Netflix series The Residence honors Andre Braugher after his tragic death
- Andre Braugher, famous for his role in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, passed away in December 2023 after battling lung cancer.
- He was in the midst of filming The Residence, a Netflix mystery drama set in the White House, at the time of his death.
- The series pays tribute to Braugher by dedicating the show to him with a card reading, 'In Memory of Andre Braugher' at the end.
In December 2023, acclaimed actor Andre Braugher, known for his role in the popular police comedy Brooklyn Nine-Nine, passed away at the age of 61 due to lung cancer. His death shocked the entertainment industry and his numerous fans, especially as he was actively participating in the filming of a new Netflix series titled The Residence at the time. This mystery drama, produced by renowned creator Shonda Rhimes, features a whimsical whodunnit format set in the White House, focusing on the lives of its diverse staff. Braugher was cast as the White House chief usher, a role for which he had completed about half of his scenes before his untimely passing. In light of this tragic event, the creators felt compelled to honor Braugher’s contribution to the series. Rather than a premature tribute after the first episode, a heartfelt acknowledgment was placed at the end of the eight-part series, stating, “In Memory of Andre Braugher.” This decision aimed to showcase his enduring impact on the show, demonstrating how his spirit influenced the production of The Residence from start to finish, according to creator Paul William Davies. Discussions arose regarding the possibility of having Braugher appear posthumously, but ultimately, the production team decided to recast his role with actor Giancarlo Esposito from Breaking Bad. Esposito expressed the complexity of stepping into Braugher’s shoes, highlighting the respect and admiration he held for him. He stated that creating the series in Braugher’s honor allowed his legacy to live on through the work they did together. The emotional tribute to Braugher resonated with fans, many of whom expressed their appreciation for both the show and the way it honored the late actor. Some viewers found themselves deeply moved and engaged with the series, appreciating the craftsmanship that went into the storytelling as well as the acknowledgment of Braugher’s influence on the project. Indeed, the entertainment community has rallied around the memory of Andre Braugher, celebrating his remarkable contributions and the warmth he brought to every role he played.