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How did André Braugher die?

We're mourning the 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' star, but what's known about his cause of death?

Andre Braugher attends the red carpet event for "She Said" during the 60th New York Film Festival at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center on October 13, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for FLC)
Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for FLC

It’s a sad day for the world of entertainment. Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Homicide: Life on the Street, and Glory actor André Braugher has died at the age of 61.

Braugher died on Dec. 11 but the news wasn’t publically announced until Dec. 12. 2023. Immediately after the announcement there was a flood of tributes and condolences from the industry, with his co-stars queuing up to pile much-earned praise on the two-time Emmy winner.

One of the most touching messages came from his Brooklyn Nine-Nine co-star Terry Crews, who wrote that he is “honored to have known you, laughed with you, worked with you and shared 8 glorious years watching your irreplaceable talent” and that he thanks him for “your wisdom, your advice, your kindness and your friendship.”

But one question that hasn’t immediately been answered is Braugher’s cause of death. So let’s get into it.

What was André Braugher’s cause of death?

Actor Andre Braugher arrives at the 65th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on September 22, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

The official cause of death, as confirmed by Braugher’s representative, was a “brief illness”. This was later confirmed to be lung cancer, which Braugher was diagnosed with “a few months ago”.

Given that Braugher was working on the upcoming Netflix show The Residence, about a murder scandal at the White House, shortly before he died it seems that this illness did come fast.

We may yet get more details about his last weeks, though if Braugher’s family prefer to keep this information confidential we should respect their privacy as they mourn him. In the meantime, we’re going to kick off a Nine-Nine marathon in memory of a fantastic actor.