André Braugher, the commanding actor whose two-time Emmy-winning presence graced stages and screens for decades, died at 61. Whether cast on the interrogation room intensity of "Homicide: Life on the Street" or the stoic humour of Capt. Holt in "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," there was no denying Braugher's versatility and talent.

Born and bred in Chicago, this actor honed his craft at Stanford University and Juilliard before lighting the screen in his film debut opposite Denzel Washington in Glory. But heck, it was on television that he really became himself.

His performances as "Homicide" Detective Frank Pembleton were a master's class of interrogation that earned him an Emmy and still, to this day, roar with intensity. But Braugher's talents ran deeper than the streets he patrolled. He negotiated the complexities of fatherhood in Men of a Certain Age; he brought gravitas to historical figures in miniseries like Salem's Lot; and he added even stunning comedic brilliance to Brooklyn Nine-Nine as the unflappable Captain Holt.

Another of his loves was theatre, in which Braugher riveted audiences in Shakespearean terms such as "Othello'' and "Macbeth" and lent his voice to contemporary works like "The Whipping Man." His devotion to the form extended beyond stage and screen; Braugher served on the board of the Classical Theatre of Harlem.

André Braugher owns a legacy of excellence, not just in the awards garnered but in bringing those characters to life. He was a master of his craft, a versatile performer who could command your attention with one look. Those expressive blue eyes of his made you laugh until the mouth hurt and left you pondering the complexities of us all in one breath.

His absence will be felt deeply by his family, friends, and countless fans. But his echoes of talent will continue resonating into the future and far beyond, resonating through the halls of Hollywood, testifying to a kind of life well-lived, a career that was dedicated to enriching others' lives by a magic tale.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Classical Theatre of Harlem, a cause close to Braugher's heart.