Braugher passed away on Monday after a brief illness, his publicist confirmed. He is survived by his wife and three sons.
Braugher first rose to fame playing Detective Frank Pembleton on the acclaimed NBC drama Homicide: Life on the Street from 1993 to 1998.
His nuanced portrayal earned him an Emmy for Best Actor in a Drama in 1998 and widespread critical praise.
But he became most well-known for playing the deadpan gay police captain Raymond Holt on Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Born in Chicago in 1962, Braugher attended Stanford University and later the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City.
His first big film role was in 1989's Glory, about one of the first Black Civil War regiments. But his acting on Homicide over the next ten years made him a standout TV star.
On Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Braugher co-starred for eight seasons as the serious boss, Captain Raymond Holt. His deadpan delivery was the perfect contrast to the show’s wacky comedy.
Braugher, adept at portraying cops and military, addressed challenges for Black actors playing such roles in 2020, emphasizing the need to confront illegal conduct in the name of law and order.
Braugher dying suddenly at 61 shocked entertainment. Brooklyn Nine-Nine co-stars mourned, like Terry Crews, noting his early death.
In 2021, Braugher starred with Baranski in The Good Fight's last season and appeared in She Said. His 30+ years in acting elevated every project with powerful presence and performances.
He leaves great acting legacy. He revolutionized TV’s Black police roles. His deadpan comedy delighted fans. Contributions unforgotten.