Andre Braugher had no regrets about choosing his family over work before his death

The late Andre Braugher left an indelible mark on Hollywood, but his greatest legacy was his devotion to his family.

After news of Braugher’s death broke on Tuesday, December 12, another interview appeared online in which he discussed his family life. Braugher, who shared sons Michael, Isaiah and John Wesley with his wife Ami Brabsontold Variety in 2020 that he prioritized raising his children over accepting career options out of town.

“I haven’t been to Australia. I haven’t been to Prague. I didn’t shoot in São Paulo or anything,” he told the outlet at the time. ‘I have three boys and I want them to get to know me as someone other than the man who takes them to the circus every now and then. I wanted to be there for the rest of their lives because I know how important fathers are.”

Braugher went on to say that he had no regrets about losing out on potential roles in favor of being a current father. “I made the choice along the way that Ami and those boys were too important not to spend quality time with,” he explained. “The focus on celebrities is not real. So I chose, in my own way, to quit a bit.”

He concluded: “It has been an interesting career, but I think it could have been greater. I think it could have included more disciplines: directing, producing, all these other different things. But it would have been at the expense of my own life.”

Braugher and Brabson exchanged vows in 1991 and later starred together Homicide: life on the street.

“We are like-minded; we grew up in similar neighborhoods; we share the same values,” Braugher told Variety in 2020. “She knows me like the back of her hand, and I’m grateful for that.”

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Despite turning down distant opportunities, Braugher still had a prolific career, starring as Detective Frank Pembleton. Homicide: life on the street and Captain Raymond Holt further Brooklyn Nine-Nine. He also received eleven Emmy nominations, two of which he won.

After a brief illness, Braugher’s representative… Jennifer Allenconfirmed on Tuesday that he died at the age of 61. Including Braugher’s former costars Terry Crewstook to social media to mourn the loss.

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“I can’t believe you’re gone so quickly,” Crews, 55, who played Lt. Terry Jeffords Brooklyn Nine-Nine, captioned an Instagram photo of Braugher. “I am honored to have known you, laughed with you, worked with you and shared 8 glorious years watching your irreplaceable talent. This hurts. You left us too soon. You’ve 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 at this difficult time. You showed me what a life well lived looks like.

Chelsea Peretti, who played Gina Linetti on the Fox sitcom, also shared a photo of Braugher via Instagram and wrote, “I love you ❤️ I will miss your soft tones. I have always felt lucky to have taken such a journey with you. Ring side seat. You were so funny to me and the epitome of still waters running deep. I will always cherish our conversations, many of which involved me hanging in your doorway blocking your exit, and the crazy opportunity to be your sidekick. Is it weird that I also mourn what Captain Holt meant to Gina? I really hoped and knew I would see you again. I hate that I won’t 💔.”