢❤️”
Chelsea Peretti, who played Gina Linetti, shared a picture of Braugher in character, holding up a painting of himself.
“Love you ❤️ Will miss your dulcet tones,” she wrote.
“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.
“Is it weird that I am also grieving for what Captain Holt meant to Gina?
“I really hoped and knew I would see you again. Hate that I won’t 💔.”
In a statement to Deadline, Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s executive producers and co-creators Dan Goor and Michael Schur said they had been “fortunate” to know and work with Braugher.
“Like everyone who was fortunate enough to know Andre, we are heartbroken by the news of his passing,” they said.
“He was one of the most talented dramatic actors in history, and then he decided to try comedy, and he was instantly one of the funniest people ever to do it.
“But even greater than his acting talent was the happiness and joy he brought to those around him.
“And his smile… he had the greatest, brightest, most wonderful smile.
“Our thoughts and love go to his beautiful, amazing family, whom he loved more than anything.
“We are grateful for the time we had with him.”
Marc Evan Jackson, who played Captain Raymond Holt’s husband Kevin Cozner, also released a heartfelt statement.
“Andre Braugher was a giant, a genius, an artist, a legend and a force,” he said.
“Andre elevated every moment he came anywhere near, and it was an honour to have known and worked with him.
“My deepest condolences to his family, and all those who like all of us, loved him very much.”
Jackson took to X (formerly Twitter) to shared a photo of them on the set of the show, captioning the image: “O Captain. My Captain.”
NBC and Universal Television, which aired another of Braugher’s best-known shows, Homicide: Life on the Street, said Braugher was the type of actor that others aspired to be.
“He infused Det Frank Pembleton on Homicide: Life on the Street with both righteous ferocity and quiet dignity,” they said.
“In addition to his prowess as a dramatic actor, his comedy chops were also on full display as the determined and passionate Capt. Holt in Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
“His performances will continue to inspire future generations and we will miss him tremendously.”
Fox, the network that aired the first five seasons of Brooklyn Nine-Nine in the US, said it was “devastated” by the actor’s death.
“He will most certainly be remembered for his iconic comedic and dramatic roles across both film and television, but he will be remembered mostly for his big heart, kindness and the lasting impact he made on his friends, family and fans everywhere,” the network’s statement read.
“Andre was the heart and soul of the Nine-Nine and will forever be our Captain.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Andre’s family and loved ones at this time.”
Braugher was also well known to fans of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit for his role as the empathetic defence attorney Bayard Ellis.
SVU lead actor and Executive Producer Mariska Hargitay said she was “so sad and heartbroken” over his death.
“What a loss for all of us who knew and loved and admired you,” she wrote on Instagram.
“I’ve never met anyone like you. Full of grace, full of light.
“Elegant, noble, clear, curious, nuanced, generous, eminently human and real.
“A consummate artist and meticulous craftsman. There was nothing you couldn’t do.
”We lost one of the great hearts.”
Braugher’s cause of death is yet to be confirmed.
He is survived by his wife, fellow actress Ami Brabson, and three sons.
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