Andre Braugher's Unwavering Choice: Prioritizing Family Over Career Until the End
Beloved actor Andre Braugher cherished his family above all else, prioritizing his three sons alongside wife Ami Brabson His untimely demise brings to light his unwavering commitment to being present and involved in their lives
Andre Braugher's impact on Hollywood was undeniable, but his dedication to his family stood as his most important legacy. Following his passing on Tuesday, December 12, an interview resurfaced in which he spoke about his focus on his home life. In the interview with Variety in 2020, Braugher emphasized that he always prioritized being with his wife, Ami Brabson, and their sons Michael, Isaiah, and John Wesley over pursuing career opportunities that would take him away from home.
"I have never visited Australia or Prague, and I have never been on film shoots in São Paolo or anywhere else," he shared with the outlet. "I have three sons, and I want them to see me as more than just the guy who takes them to the circus every now and then. I wanted to be there for them throughout their lives because I understand how important fathers are."
Braugher also expressed that he has no regrets about passing on potential acting roles in order to be a devoted father. "I made a choice that my wife, Ami, and our boys were too important not to spend quality time with," he explained. "The focus on celebrity status is not real. So I chose to, in my own way, step back and prioritize my family."
He concluded, "My career has been intriguing, but I believe it had the potential to be even greater. It could have encompassed various disciplines such as directing, producing, and other pursuits. However, it would have come at the cost of my personal life."
André Braugher and Ami Brabson. Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Paramount+
Braugher and Brabson exchanged vows in 1991 and later starred together on Homicide: Life on the Street.
"We share the same values and grew up in similar neighborhoods," Braugher told Variety in 2020. "She knows me like the back of her hand, and I'm grateful for that," he added, referring to his friend.
Despite rejecting numerous distant opportunities, Braugher continued to have a successful career, portraying Detective Frank Pembleton on Homicide: Life on the Street and Captain Raymond Holt on Brooklyn Nine-Nine. He received 11 Emmy nominations and won two of them.
Andre Braugher with son Michael and wife Amy Brabson in the pool at the Trident Villas & Hotel. Mario Ruiz/Getty Images
Braugher passed away at age 61 after a short illness, as confirmed by his rep, Jennifer Allen, on Tuesday. His former costars, such as Terry Crews, expressed their sadness on social media following the news.
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Crews, 55, who played Lieutenant Terry Jeffords on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, shared a heartfelt Instagram post honoring Braugher. "I'm honored to have known you, laughed with you, worked with you, and shared 8 glorious years watching your irreplaceable talent," he wrote. "This hurts. You left us too soon. 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."
Chelsea Peretti, who portrayed Gina Linetti on the Fox sitcom, took to Instagram to share a photo of Braugher and expressed her love and admiration for him. “Will miss your soothing voice forever. I feel incredibly fortunate to have accompanied you on this journey. You were endlessly amusing and the perfect example of depth beneath calm waters. Our conversations will always be cherished, even the ones where I blocked your exit from the doorway. Being your sidekick was an insane opportunity. It feels strange to grieve for what Captain Holt meant to Gina as well. I had hoped and believed that I would see you again. It pains me to know that I won’t.”
