‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ Cast & Producers Mourn André Braugher: “This Hurts. You Left Us Too Soon”
Following the news about André Braugher’s death, his family at Brooklyn Nine-Nine have shared public statements mourning his loss.
“I will remember all the advice you gave me,” Melissa Fumero, who co-starred as Detective Amy Santiago on the Fox/NBC comedy, wrote on Instagram. “I will remember all the times we laughed because your laugh was one of the all time greatest laughs to have ever existed.”
More from Deadline
Terry Crews, who played Terry Jeffords in the comedy, shared on Instagram how much he was honored to have spent eight years working on the show.
“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,” Crews wrote. “This hurts. You left us too soon. You taught me so much. I will be forever grateful for the experience of knowing you.”
Crews continued: “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.”
Braugher played the role of Raymond Holt, the captain of the 99th precinct who takes pride in being NYPD’s first Black gay police captain.
RELATED: André Braugher’s Final Series ‘The Residence’ Remains Unfinished After Strike-Related Shutdown
The executive producers behind Brooklyn Nine-Nine, including co-creators Dan Goor and Michael Schur, shared in a statement with Deadline how fortunate they were to work with Braugher.
“Like everyone who was fortunate enough to know Andre, we are heartbroken by the news of his passing. 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,” read the statement. “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, Braugher’s television husband in the sitcom, shared a statement with Deadline mourning the loss of his co-star.
“Andre Braugher was a giant, a genius, an artist, a legend, and a force,” Jackson said in a statement. “Andre elevated every moment he came anywhere near, and it was an honor 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 also shared a photo of them on the set of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, which he captioned, “O Captain. My Captain.”
Chelsea Peretti played Braugher’s assistant on the show. “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.”
Dirk Blocker and Joel McKinnon Miller, who played detectives Hitchcock and Scully, both paid tribute to their co-star.
“Fiercely intelligent, remarkably kind, supportive, generous and possessed a deep and extraordinary talent, and had even more to offer,” Blocker wrote. “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.”
Miller shared a behind-the-scenes photo of Braugher between takes.
Fellow Brooklyn Nine-Nine series regular Joe Lo Truglio said on Instagram, “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. 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. 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.”
Melissa Fumero, who played Captain Holt’s police force protégée Amy Santiago, posted a picture of Holt’s desk sitting empty in her Instagram Stories.
NBC, which aired Seasons 6-8 of Brooklyn Nine-Nine following its Fox cancellation, and Universal Television, which produced it, issued a joined statement: “Andre Braugher was the actor that others in the profession would always aspire to be. 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. We will miss him tremendously.”
Fox, Brooklyn Nine-Nine‘s original network for its first five seasons, also released a statement.
“Everyone at Fox is devastated by the sudden loss of our friend and colleague, the incredibly talented Andre Braugher,” read the 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.”
Christopher Miller, along with Phil Lloyd, directed and executive produced the Brooklyn Nine-Nine pilot. “Sad. I got to know Andre a little while doing the Brooklyn Nine-Nine pilot, Miller wrote on X. “He was a kind, thoughtful, supremely talented person. The way he and Andy’s opposite approaches to acting baffled & then slowly influenced each other was a magical dynamic that was the heart of the show.”
Television editor and director Ryan Case who worked on Brooklyn Nine-Nine shared her sorrow and gratitude, “So many of my favorite moments editing and directing were because of him.”
Brooklyn Nine-Nine writer Prentice Penny shared on X the following: “RIP #andrebraugher One of my favorite memories of him was one day on set, he was like I follow you on Twitter – you’re funny. I said, ‘oh what’s your handle so I can follow you too.’ He said, ‘No. I like it that you don’t know it’s me.’ We both fell out. He was a good man.”
Best of Deadline
Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.