Former ‘Homicide: Life on the Street’ executive producer Barry Levinson and Andre Braugher.Photo:Arturo Holmes/Getty; Michael Loccisano/Getty
Arturo Holmes/Getty; Michael Loccisano/Getty
Barry Levinson has worked with many actors during his decades-long career, but when the producer thinks ofAndre Braugher, he recalls a hugely gifted performer whose talent seemed immeasurable.
In an interview with PEOPLE, the formerHomicide: Life on the Streetexecutive producer described Braugher, whodiedon Monday at age 61 following a recent illness, as “one of the really exceptional actors” to have come along.
“What interesting is that as an actor, he almost invariably exceeded what you thought you might get,” Levinson, 81, explains. “That’s what was, I think, unique about him in his very simple way without a lot of to-do. He delivered and exceeded your expectations.”
Andre Braugher on ‘Homicide: Life on the Street’ in 1997.Eric Lieboeitz/NBCU Photo Bank
Eric Lieboeitz/NBCU Photo Bank
Levinson remembers a quiet moment with Braugher prior to shootingHomicide’sfirst season when the two were poring over wardrobe possibilities for the actor’s character, Det. Frank Pembleton.
“I remember the moment when he was looking at a jacket and studying it, as if he’s trying to make a certain connection or whatever in terms of his character, his clothing, and the way that he went about in such a deliberate fashion kind of studying [it],” he recalls.
“It wasn’t like, ‘Well, I don’t like this.’ It was just studying it and you went, boy, this is a really serious actor. This is a person that really takes this craft very, very seriously, and that’s the way he worked," Levinson continues. “That’s how he functioned as an actor, as an individual. I don’t know that you can give more praise to a person who I think was a terrific individual and a marvelous actor.”
Homicideran for nine seasons on NBC, and Det. Frank Pembleton ultimately became one of Braugher’s most iconic roles, earning the actor his first Emmy Award in 1998 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. He would eventually rack up 11 nominations and two wins over the course of his career.
Andre Braugher accepting an Emmy Award for outstanding lead actor in a drama series for ‘Homicide: Life on the Street’ in 1998.Chris Haston/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty
Chris Haston/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty
“This is for all the people in Baltimore,” he saidwhen accepting his Emmyin 1998, giving a nod to theHomicide’ssetting. “This is a town I love. We have finally made it.”
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Braugher’s other credits includedGlorywith Denzel Washington,Kojakwith Telley Savalas, as well asBrooklyn Nine-Nine, City of Angels,Salt,Law & Order,Salem’s Lot, and the upcoming Netflix seriesThe Residence. He also won Obie Awards for his performances in stage productions ofHenry VandThe Whipping Man.
source: people.com
