Andy Samberg has shared a heartfelt tribute to his late Brooklyn Nine-Nine co-star, Andre Braugher, reflecting on their immediate on-screen chemistry and deep off-screen friendship.
Appearing on Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast, the Saturday Night Live alum spoke about Braugher, who passed away from lung cancer at age 61 in 2023. Samberg described the acclaimed actor as not only immensely talented but also a “good person” who was “so deeply moral and kind and pleasant and smart.” He added, “We all absolutely loved him. I miss him a lot.”
Samberg and Braugher starred opposite each other for all eight seasons of the popular sitcom, which aired from 2013 to 2021. Their characters, the playful Detective Jake Peralta and the stoic Captain Raymond Holt, formed a close, almost paternal bond that became central to the show.
Samberg recalled their dynamic as “kismet,” saying their powerful chemistry was evident from the very first table read. “As soon as we started reading it… it just worked,” he explained. “You know how it is sometimes with creative stuff, where you’re like, ‘I don’t care how this came to be. It’s working and I’m so happy.’”
He revealed that their creative process was so seamless they rarely needed to discuss scenes. The only exception was Braugher’s initial self-doubt about his comedic abilities, given his distinguished background in drama and training at Juilliard.
Samberg praised his co-star’s versatility, noting that while Braugher’s dramatic skills often left the cast in awe during serious episodes, his portrayal of Captain Holt “was the funniest thing on the show.”
Following Braugher’s death, tributes poured in from the entire Brooklyn Nine-Nine cast, including Terry Crews and Melissa Fumero, who remembered his wisdom, kindness, and deep loyalty to his family.
