In a tragic turn of events, André Braugher's final series, "The Residence," faces uncertainty after the untimely passing of the Emmy-winning actor at the age of 61. The entertainment community mourns the loss of a true talent, and heartfelt tributes pour in from colleagues, friends, and fans.
The WGA strike led to the shutdown of production for Shondaland's murder-mystery series, "The Residence." Unfortunately, on Tuesday, the Netflix series faced another setback as it mourned the loss of one of its stars, the 61-year-old Emmy winner André Braugher, who passed away after a brief illness.
Executive producer and showrunner Paul William Davies, along with executive producers Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers, had completed shooting four episodes of "The Residence." However, production was put on hold over six months ago during the early stages of the writers' strike, with four episodes remaining to fulfill the eight-episode order.
Sources indicate that the series was scheduled to resume production on January 2, as per Deadline. However, following the untimely death of André Braugher, it remains uncertain if "The Residence" will adhere to the original date or if the production will allow the cast and crew additional time for mourning. It is too early to speculate on whether Braugher's character will be written off or recast for the remaining four episodes.
Based on Kate Andersen Brower's book "The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House," the Netflix series is characterized as “a screwball whodunnit set in the upstairs, downstairs, and backstairs of the White House, among the eclectic staff of the world’s most famous mansion.
Following the discovery of a lifeless body, an exceptionally eccentric detective, portrayed by Uzo Aduba, steps in to conduct an investigation involving 157 potential suspects who were present at a State Dinner.
Braugher took on a key role, starring alongside Aduba as A.B. Wynter, the White House Chief Usher in the series.
The ensemble cast features Susan Kelechi Watson, Ken Marino, Jason Lee, Bronson Pinchot, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Edwina Findley, Molly Griggs, Al Mitchell, Dan Perrault, and Mary Wiseman.
Following his two-time Emmy-winning performances in "Homicide: Life on the Street" and "Thief," Braugher transitioned to "The Residence" after completing a series regular role in the sixth and final season of Paramount+'s "The Good Fight" and an eight-season starring role on Fox/NBC's "Brooklyn Nine-Nine."
André Braugher was a true actor's actor, embodying his characters and, akin to a star athlete, elevating the performances of the cast around him.
As the entertainment community grapples with the tragic news of André Braugher's passing at the age of 61, reactions from friends, former castmates, and others are surfacing on social media.
After the announcement of André Braugher's passing, his family at "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" have released public statements expressing their grief.
Terry Crews, known for his portrayal of Terry Jeffords in the comedy series, took to Instagram to express his deep appreciation for having had the privilege of working on the show for eight years.
“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.”
Marc Evan Jackson, Braugher's on-screen husband in the sitcom, provided a statement to Deadline expressing his sorrow and 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 posted a photo of their time on the set of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, which he captioned, "O Captain. My Captain."
The executive producers of "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," including co-creators Dan Goor and Michael Schur, expressed in a statement to Deadline their gratitude for the privilege of working with Braugher and how fortunate they were to have had him on the team.
“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.”
“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,” NBC and Universal Television said in a statement.
Fox, the network that broadcasted "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" for its initial five seasons, issued a statement as well.
“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.”
Writer Prentice Penny reflected on his time back with Braugher on the set of the show. He shared his favourite memory with the late actor on X: “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.”
Here are a few more heartfelt tributes that poured in for the late actor, celebrating his remarkable impact and talent.