Mariska Hargitay Breaks Silence On André Braugher's Death

Mariska Hargitay has broken her silence on the passing of her "Law & Order: SVU" co-star André Braugher.

"So sad and heartbroken," Hargitay began to write in an Instagram post. "What a loss for all of us who knew and loved and admired you. I’ve never met anyone like you. Full of grace, full of light. Elegant, noble, clear, curious, nuanced, generous, eminently human and real. A consummate artist and meticulous craftsman."

André Braugher starred as defense attorney Bayard Ellis alongside Mariska Hargitay on "Law & Order: SVU."

"There was nothing you couldn’t do," Hargitay added. "We lost one of the great hearts."

Braugher passed away at the age of 61 after suffering a brief illness. Braugher is survived by his wife, actress Ami Brabson, sons Michael, Isaiah and John Wesley, brother Charles Jennings and his mother, Sally Braugher.

Fans immediately commented on Hargitay's post, referencing Braugher's "Law & Order: SVU" character. "I once read that 'if an actor pisses you off so much, they’re good at their job' and I hated his character, but I knew the episode was going to be a banger when I saw him. My heart goes out to y’all xoxo," one fan wrote.

Another said, "I thought about you when this news came out. Sending you so much love."

"So very sad. An incredible actor and [an] even better human being. Go with the angels, good sir," another wrote.

"So sorry for your loss. What a great duo you two made on screen. I pray your fond memories of him comfort you during this time. Sending you lots of love," one fan said.

As one fan commented, "Truly, a beautiful soul. He will be missed. I had the pleasure of seeing him in a place in Sopac in New Jersey. A few years back, he was awesome and very humble."

André Braugher was best known for his role as Captain Ray Holt on "Brooklyn Nine-Nine".

Following the news, Terry Crews, who starred alongside Braugher in the hit show, broke his silence. “Can’t believe you’re gone so soon. I’m honored to have known you, laughed with you, worked with you, and shared 8 glorious years watching your irreplaceable talent,” Crews wrote on Instagram. 

The actor continued, “This hurts. You left us too soon. You taught me so much. I will be forever grateful for the experience of knowing you. Thank you for your wisdom, your advice, your kindness, and your friendship.”

Braugher was known for playing police officers throughout his career, which he reflected on in a 2020 Variety cover story. “Cops breaking the law to quote, ‘defend the law,’ is a real terrible slippery slope. It has given license to the breaking of law everywhere, justified it and excused it,” he told the outlet. “That’s something that we’re going to have to collectively address — all cop shows.”

“It’s been an interesting career, but I think it could have been larger,” he added. “I think it could have spanned more disciplines: directing, producing, all these other different things. But it would have been at the expense of my own life.”