‘Vindication!’ Andre Braugher’s best ever Brooklyn Nine-Nine moments
He won Emmys for stunning turns in gritty cop shows. He bagged theatrical awards for astonishing performances in Shakespearean histories. But for millions around the world, Andre Braugher – who sadly died at 61 – provided most joy with a discover that came later in his life: he was an impeccable comic actor whose role as Captain Raymond Holt in Brooklyn Nine-Nine was one of the sitcom world’s most iconic characters. Not to mention possibly the most meme-able comedic cop ever created. Here are some of his finest moments.
The full bullpen
One of Braugher’s greatest strengths was his ability to steal a scene with a single line. So it’s not surprising that one of his finest scenes features him appearing for precisely seven seconds, and speaking exactly three words – but doing it with such roaring intensity that it’s a fist-in-the-air moment of triumph.
Rosa’s prison visits
Almost every single one of Braugher’s
Brooklyn Nine-Nine come from his astonishing ability to pull off deadpan comedy. The opening episode to season five gives you his entire phenomenal range in one storyline. From the super-intense, stony-faced absurdity of his repetition of the word “Rosa” to his sublime misunderstanding of sexual innuendo – plus what has to be the world’s most monotone use of camp flamboyance – this is a whistlestop tour through all of Braugher’s trademarks as Captain Raymond Holt.
Everything is Not OK
The unbelievable gravitas of Braugher is what made his character a beloved household name. But in a show packed with whip-smart writing and a relentlessly sunny tone, there wasn’t a lot of opportunity for him to truly showcase the sheer theatrical heft he could bring to a monologue. Until, that is, Holt was forced to leave his beloved department, found himself at a funeral, was confronted by two of his most