He was 61 years old when he died.
A spokesperson for the cast tells PEOPLE that the actor, who was known for his roles in hit crime shows like Homicide: Life on the Street and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, died on Monday after being sick.
As Owen Thoreau Jr., the diabetic father he played on the TNT show Men of a Certain Age, Braugher was nominated for two Emmys. He co-starred in the show with Ray Romano and Scott Bakula. Eleven nominations had been given to him over the course of his work.
His first Emmy was given to him in 1998 for his role as Frank Pembleton on Homicide: Life on the Street. It was given to the main actor or woman in a thriller series. In 2006, he won again for Thief.
When the Black Lives Matter movement was at its peak in 2020, the two-time Emmy winner thought about his interactions with police and his beloved part as Captain Raymond Holt on Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
“I look up after all these decades of playing these characters, and I say to myself, it’s been so pervasive that I’ve been inside this storytelling, and I, too, have fallen prey to the mythology that’s been built up,” Braugher told Variety then. Officer Frank Pembleton on the NBC show Homicide: Life on the Street was another part he played.
“It’s kind of like the air you breathe or the water you swim in.” It’s not clear. He did say, though, that the fact that police programs are so popular on TV shows people the real side of police work. “It is extremely dangerous for police officers to break the law in order to, quote, “serve the law.” This has made breaking the law routine and normal around the world. I believe that would make a great subject for a group exchange on any cop show.
“I learned to keep asking questions until I found the scene’s main idea.” I also think that was great. Then to look over his old work again? Unbelievable how amazing. he works hard, is funny, and is all of those things at the same time. My goal for my career in this area is to reach half of his level of success. I’m very fortunate.
“Thank you for your friendship, your kindness, your advice, and my life.” Please know that my wife and I are very sorry for your loss at this very hard time. You told me how to have fun. Oh, Andre, may you now be at peace. “Man, I love you. 😢❤”
He went to Stanford and Juilliard even though he was born in Chicago. We will miss him. His wife, Ami Brabson, and their three kids, John Wesley, Michael, and Isaiah, will.