Netflix's new series The Residence is here and it's got a lot of buzz for being a fun whodunit set in the White House. But there's a deeper story behind the show one of loss remembrance and respect. The series is dedicated to the amazing Andre Braugher and here’s why it’s such a meaningful tribute.
Remembering Andre Braugher: The Brooklyn Nine-Nine Star's Untimely Passing and The Residence
If you were excited to see Andre Braugher in The Residence you might know that he sadly passed away in December 2023 after battling lung cancer. This was a huge loss for Hollywood and especially for the cast and crew of The Residence as he was filming the show when he died.
Braugher who is beloved for his role as Captain Holt in Brooklyn Nine-Nine had started filming The Residence as A.B. Winter the White House Chief Usher. He had already shot a good chunk of his scenes but tragically could not complete the role. The show faced a tough decision: what to do next?
Giancarlo Esposito Steps In: Taking on Braugher's Role as a Heartfelt Act of Honor
Instead of shelving the project the team made the decision to recast Andre Braugher's role. Giancarlo Esposito of Breaking Bad and The Mandalorian stepped in to take over as A.B. Winter. It was not an easy decision for anyone involved especially Esposito.
Esposito felt the weight of taking over a role originally meant for his friend and someone he deeply admired. He spoke about his personal connection to Braugher going back to their early careers and sharing acting circles. He saw it as a way to honor Andre's and his contribution to acting.
The show's creator Paul William Davies even mentioned they didn't rewrite the character for Giancarlo. They wanted to respect the character as it was originally conceived and let Esposito bring his own interpretation while still honoring Braugher's initial work. It was about continuity and showing respect for a fellow actor.
A Character Central to the Mystery: A.B. Wynter and The Residence's Whodunit Plot
So who is A.B. Wynter? He is the White House Chief Usher and in a twist for a murder mystery series he becomes the victim in the very first episode of The Residence. His death kicks off the whole whodunit plot that detective Cordelia Cupp played by Uzo Aduba has to solve.
Cordelia has to navigate the upstairs downstairs and backstairs world of the White House meeting all sorts of eclectic staff to figure out who killed A.B. Wynter and why. The character is central to the story even though he is gone early on. And both Braugher and Esposito brought their acting to this important role.
More Than Just a Recast: How The Residence Team Paid Tribute to Andre Braugher
The tribute to Andre Braugher in The Residence goes beyond just recasting his role. The final episode of the series features a title card dedicating the entire show to his memory. Creator Paul William Davies felt it was important to place the dedication at the end to emphasize that Braugher was part of the entire journey.
There’s also a moving speech in the finale delivered by Cordelia Cupp about A.B. Winter. Cast members have described this speech as feeling like a eulogy for Andre. It was a special moment for the cast and crew to collectively mourn and remember Braugher and the special person he was.
Throughout filming even after Braugher's passing his spirit was felt on set. The cast and crew constantly thought about him and his presence remained a part of the show's creation. It became a way to honor his legacy through their work.
Key Facts About The Residence and Andre Braugher's Tribute:
- Andre Braugher was originally cast as A.B. Winter White House Chief Usher in The Residence.
- Tragically Braugher passed away in December 2023 during filming.
- Giancarlo Esposito respectfully took over the role of A.B. Winter.
- The series is a whodunit mystery set in the White House.
- The final episode of The Residence is dedicated "In Memory of Andre Braugher."
- A character's speech in the finale serves as a eulogy to Braugher.
- Cast and crew felt Braugher's spirit throughout the production even after his death.
A Show With Heart: The Residence Becomes a Meaningful Farewell to a Talented Actor
The Residence on Netflix is not just another mystery series. It carries a special weight because of Andre Braugher's involvement and the way the show honored him after his passing. It is a reminder of his talent his impact on the acting world and the respect he earned from his colleagues. While watching The Residence you are not just solving a mystery you are also witnessing a heartfelt tribute to a truly remarkable actor and person.