‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ star Andre Braugher dies at 61

Actor Andre Braugher, who starred in the hit television series “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” has died at the age of 61.

Braugher’s publicist confirmed to NBC News that the actor died on Dec. 11 following a brief illness.

Braugher first came on the Hollywood scene in the 1989 war thriller film “Glory” alongside actors Matthew Broderick and Denzel Washington. He cemented his place in Tinsletown as Detective Frank Pembleton in the NBC drama “Homicide: Life on the Street.”

Brooklyn Nine-Nine – Season 8 (NBC / NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)

Braugher was celebrated for his role as the straight-laced Captain Ray Holt in “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” alongside Andy Samberg, taking home two Critics Choice Awards for best supporting actor in a comedy series and four Emmy award nominations.

He most recently appeared in the dramatic film “She Said” as New York Times executive editor Dean Baquet, who oversaw journalists Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohy as they reported on Harvey Weinstein and the subsequent #MeToo movement.

He is survived by his wife, fellow actor Ami Brabson, and sons Michael, Isaiah and John Wesley. Brabson and Braugher met while co-starring on “Homicide: Life on the Street.”

Following the news of his death, many of his former co-stars and friends expressed their condolences on social media.

Terry Crews, who played Terry Jeffords in “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” shared a photo of Braugher on Instagram, writing, “Can’t believe you’re gone so soon. 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,” he continued. “Rest In Peace, Andre. I love you, man.”

Chelsea Peretti, who played Gina Linetti, also wrote how much she loved him.

“Will miss your dulcet tones. 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,” Peretti added. “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.”

Joe Lo Truglio, known as Charles Boyle on the sitcom, also expressed his heartache.

“So many wonderful stories will be told about Andre but for now, all my love goes to his wife Ami and his three boys, who he loved very much and flew back every weekend from the show to be with,” Truglio wrote on Instagram. “We all know how powerful an actor he was, but even more, Andre knew exactly well his most important role and was deeply proud of it. He spoke often about his sons, and knew how lucky he was to have Ami.”

He added that he was “grateful to them for allowing us to share eight years with him. He was committed and passionate about the things he loved. And that voice. It laid anchor to the roughest of dialogue. What you probably don’t know is that Andre could sing too, and did often at lunch, belting bassy vocals from his dressing room to whatever new music he found.”

“At first, it was odd because well…*it was Andre Braugher crooning at full volume from behind closed doors*…but then very quickly it made all the sense in the world because the man was so full of song and that’s why the world took notice,” he continued. “I miss him so much already. What an honor to work with a man who knew what it was really all about. I feel blessed and thankful. Miss you Capt Holt. Love, Porkchop.”

His death was first reported by Deadline.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com