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Andre Braugher, a highly esteemed actor known for his roles in TV shows like “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and “Homicide: Life on the Street,” had a deep passion for acting. Despite his success and recognition in Hollywood, Braugher was gradually stepping away from constant work in the industry to spend more time with his family in New Jersey.
While Braugher captivated audiences as Captain Raymond Holt in “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” he balanced his work commitments by commuting between Los Angeles (where the show was filmed) during weekdays and returning home to New Jersey on weekends to be with his wife, Ami Brabson, and their children. He expressed in a 2020 interview with Variety that he prioritized spending quality time with his family, considering them immensely important in his life.
In that same interview, Braugher emphasized that the focus on celebrity status and the superficial aspects of the entertainment industry lacked substance for him. He made a conscious decision to step back and focus on what truly mattered to him – his family.
Despite his success in television, Braugher had a strong background in stage acting, having received training in the craft. He was scheduled to make his Broadway debut in the play “Birthday Candles” alongside Debra Messing. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and his health concerns (being at higher risk), Braugher made the decision to withdraw from the show. This decision was later validated when the pandemic led to the shutdown of New York City.
Though Braugher’s Broadway debut didn’t happen as planned, he continued to pursue projects closer to home, ultimately leaving a lasting legacy in both television and stage acting before his passing. His commitment to family and the significance of prioritizing personal values over the glitter of fame defined his later career choices.