Beloved Actor Andre Braugher's Cause of Death Revealed

The Gist:

• Andre Braugher's death at just 61 has left fans and former colleagues grieving.
• Andre's publicist said that he died following a "brief illness," then later disclosed it was due to lung cancer.
• Andre had a long career on television, including signature roles on Homicide: Life on the Street and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

TV fans of all stripes are in mourning following the news that Andre Braugher, who had been acting in the medium for decades, had died at the age of 61. Andre, who was best known for playing police officers on Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Homicide: Life on the Street, was beloved both by his colleagues and by the many fans who came to know him over the years.

Andre's death at such a relatively young age left many people shocked. Following the announcement that he had died, many wanted to learn more about what had caused his death.

Andre's official cause of death wasn't initially announced, but his publicist confirmed that he had died on Dec. 11, 2023, following a "brief illness." On Dec. 14, that same rep confirmed that lung cancer was Andre's cause of death.

In light of the sad news of Andre's passing, many paid tribute to the remarkable body of work he left behind.

Andre got his big break on Homicide: Life on the Streets, where he played Detective Frank Pembleton and was awarded an Emmy for his work in 1998. After the success of that show, Andre had a long career working in television before capping that career by playing Captain Raymond Holt for eight seasons on the acclaimed and beloved comedy Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

Andre, who studied acting at Juilliard, may have been an odd fit, at least on paper, for the world of this broad comedy. In reality, though, it was that sophistication, and Andre's willingness to make fun of it, that made him such a perfect fit for Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

Andre was nominated for 11 Emmys during his career, and won two, his second coming for the 2006 limited series Thief.

Following the news of his death, many of Andre's former co-stars paid tribute to his legendary body of work.

"I’m honored to have known you, laughed with you, worked with you and shared eight glorious years watching your irreplaceable talent. This hurts," Brooklyn Nine-Nine co-star Terry Crews wrote on Instagram.

“You left us too soon," he continued. "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.”

Marc Evan Jackson, who played Raymond's husband on the show, kept things simple, posting “O Captain. My Captain," alongside a picture of them together.