Melissa Fumero Remembers the Late Andre Braugher

Actor André Braugher passed away on Dec. 11 at the age of 61 following a brief illness. Easily recognized for his deep voice, Braughter starred as Det. Frank Pembleton in the police drama HOMICIDE: LIFE ON THE STREET from 1992-’98 as well as Capt. Ray Holt on the hit sitcom BROOKLYN NINE-NINE. It was on the latter program that the veteran actor crossed paths with daytime grad Melissa Fumero (Adriana, ONE LIFE TO LIVE), who shared several photos of them together from the series to remember her late friend and co-star.

“I love this first picture,” Fumero began her Instagram post, referencing the snapshot below of her and Braugher caught mid-laugh. “The moment before that photo is André and me sitting on a little wooden deck, overlooking the ocean in Malibu. We were having our first of many deep conversations… when out of nowhere, a big wave splashes the rocks below us, and we get hit! We get so startled that we jump up and run off the deck… and then crack up laughing. We were shooting the Beach House episode.”

Daytime fans remember Fumero from her turn as Dorian’s daughter on OLTL, a role she played from 2004 until 2008 (although she briefly returned for a story arc in 2010). After leaving daytime, the actress landed roles on GOSSIP GIRL, THE MENTALIST, and CSI: NY before being cast as Amy Santiago in the FOX ensemble comedy along with Braugher, Andy Samberg, Terry Crews, and Chelsea Peretti.

Fumero shared that one of her fondest memories of Braugher was the two of them caught off-guard by a wave on the beach in Malibu. Instagram

“I will remember all the advice you gave me,” Fumero continued in her tribute to her late friend. “I will remember all the times we laughed because your laugh was one of the all-time greatest laughs to have ever existed. I will remember the deep love and loyalty you had for your family. I will remember how you sent me pictures of fall trees in NJ because you knew how much I missed that time of year back East. I will remember you calling me ‘Melly Fumé.’ I will remember so much.”

The New Jersey native also added that she “really thought I’d see you again.”

Braughter is survived by his wife, Ami Brabson, and their three sons, John, Michael, and Isaiah. “My deepest condolences to André’s family, to Ami, to the boys, and to all his friends and loved ones,” Fumero concluded her touching post. “It was an honor to be in your orbit for a time, Sir. May you rest in peace, my friend.”

Our thoughts are with Fumero and all of Braugher’s family and friends during this difficult time.