The new Netflix series The Residence is dedicated to the memory of the Emmy-winning actor Andre Braugher, who tragically passed away in December 2023 while filming the show. Braugher was well-known for his role as Captain Raymond Holt in the police sitcom Brooklyn Nine-Nine, captivating audiences with his depth and versatility. He died from lung cancer after a brief illness at the age of 61, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in television and theater.
As filming was ongoing for The Residence, a murder mystery described by Netflix as “a screwball whodunnit set in the upstairs, downstairs, and backstairs of the White House,” Braugher was midway through his scenes when he fell ill. The series, produced by Shonda Rhimes, is an eight-part story revolving around the eccentric staff of the iconic White House, and will now bear Braugher's memory.
Upon closing the series, viewers will find a poignant title card reading, “In Memory of Andre Braugher.” According to Paul William Davies, the creator of The Residence, the decision was made to honor Braugher at the series' conclusion rather than at the start. “There might have been a natural inclination to do that after the first episode, but for me, it was important to do that at the end of the whole series, to say, you were part of all this, and we have not forgotten you,” he shared with Deadline.
Originally, Braugher was set to portray A.B. Wynter, the White House chief usher, who also becomes a murder victim within the series. With Braugher unable to continue, the production team made the difficult choice to recast his role, bringing in Giancarlo Esposito from Breaking Bad. Esposito expressed deep emotion about stepping into Braugher's shoes. “It was a difficult decision for me to step into the shoes of Andre. I couldn’t be prouder and more honoured to be stepping into Shondaland’s The Residence for someone that I loved and respected and cherished in Andre Braugher,” he told Shondaland.
Esposito reflected on the challenge of completing scenes that Braugher had already shot, explaining that it was emotionally heavy work. “There was a moment where I’d go, ‘Oh, there’s Andre!’ and I had to go, ‘No, he’s not a ghost; he’s part of me.’” This profound experience of navigating between his own performance and honoring Braugher’s work left a significant impact on him and the cast.
Uzo Aduba, who stars as Detective Cordelia in the series, recalled fond memories of Braugher and how he would always uplift those around him. “My favorite memory is that he’d always say ‘Hey, queen!’ when he came in,” she reminisced. “He was a class act, and an actor I’d admired since I was a kid.” The chemistry shared between the cast during rehearsals and scenes, even in loss, reflected the tight-knit community they had forged.
Other cast members shared their sentiments about Braugher. Molly Griggs, who played Lil Schumacher, expressed how Braugher’s wit often left her in awe and inspired her creativity. “I genuinely made him laugh a couple times, and that is something I will treasure for the rest of my life,” she said. His humor and brilliance often transcended the boundaries of performance. Braugher took particular pride in his upbringing, frequently speaking about his wife of over 30 years, actress Ami Brabson, and their three sons, thus infusing their shared warmth into the productions.
Reflecting on Braugher's career, it is important to remember his extensive background in theater, appearing in numerous Shakespeare productions in New York before starring in television. His role in Homicide: Life on the Street earned him critical acclaim and showcased his incredible talents. He made his film debut in the 1989 film Glory, and throughout his career, he has become a cherished figure in the acting community.
After Braugher's passing, Davies emphasized how the team felt his presence throughout the production as they navigated their loss while working fervently to honor his legacy, such as scripting a now poignant eulogy-like speech for the final episode. “He lived with us throughout the entire making of this,” Davies told People. Members of the cast and crew continually found ways to honor Braugher's spirit in their work, illustrating how both he and his talent would be forever remembered.
Fans of the actor and the series have also expressed their admiration and emotional connection to the show and to Braugher. Reactions on social media praised the tribute: “Loved the residence so much. It was a good whodunit... the best part is that it was dedicated to Andre Braugher,” many shared, underlining the powerful impact Braugher left on those around him.
The Residence is now streaming on Netflix, providing audiences access to not only a new mystery to unravel but a heartfelt tribute to a talented actor whose legacy endures through both his work and the fond memories of those who had the fortune to know him. The emotional resonance of the series stands as a testament to the impact Braugher has had on friends, family, co-stars, and fans alike, solidifying his mark on both the screen and in our hearts. Indeed, he will be missed profoundly.
