Mariska Hargitay Remembers Andre Braugher Following His Death at 61: "Full of Grace"
Braugher acted alongside Hargitay as Bayard Ellis on SVU from 2011-2015.
On December 11, actor Andre Braugher died at the age of 61. The actor's reps confirmed on December 14 that the actor passed from lung cancer just a few months after being diagnosed.
Braugher was known for playing Det. Raymond Holt in the NBC police comedy Brooklyn Nine-Nine. His other major roles include Det. Frank Pembleton on Homicide: Life on the Street, which aired from 1993-1998. He also played Dr. Darryl Nolan in House, and Owen in Men of a Certain Age.
RELATED: How to Watch NBC's Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Braugher also played defense attorney Bayard Ellis on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. He appeared in six episodes in Seasons 13, 14, and 16. Bayard Ellis typically defended clients charged with drug related crimes, and founded the New York Center for Civil Liberties to help fight the judicial system.
Mariska Hargitay's tribute to Andre Braugher
On December 13, his former Law & Order: Special Victims Unit co-star Mariska Hargitay (Olivia Benson) posted a heartwarming tribute to the late actor, honoring his talent and vibrant personality.
"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," Hargitay captioned a black-and-white photo of Braugher smiling.
While starring in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Braugher was nominated for an Emmy Award four times for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2020. He won an Emmy Award twice, once for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 1998 for his role in Homicide, and again in 2006 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie for his role as Nick Atwater in the miniseries Thief.
NBC also released an official statement following Braugher's death.
"Andre Braugher was the actor that others in the profession would always aspire to be. He infused Det. Frank Pembleton on Homicide: Life on the Street with both righteous ferocity and quiet dignity. 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. His performances will continue to inspire future generations and we will miss him tremendously," NBC wrote on December 12.
