The upcoming Netflix series, ‘The Residence,’ has found a poignant way to honor the memory of the late Andre Braugher. The series, a murder mystery comedy set in the White House, was one of Braugher’s final projects before his untimely passing in December 2023. This article explores how ‘The Residence’ is paying tribute to the celebrated actor, highlighting the heartfelt sentiments shared by the cast and crew.
Braugher, known for his roles in ‘Homicide: Life on the Street’ and ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine,’ left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. His talent spanned both dramatic and comedic genres, making him a beloved figure among colleagues and fans alike. His role as White House Chief Usher A.B. Wynter in ‘The Residence’ was eagerly anticipated. We delve into the ways the showrunners and fellow actors are ensuring his contribution is remembered with reverence.
This article will cover the emotional tributes from cast members like Susan Kelechi Watson and show creator Paul William Davies, the recasting of Braugher’s role with Giancarlo Esposito, and the touching memorial card at the end of the eight-part season. Join us as we explore how ‘The Residence’ is celebrating Braugher’s life and legacy.
Andre Braugher’s Role in ‘The Residence’
Andre Braugher was cast as A.B. Wynter, the White House Chief Usher, in Shonda Rhimes’ ‘The Residence.’ The character is central to the show’s mystery, working alongside Uzo Aduba’s detective Cordelia Cupp to solve a complex case within the White House. Braugher began filming his scenes in February 2023 but was unable to complete production due to his illness and subsequent passing.
His involvement was a significant draw for many, including Susan Kelechi Watson, who plays Jasmine Haney. She told Deadline, ‘One of the things that drew me to this was the fact that Andre Braugher was going to do it. Honest to God, I think he is not only brilliant as a dramatic actor but his comedy, it’s really quite genius.’ This sentiment underscores the high regard in which Braugher was held by his peers.
Despite his unfinished work, the show’s creators were determined to honor Braugher’s contribution. The decision was made to acknowledge his presence and impact through various tributes, ensuring that his memory would live on within the series.
A Memorial Card at the End of the Season
One of the most touching tributes to Andre Braugher in ‘The Residence’ is a memorial card featured at the end of the eight-part season. This card serves as a simple yet profound acknowledgment of Braugher’s involvement and the impact of his loss. It allows viewers to reflect on his contributions and celebrate his life as they conclude the series.
Paul William Davies explained the decision to place the card at the end of the series rather than after the first episode. ‘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.’
This thoughtful placement ensures that Braugher’s memory is honored in a way that feels complete and respectful, allowing the audience to fully appreciate his presence within the broader narrative of the show.
Statements from Cast and Crew
The cast and crew of ‘The Residence’ have shared numerous heartfelt statements about working with Andre Braugher and the impact of his passing. Susan Kelechi Watson fondly recalled her first encounter with Braugher on set: ‘I remember when I went on set for the first time, the first person I bumped into was Andre Braugher in all his magnificent stature. And what a great person he was off camera as well, funny, charismatic family man, so smart.’
Creator Paul William Davies also expressed his deep sorrow, saying, ‘It was devastating, personally to me, and to so many other people on the show… He was a lovely, very grounded, very decent and wonderful human being, and, of course, an incredible actor.’
These testimonials highlight the personal connection that many had with Braugher, emphasizing not only his talent but also his character and the positive influence he had on those around him.
Giancarlo Esposito Steps In
Following Andre Braugher’s passing, Giancarlo Esposito was recast in the role of A.B. Wynter. Esposito, known for his roles in ‘Breaking Bad’ and ‘Better Call Saul,’ brought his own unique interpretation to the character while honoring Braugher’s legacy.
Davies noted, ‘We were lucky enough that Giancarlo, who also knew Andre, was close to him and had the deepest respect for him, was able to come in and do that role, and do it in his own way, but also honoring Andre. That’s a very difficult assignment… and he handled it with extraordinary grace.’
Esposito’s involvement provided a sense of comfort and continuity to the production, allowing the show to move forward while still paying homage to Braugher’s initial contribution. His ability to balance his own style with respect for Braugher’s memory was deeply appreciated by the cast and crew.
A ‘Eulogy’ to Andre in the Final Episode
The final episode of ‘The Residence’ includes a poignant speech by Uzo Aduba’s character, Cordelia Cupp, which many felt served as a eulogy to Andre Braugher. Davies revealed that he wrote the speech after Braugher’s death, imbuing it with a deeper meaning that resonated with the entire cast.
Kelechi Watson shared, ‘In the last episode, it felt almost like a eulogy to Andre when Uzo speaks about A.B. Wynter. I remember that day, it was so special to hear it out loud. It was the first time we all got to be in the space and kind of mourn with one another over Andre in this and the special life that he lived.’
This moment allowed the cast to collectively mourn and honor Braugher, creating a powerful and emotional tribute that underscored the impact of his loss.
Reflecting on the Journey
Susan Kelechi Watson reflected on the challenges the show faced, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the writers’ strike, and Braugher’s passing. ‘This show, we’ve been through a lot… but in the midst of all that, we were able to find solace in this really fun script that we all really love and enjoy, and we put even more excellence into it for that reason.’
Her words capture the resilience and dedication of the team behind ‘The Residence,’ who persevered through difficult times to create a show that honors both its story and the memory of Andre Braugher.
The commitment to excellence and the heartfelt tributes woven throughout the series serve as a testament to the impact Braugher had on everyone involved.
Conclusion
‘The Residence’ has crafted a touching and meaningful tribute to Andre Braugher, ensuring that his legacy lives on through the series. From the memorial card at the end of the season to the heartfelt statements from the cast and crew, every element reflects the deep respect and affection they held for him.
The recasting of his role with Giancarlo Esposito allowed the show to continue while honoring Braugher’s initial contribution, and the eulogy-like speech in the final episode provided a collective moment of mourning and celebration of his life.
Ultimately, ‘The Residence’ not only promises to be an engaging and entertaining series but also a poignant reminder of the incredible talent and character of Andre Braugher, leaving a lasting impression on viewers and all those who had the privilege of working with him.
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