In the world of entertainment, I think it's far too often been said that a particular movie and television show was better because of someone being in it ... but one of the times I truly believe it was if that said talent was Andre Braugher.
In fact, I can't tell you of a single time when I watched something with Braugher that I wasn't entertained. The guy -- as an actor -- just had this effortless quality to him no matter what it was he was trying to accomplish on the screen, and I think his ability to truly inhabit a character transcends what I've seen others merely attempt. In a world of talent, he was the real deal, and I suspect his resume will be one worthy of study for years to come.
As I often point out in this space, some of the industry's biggest players didn't do a great deal of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror, but that should never stop us from recognizing the greatness that is left behind. Let me list just a few of the man's appearances below.
In 1998, Braugher joined Nicolas Cage and Meg Ryan aboard the cinematic Fantasy titled City Of Angels for Warner Bros. In it, the man played 'Cassiel,' an angel spending time observing mankind on planet Earth.
In 2000, the actor enjoyed a supporting role aboard Frequency, a time travel yarn about a young man trying to reach back through the years to save the life of his father.
In 2004, Braugher made his first steps into the visions of Stephen King with a plum role in the television mini-series adaptation of Salem's Lot. The project would receive a 2005 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Television Presentation.'
Then, in 2007, the works of Stephen King beckoned again, and the man was cast in the big screen production of The Mist. The film racked up a good number of awards and nominations across a handful of venues.
2007 also gave the talented actor a chance to appear in the Marvel Movie Universe. Braugher was cast as 'General Hager' aboard the somewhat ill-received Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer for Twentieth Century Fox and Marvel Studios.
In 2008, Braugher continued his fictional service to his country in the guise of 'Gen. George W. Mancheck' aboard the TV miniseries adaptation of Michaell Crichton's The Andromeda Strain. The miniseries went on to receive an incredible 7 Primetime Emmy Awards nominations, and Braugher himself was nominated for his work in the production as 'Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special' at the NAACP Image Awards.
In 2010, the actor lent his pipes to no less than 'Darkseid' himself when he helped bring the DC Comics direct-to-video production of Superman/Batman: Apocalypse to bold animated life.
Alternative History dramas involving the fate of the world do tend to strike a chord with audiences, but ABC's Last Resort just never found big ratings. Still, kudos to Braugher for headlining this Apocalypse/Thriller that needed a bit more of the Apocalypse on the small screen. It lasted a mere thirteen episodes and still managed to garner two Primetime Emmy Awards nominations.
As I said, there are a good many of the projects listed above that I've seen and maybe not really cared all that much for, but I'd never say I found any of the faults owed to Braugher's participation. He was that one-of-a-kind player whose presence elevated the material, and I'll be forever thankful for the entertainment he delivered.
Our prayers are extended to the family, friends, and fans of Mr. Braugher. May he rest in peace.
-- EZ
In fact, I can't tell you of a single time when I watched something with Braugher that I wasn't entertained. The guy -- as an actor -- just had this effortless quality to him no matter what it was he was trying to accomplish on the screen, and I think his ability to truly inhabit a character transcends what I've seen others merely attempt. In a world of talent, he was the real deal, and I suspect his resume will be one worthy of study for years to come.
As I often point out in this space, some of the industry's biggest players didn't do a great deal of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror, but that should never stop us from recognizing the greatness that is left behind. Let me list just a few of the man's appearances below.
In 1998, Braugher joined Nicolas Cage and Meg Ryan aboard the cinematic Fantasy titled City Of Angels for Warner Bros. In it, the man played 'Cassiel,' an angel spending time observing mankind on planet Earth.
In 2000, the actor enjoyed a supporting role aboard Frequency, a time travel yarn about a young man trying to reach back through the years to save the life of his father.
In 2004, Braugher made his first steps into the visions of Stephen King with a plum role in the television mini-series adaptation of Salem's Lot. The project would receive a 2005 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Television Presentation.'
Then, in 2007, the works of Stephen King beckoned again, and the man was cast in the big screen production of The Mist. The film racked up a good number of awards and nominations across a handful of venues.
2007 also gave the talented actor a chance to appear in the Marvel Movie Universe. Braugher was cast as 'General Hager' aboard the somewhat ill-received Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer for Twentieth Century Fox and Marvel Studios.
In 2008, Braugher continued his fictional service to his country in the guise of 'Gen. George W. Mancheck' aboard the TV miniseries adaptation of Michaell Crichton's The Andromeda Strain. The miniseries went on to receive an incredible 7 Primetime Emmy Awards nominations, and Braugher himself was nominated for his work in the production as 'Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special' at the NAACP Image Awards.
In 2010, the actor lent his pipes to no less than 'Darkseid' himself when he helped bring the DC Comics direct-to-video production of Superman/Batman: Apocalypse to bold animated life.
Alternative History dramas involving the fate of the world do tend to strike a chord with audiences, but ABC's Last Resort just never found big ratings. Still, kudos to Braugher for headlining this Apocalypse/Thriller that needed a bit more of the Apocalypse on the small screen. It lasted a mere thirteen episodes and still managed to garner two Primetime Emmy Awards nominations.
As I said, there are a good many of the projects listed above that I've seen and maybe not really cared all that much for, but I'd never say I found any of the faults owed to Braugher's participation. He was that one-of-a-kind player whose presence elevated the material, and I'll be forever thankful for the entertainment he delivered.
Our prayers are extended to the family, friends, and fans of Mr. Braugher. May he rest in peace.
-- EZ
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