Andre Braugher was an actor of extraordinary talent. He made every role uniquely his and unforgettable. From comedy, to drama, to action, there was no genre that he couldn’t elevate. On Monday, after a short illness, the Emmy winner passed away at the age of 61. Throughout his long, successful career Braugher was considered one of the most respected actors in the business. In the wake of his death, many of his co-stars and admirers took to social media to honor and remember the actor.
Viola Davis who played Florida to Braugher’s James in ABC’s “Live in Front of a Studio Audience - Goof Times” remembered her screen partner on Instagram.
“Heartbreaking,” she wrote. “You went way too soon. I loved every minute of working with you....your talent, your bottomless heart, your love of your family....your wife. You were a great man. God bless your children, your beautiful wife.....You will be missed Andre.”
Terry Crews, who had countless memorable moments opposite Braugher on “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” honored his co-star 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. Rest In Peace, Andre. I love you, man.”
Tony winner Audra McDonald, who worked with Braugher on the Paramount+ drama “The Good Fight,” honored her co-star on Instagram, noting that he was “joy” on set.
“I cannot process the news of Andre’s passing. He was the most generous, brilliant, intelligent and hilarious soul. He joined ‘The Good Fight’ late in our run but from day one it was [as] if he had always been a part of our family,” McDonald wrote. “He kept us all in stitches on set. Always singing. Always a smile on his face. He was such a joy to work with and had the most beautiful curiosity about all things and all people. I loved every single minute of working with him. He will be so sorely missed. All my love and light to his lovely wife Ami and their sons. Rest in Peace Dear Dear Andre”
“Insecure” showrunner Prentice Penny, who was also a writer for “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” took to X f.k.a. Twitter to post some behind the scenes memories of his time working with the actor.
“One of my other favorite memories was me, him and Terry Crews talking on set,” Penny wrote. “He was so warm with us and then when a white person would walk by, he’d look serious again. He then leaned in and said “Gotta keep ‘em on they toes.” Again, I fell out! RIP #andreBraugher.”
“Law & Order: SVU” star Mariska Hargitay celebrated her former co-star’s “grace” and “light” on Instagram, calling him “elegant” and “noble.”
“So sad and heartbroken. What a loss for all of us who knew and loved and admired you. I’ve never met anyone like you. Full of grace, full of light. Elegant, noble, clear, curious, nuanced, generous, eminently human and real. A consummate artist and meticulous craftsman. There was nothing you couldn’t do. We lost one of the great hearts.”
Ruth E. Carter, Oscar-winning “Black Panther” costume designer, paid tribute to the actor on Instagram, remembering his “talent” when they worked together on the FX miniseries “Thief.”
“Rest in Power Andre Braugher,” she wrote. “A powerful actor. My work with him on this project ‘Thief’ was nothing short of seeing pure talent and integrity at work.”
“Today Show” legend Al Roker shared a photo of himself and Braugher on Instagram, writing, “So sad hearing about the passing of @andrebraugher at 61 years old. His honesty and integrity shone through every role he portrayed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. #andrebraugher.”
“This really shook me! RIP Andre!,” wrote Emmy winner Sheryl Lee Ralph on X.
Oscar-winning musician/filmmaker Questlove celebrated Braugher on Instagram, writing, “Damn man. One of my fav character actors (Homicide: Life On The Streets/Gideon’s Crossing/Hack/Thief/Men Of A Certain Age/Law & Order/of course Brooklyn Nine Nine & his last series The Good Fight)——-man I would commit to a show on the strength of him being a character. Wow man this is sad for his loved ones and family and friends and for the legions of fans who loved his work. Rest in Power #AndreBraugher”
According to Deadline, fans can honor Andre Braugher with donations to the Classical Theatre of Harlem, where he was a board member.