Andre Braugher, star of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, died on Monday aged 61 following a brief illness. Following the news of his death, Braugher’s fellow Nine-Nine co-stars flocked to social media to pay tribute to the beloved Captain Holt.
“O Captain. My Captain,” said Marc Evan Jackson on Twitter. Jackson played Captain Holt’s husband, Kevin Cozner on the popular sitcom. A simple yet fitting tribute.
O Captain. My Captain. pic.twitter.com/ekGFz3EUTG
— Marc Evan Jackson (@MarcEvanJackson) December 13, 2023
However, others who worked with Braugher had plenty more to say. “We all know how powerful an actor he was,” said Joe Lo Truglio, who played Charles Boyle, on Instagram. “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. I'm 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. 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.”
Chelsea Peretti, who played Holt’s long-time assistant, Gina, also paid tribute to Braugher. “Love you,” she said on Instagram. “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. 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.”
Terry Crews, who played Terry Jeffords, shared some particularly poignant moments on screen with Braugher.
“Can’t believe you’re gone so soon,” he said 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. Rest In Peace, Andre. I love you, man.”
Detective Scully actor Joel McKinnon Miller said on Instagram: “An actor prepares… Sending love to Andre’s family and friends and all of us who had the honor of working with him. #brooklyn99.”
Meanwhile, Detective Hitchcock actor Dirk Blocker said on Instagram: “Fiercely intelligent, remarkably kind, supportive, generous and possessed a deep and extraordinary talent, and had even more to offer. I am devastated. I love him. The 9 years I was able to work with him and to just be in his presence was truly a blessing. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family.”
Even the television networks themselves paid homage to Braugher.
“Andre Braugher was the actor that others in the profession would always aspire to be,” said NBC/Universal Television in a joint statement. “He infused Det. Frank Pembleton on Homicide: Life on the Street with both righteous ferocity and quiet dignity. 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.”
The first five seasons of Brooklyn Nine-Nine aired on FOX. “Everyone at FOX is devastated by the sudden loss of our friend and colleague, the incredibly talented Andre Braugher,” they said in a statement. “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. 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.”
Want to read more about Brooklyn Nine-Nine? Find out why Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s original Season 8 scripts were trashed.
Ryan Leston is an entertainment journalist and film critic for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.
