Andre Braugher had the rare ability to bless every role he portrayed with an unforgettable grace and class. Whether it was “Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s” Raymond Holt, “Homicide: Life on the Street’s” Frank Pembleton or “Duets’” Reggie Kane, all his characters had a nobility that only Braugher could deliver. If his name was attached to a project, you knew there would be something interesting involved.
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His passing on Monday rocked the entertainment industry, with many of his co-stars remembering him as a joy to work with. To celebrate his distinguished career, we’re highlighting Braugher’s most memorable roles.
“Homicide: Life on the Street” - Det. Frank Pembleton
If you look up hard-boiled TV cop in the dictionary, there will be a picture of “Homicide’s” Det. Frank Pembleton. In any other actor’s hands, the character could have been unlikable and unsympathetic. But Braugher knew how to balance Frank’s commitment to finding the truth with his humanity. And, of course, his interrogation scenes are legendary.
“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” - Capt. Raymond Holt
What made Holt so amazing was Braugher’s willingness to go completely off the rails when the Captain got caught up in the ridiculous shenanigans of his detectives. From Halloween heists to chaotic road trips, his effortless transition between Holt’s uptight robot exterior and his desire to cut loose made him the show’s most fascinating character.
“Glory” - Thomas
Even though this was his first major role, it instantly became clear how special Braugher’s talent was. The character development and evolution he portrayed in taking Thomas from timid bookworm to hardened soldier was masterful. In a film full of brilliant performances, he delivered a standout debut.
“The Good Fight” - Ri’Chard Lane
Ri’Chard uses his quirks and charm to keep clients and adversaries off balance. The Emmy winner brilliantly combined the best qualities of all his most famous characters to give us one of his most well-rounded, layered performances. His scenes with Audra McDonald’s Liz are all pure genius.
“Passing Glory” - Father Joseph
We’ve all heard a million rousing speeches about dignity and history in civil rights era movies. However, there’s something about the way Braugher delivers it that makes you feel it in your soul. He’s able to get the audience emotionally invested with their whole hearts. It’s a special gift that can’t be taught. It’s just something you have.
“Duets” - Reggie
“Duets” isn’t a particularly interesting movie, but every scene Braugher is in doesn’t miss. When Reggie sings “Free Bird” — baring his soul and protecting his friend — it’s the only moment in the entire film that really matters. In the wake of his passing, it feels even more poignant.
“Live in Front of a Studio Audience: ‘All in the Family’ and ‘Good Times’”
There are very few actors we would trust with a role as essential to Black culture as James Evans. Braugher leads that very short list. He carried John Amos’ gravitas but also added his own hilarious spin to one of TV’s most famous dads.
“Law & Order: SVU” - Bayard Ellis
He only appeared in a handful of episodes of the long-running NBC drama, but Braugher’s Bayard Ellis brought a fresh perspective to the series. As a Black defense lawyer, he encouraged Liv to see the system in a different light, something the show really needed. Their adversarial roles eventually leads to a flirtation between he and Liv. His character remains a “what if” for fans of the franchise.
“Men of a Certain Age” - Owen
Braugher is so well-known for the confidence and gravitas he brings to his roles that when he offers us a glimpse at his vulnerability it’s a stunning reminder of how deep and wide-ranging his talent truly was.
“The Court-Martial of Jackie Robinson” = Jackie Robinson
We often see Jackie Robinson portrayed as the stoic, courageous player who integrated baseball. In this television movie, a young Brauger gets to play a less perfect version of the legend. Though it’s an early role for the actor, it shows a deep understanding of his craft.
“Gideon’s Crossing” - Dr. Ben Gideon
This overwrought medical drama isn’t truly memorable. But Braugher’s performance as Dr. Ben Gideon is, as he once again elevates the material to a level it doesn’t deserve.
“Thief” - Nick Atwater
This gritty heist drama features one of the Emmy winner’s most underrated performances. He takes the “brillinat criminal, lackluster family man” character to a much more authentic, grounded place. In Braugher’s expert hands, the story and the character feel completely new.
“Superman/Batman: Apocalypse” - Darkseid
Darkseid is one of Superman’s most notable villains. They’ve faced off in multiple animated movies and TV series, with numerous actors voicing the role. What makes Braugher stand out in “Apocalypse” is the regal quality he brings to the ruler of Apokolips. Yes, he’s a brutal, unyielding warrior, but he also sees himself as king, and he will not let you forget it.
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