Fans of the 1990's police drama "Homicide: Life on the Street" were saddened this week to learn that legendary actor Andre Braugher died at the age of 61. 

According to NBC News, a representative for Braugher told the network that he passed away on Monday following a brief illness.

A career that spanned decades

In addition to playing police detective Frank Pembleton on "Homicide: Life on the Street," Braugher was also known for taking the role of Capt. Holt on the police comedy "Brooklyn Nine-Nine."

NBC Entertainment said in a statement issued the day after Braugher's death which praised him for being "the actor that others in the profession would always aspire to be."

Andre Braugher was the actor that others in the profession would always aspire to be. In addition to his prowess as a dramatic actor, his comedy chops were also on full display as the determined and passionate Capt. Holt in ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine.’ We will miss him tremendously. pic.twitter.com/doQYmMTYjj

— NBC Entertainment (@nbc) December 13, 2023

"In addition to his prowess as a dramatic actor, his comedy chops were also on full display as the determined and passionate Capt. Holt in 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine.' We will miss him tremendously," the statement added.

Braugher is survived by his wife and three sons

Braugher's work garnered 11 Emmy nominations throughout the course of his career and won the award twice, once for his portrayal of Nick Atwater on the FX Network's "Thief."

The actor also made appearances on "Law & Order: SVU," "The Tuskegee Airmen," and the 1989 film "Glory" starring Denzel Washington.

NBC News noted that Braugher was born in Chicago and attended Stanford University before going on to earn a master's degree in fine arts from the Juilliard School.

He is survived by his wife Ami Brabson, who appeared alongside her husband on "Homicide: Life on the Street," as well as their three sons.

Colleagues remember Braugher as an "exemplary human being"

Tributes to Braugher quickly appeared on the social media platform previously known as Twitter, including from fellow actor Samuel L. Jackson.

He said that Braugher "was an extraordinary actor [and] an even more exemplary human being" who "made an indelible mark on our profession [and] will be missed by all [who] knew [and] were honored to call him friend."

Andre Braugher was an extraordinary actor & an even more exemplary human being!! He made an indelible mark on our profession & will be missed by all knew & were honored to call him friend!!
I’m floored by this loss🙏🏿🙏🏿

— Samuel L. Jackson (@SamuelLJackson) December 14, 2023

"Brooklyn Nine-Nine" co-star Terry Crews spoke up as well in an Instagram post, writing, "I’m honored to have known you, laughed with you, worked with you and shared 8 glorious years watching your irreplaceable talent."